COLLEGE ACCESS ADVISOR

Bottom Line • Chicago, IL

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Founded in 1997, Bottom Line is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization with a mission to partner with degree-aspiring students of color from under-resourced communities as they get into college, graduate, and go far in life. They achieve this mission by providing one-on-one guidance during the college application process through college graduation and the successful launch of their careers. Their vision is to dramatically transform urban communities by producing thousands of new career-ready college graduates. Bottom Line offers a rewarding, fast-paced, results-oriented environment where strong relationships are built with students and colleagues. The organization emphasizes a focus on data and metrics for continued success and is driven by its mission with pride in its work.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Work authorization
• 1+ years of related work experience
• Excellent writing and editing skills
• Experience developing trusting relationships with students
• Valid driver’s license, with access to a car strongly preferred
• Demonstrated commitment to Bottom Line’s mission, vision, and core values
• Demonstrated proficiency and/or growth potential in Bottom Line's seven core competencies: Relationships, Results, Communication, Inclusiveness, Talent Development, Agility, and Planning
• The ability to make a minimum of a two-year commitment

Nice To Haves

• Fluency in language other than English a plus

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one guidance to a caseload of 60 - 65 high school seniors using the Bottom Line LEAD Model, assisting with college lists, essays, applications, financial aid, and college choice.
• Coach students towards a college list that meets Access Program standards, is individualized, and aligns with admissions and affordability data.
• Help students brainstorm, revise, and finalize college essays using in-person and remote support tools.
• Design individualized service plans to ensure students submit complete, high-quality college applications by institutional priority deadlines.
• Support students in identifying and completing missing/additional application materials.
• Guide students to submit FAFSA and/or CSS Profile by institutional priority deadlines.
• Identify and support students selected for federal income and/or citizenship verification.
• Identify students eligible for scholarships.
• Explain financial aid award data and coach students to make financially responsible college decisions.
• Support students with submitting a deposit to a college by May 1st.
• Maintain ongoing communication with all students on caseload, leading meetings and responding to communications within 2 business days.
• Develop individualized communication plans to ensure student engagement and deadline adherence.
• Help students resolve general obstacles by coaching them on self-advocacy and resourcefulness skills.
• Track and record student progress in the database using quantitative and qualitative measures, entering data within 3 business days of interaction or status change.
• Maintain accurate student contact information in the database.
• Enter and update data for students applying to Bottom Line and/or transitioning into the Success Program.
• Manage a caseload of 60 - 65 high school students, including scheduling meetings, managing time and calendar, aligning meetings to student process, and ensuring adherence to deadlines.
• Build understanding and excitement about Bottom Line with prospective students via group presentations, workshops, and tabling events.
• Support a caseload of applicants through the Bottom Line application process.
• Onboard students into the Access program via phone calls, group events, and scheduling 1:1 meetings.
• Support the Development team by attending events, networking, and providing event logistics.
• Support planning and staff of Access Program events.
• Provide additional program support as assigned by supervisor.
• Represent the Bottom Line brand positively and take actions to increase brand awareness.

Benefits

• Overtime eligible staff
• Performance-based promotion to Senior Advisor after first full year
• Training and professional development in Advisor role focused on Bottom Line curriculum and student services, as well as Bottom Line Foundations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level