College Advisor

Denver Scholarship Foundation•Denver, CO

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) is seeking a College Advisor to 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. 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

Experience working with youth (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
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 students’ social awareness, relationship skills, self-confidence, self-management, and decisions making
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
Fluent Spanish speaker

Responsibilities

Oversee operations of a high impact DSF Future Center (i.e. college resource center) that supports student enrollment in all college pathways including technical, two year and four year opportunities.
Design and implement targeted and effective 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: College and Career Exposure- Drive early engagement through college representative presentations, academic major exploration, job shadows, interest and aptitude surveys, that align career interest with academic pathways.
Personal Development- Cultivate essential skills including relationship building, goal setting, decision making, accountability, navigating systems and effective communication.
College Readiness- Equip students for academic and extracurricular success, ensuring a strong foundation for college and career success.
Financial Literacy- Demystify college affordability with comprehensive support in, financial aid navigation, scholarship strategy and application support.
Lead the timely recruitment of qualified students in alignment with roster/program objectives and deadlines.
Initiate 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.
Ongoing support and advocacy for students’ academic and personal development
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
Ensure timely, accurate tracking of student engagement related to college access and career activities, services, progress toward college enrollment, mental health and resiliency to drive targeted support
Analyze student level Salesforce reports and dashboard daily to establish data-informed daily, weekly, monthly and annual programming and student outreach priorities and strategies
Identify, cultivate and maintain collaborative partnerships with key stakeholders including students, families, high school staff, district partners, staff from partner organizations, community members, and funders to drive student success and lasting impact
Create a school-based marketing plan to raise student awareness and participation in all DSF programming including the DSF Scholarship program
Actively engage in Staff, Program, and Advisor meetings, contribute to planning and facilitation when appropriate, and manage DSF volunteers/interns to maximize impact
Seek out and participate in both required and optional professional development opportunities, demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning, growth, and the improvement of program outcomes
Oversee the Future Center budget with accuracy; monitor expenditures, ensure alignment with spending guidelines, and deliver clear, timely financial reporting to support strategic decision-making.
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