College Advisor

Denver Scholarship Foundation•Denver, CO

10d•$60,000 - $64,500•Onsite

About The Position

Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) is seeking a dynamic educator and team player to fill the College Advisor role at multiple school locations. Working alongside and in support of College Advisors across the 15 DSF Future Center high schools, this person will guide students through the college readiness, application, and enrollment process using a relationship-based, holistic approach that supports their overall well-being and long-term success. The ability to learn new systems quickly, build new relationships with students and partners with ease, and to thrive in changing work environments are critical skills for this role. This role plays a key part in helping students not only access higher education but also begin to explore potential career pathways as they shape their futures. We’re looking for passionate, driven individuals who want to grow within a dynamic and evolving organization. At DSF, you'll join a supportive and innovative team where your work has a lasting impact. DSF is proud to be a leader in the community, rooted in the values of equity, innovation, leadership, learning, relationships, and integrity. If you share these values and are committed to making college—and future careers—possible for Denver’s students, we invite you to join us.

Requirements

Exceptional adaptability and flexibility, capable of identifying problems and effectively solving them with minimal direction
Effortless relationship builder with students, colleagues, and partners
Coachable, eager to learn, capable of initiating own learning, ability to implement feedback
Experience working with young people (especially those who are traditionally under-resourced) and a demonstrated passion for helping students succeed
Knowledge of adolescent development theory and practices. Ability to evaluate student knowledge and abilities of academic skills, soft skills, and college readiness and to provide developmentally appropriate support and interventions to promote growth in each targeted area
Able to effectively utilize student information systems, databases, various software programs, communication tools, internet tools, including but not limited to Salesforce, MAIA Learning, CDHE FAFSA portal, Infinite Campus, Moglii texting platforms, and Google and Microsoft Suites to effectively serve students, track and report on student progress and work with partners and colleagues
Knowledge of higher education financing, student financial aid, and/or postsecondary education entrance processes
Strong oral communication, presentation and writing skills
Strong organization skills, attention to detail, accuracy and timeliness with assigned task
Proactive problem-solver who demonstrates initiative and ability to work individually and on a team
Ability to operate in a professional manner including proper attire, ethical behavior, and strict confidentiality with student/family information
Ability to facilitate effective collaboration and to resolve conflict
A sense of humor, tolerance for change, and a demonstrated ability to create a positive culture and sense of empowerment for students/families
Engage student voices to design and implement programming rooted in trauma-informed strategies focused on students’ social awareness, relationship skills, self-confidence, self-management, and decisions making (Preferred)
Bachelor’s degree and at least minimum three years of experience in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

Engage student voices to design and implement programming rooted in trauma-informed strategies focused on student social awareness, relationship skills, self-confidence, self-management, decision making and more (Preferred)
Fluency in Spanish and experience with Salesforce (Preferred)

Responsibilities

Support DSF Future Centers (i.e. college resource center) that promote all college pathways including technical, two-year, and four-year opportunities, under direct supervision and collaboration with another College Advisor.
Observe and support the delivery of high impact college readiness and access services to high school students and their families through individual advising, group facilitation, classroom lessons, and presentations that are strategically grouped by grade-level, focusing on 4 content areas: 1. College and Career Exposure- college representative presentations, academic major exploration, job shadows, interest and aptitude surveys, connecting career interest to academic pathways 2. Personal Development- relationship building, goal setting, decision making, student accountability, navigating systems, communication skills 3. College Readiness- high school academic success, extracurricular involvement 4. Financial Literacy- how to pay for college, financial aid readiness, scholarship identification and application support
Support and collaborate on college access programming including, but not limited to, college application submission, career advising, college campus visits, interface with admissions officers, financial aid advising, scholarship assistance, FAFSA submission and college enrollment step completion
Effectively collaboration with school administration, counselors, staff and community partners to coordinate and/or deliver specified 9-12th grade services focused on college and career awareness and early preparation
Maintain accurate and current student data related to college access activities, services, progress toward post-secondary education, college enrollment, college matriculation
Analyze student progress periodically to establish data-informed daily, weekly, monthly and annual programming and student outreach priorities and strategies
Support the timely recruitment of qualified students in alignment with roster/program objectives and deadlines
Support collaboration, as appropriate, with school administration, counselors, staff and community organizations to coordinate and deliver comprehensive college and career readiness services for grades 9-12 including early exposure, application support, career advising, college visits, admissions engagement, financial aid guidance, scholarship assistance, financial aid completion, and college enrollment support
Maintain healthy, collaborative, and productive relationships with all key stakeholders including students, families, high school staff, college staff, district partners, staff from partner organizations, community members, and funders
Raise student awareness and participation in the DSF Scholarship program
Actively participate in Staff, Program, Access, Success meetings and professional development opportunities, assist in the planning and facilitation when appropriate, and manage DSF volunteers/interns to maximize impact
Remain current on evolving best practices and apply researched based strategies to deliver high impact college access advising for diverse, first-generation, and limited income students pursuing a technical certificate, 2-year degree, and/or a 4-year degree
Ongoing support and advocacy for students’ academic and personal development
Other duties as assigned

Benefits

401(k) plan with $ for $ match of up to 5%
Group health, dental, and vision insurance (low cost premium plans offered), DSF pays for 90% of employee only and 65% of dependent plans.
Life Insurance that provides 2 Times Your Annual Salary
Free Annual Eco RTD Bus Pass
Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
Leave Supplement Pay (Based on Years of Service)
Paid holidays (includes Winter Break and Summer 1/2 Fridays in June and July) and 2 Floating holidays each year
Trusted Time Off (unlimited vacation policy following 90 days)
Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave (Based on Years of Service)
ID Theft Protection and Will Preparation Assistance
Reduced cost for Legal Counseling
Free Financial Counseling
Four Professional Wellness Sessions and $300 annual wellness reimbursement
Free Employee Assistance and Confidential Counseling Services