College Advisor

New Paradigm for Education • Detroit, MI

6d

About The Position

New Paradigm For Education (NPFE) is seeking a College Advisor to ensure that scholars not only make it to college but also succeed through college and beyond. This role involves working with the counseling team, scholars, and their families throughout high school to prepare them for and support them through all aspects of the college application, admissions, matriculation, and transition processes. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of college admissions and financial aid, along with skills in entrepreneurship, systems thinking, organization, problem-solving, and follow-through. Research, networking, and communication skills are essential for connecting students to unique college programs. Strategic planning for the effective use of time and resources is also crucial.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, preferable in education or in assigned content area
• Previous experience in either high school counseling and/or college admissions field is required

Nice To Haves

• Extensive knowledge of the college admissions and financial aid processes – including relevant state information
• Skills in entrepreneurialism, systems-driven approach, organization, relentlessness, creative problem solving, and follow-through
• Research, networking, and communication skills
• Ability to plan carefully for strategic use of time and resources
• Culturally responsive educators with experience working with diverse communities
• Strong relationship-building skills
• Highly motivated and driven by results
• Extremely organized with an ability to balance deadlines and multiple workstreams
• Flexible and adaptable to ever changing student needs and work demands
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Enduring belief in the endless potential of all scholars
• Committed to going “above and beyond” in the name of student success

Responsibilities

• Support and guide all 12th-grade students through the college and financial aid application process.
• Provide one-on-one college counseling to a caseload of 40-45 seniors, including college list creation, personal statement revision, financial aid advising, and matriculation decisions.
• Collaborate closely with parents and guardians, including evening workshops and meetings.
• Ensure students utilize special opportunities for low-income students (e.g., fee waivers, fly-in visits, scholarships).
• Work with the AF College and Alumni Report Card to meet college partnership deadlines and goals.
• Plan and lead parent workshops on financial aid, types of institutions, and scholarships.
• Ensure parents and students understand application requirements, deadlines, admissions policies, and financial aid applications.
• Write and manage the collection of Letters of Recommendation for all seniors, providing professional development for teachers.
• Contact and meet with campus admissions representatives to build relationships and market AF applicants.
• Understand academic and social environments at colleges to recommend suitable matches.
• Develop and maintain a network of college admission professionals.
• Assist with the administration of SAT assessments (PSAT and SAT).
• Attend and provide input for overnight college trips for seniors.
• Collaborate with the school-based college team on summer opportunities and alumni feedback.
• Assist with specific projects as determined by the Dean of College.
• Participate in school-wide professional development, grade-level teams, and school-specific duties.
• Support and participate in school-wide activities and programming.
• Serve as an advisor for a group of 15-18 students.
• Perform other ancillary duties as needed or assigned.

What This Job Offers

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