College Affordability Advisor

uAspire•New York, NY

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

uAspire College Affordability Advisors work directly with youth to help them navigate the process of finding and financing an affordable path to college. We primarily support students who are low-income, students of color, and/or first-generation college students. We are currently hiring a College Affordability Advisor to join our Postsecondary (Succeed) team in the New York area. Advisors primarily support students through our innovative text-messaging platform, providing timely, personalized guidance on college affordability. In addition to virtual support, advisors also participate in occasional in-person events across the five boroughs. All advisors receive comprehensive training to help students complete financial aid forms, research scholarships, and interpret financial aid award letters. This position requires a highly motivated individual with a passion for young people, a commitment to continuous learning about navigating the college access and success process, someone who is comfortable working independently, and who enjoys leveraging data and technology to support student success will be a strong fit in this role. The successful applicant will be someone who is excited about making a real impact on the lives of young people, strives to put learning into action, and thrives on new challenges. This is an entry-level position at uAspire with the first year focused on training. We are seeking applicants who would be willing to make at least a one-year commitment to this role and uAspire given the significant amount of specialized training and time commitment, and so that we can also make the same commitment to our students and parents during a time where consistency is critically important. This request does not change the at-will nature of this position.

Requirements

Effective Communicator - Able to quickly process dense amounts of information and turn it into clear action steps for students. Takes the initiative to translate student experience to best influence program design.
Relationship Builder - Positively engages with students, teammates, and partners both internal and external to uAspire.
Comfort with Technology - Comfortable learning and/or using platforms such as Salesforce, in addition to daily platforms such as google sheets, in order to efficiently and accurately complete work.
Learning Orientation - Excited to become an expert on college affordability and contribute to a learning environment in both formal and informal ways with proactive enthusiasm.
Mission-Driven - Knowledge of barriers faced by low-income, first generation college bound students. Successful track record of supporting high school and/or college populations.
Postsecondary Degree or Equivalent Professional Experience- Some college-going experience is required; degree attainment is optional.
Knowledge of local community desired (New York).
Possess strong oral and written communication skills.
Organizational skills and ability to plan in a fast-paced environment.
Energetic, enthusiastic, and interested in learning within a growing, entrepreneurial organization.
Ability to work flexible hours that will occasionally include some evenings and weekends.
Proficiency with fundamental professional software: Google Mail/Docs, and Microsoft Office Suite – Word, Excel, PowerPoint – required.
Multilingual abilities are a plus.
Ability to take initiative and work independently, as well as a part of a team.

Responsibilities

Provide text-message and virtual meeting support based on uAspire’s college affordability curriculum to young people in our postsecondary program.
Assist students in on-time completion of state, federal, and institutional financial aid forms.
Maximize texting platform capabilities to foster strong advising relationships and rapport with students.
Work collaboratively with staff from partner schools and community-based organizations to share pertinent information and strategize about student progress.
Advocate for and coach students to engage with relevant individuals, offices, and resources to support their individual needs.
Develop and implement creative approaches to drive student engagement with program text messages.
Identify and maximize opportunities to engage students via other tech and communication means.
Organize financial aid events with students and families in collaboration with school and community partners. Advisors should expect to participate in several evening events per month (both in-person and virtual).
Maintain detailed records in uAspire’s Salesforce database and texting platform to track student data and progress to program goals.
Regularly review advisor performance data to monitor own progress to goals. Pull and utilize pertinent Salesforce student data reports to inform outreach to students.
Complete survey collection & other administrative responsibilities.
Pull and utilize pertinent Salesforce student data reports to inform outreach to students.
Contribute to regionally specific research and resource gathering to improve training and knowledge for staff and promote efficiencies in our direct service to students.
Facilitate occasional college affordability presentations and student events in collaboration with regional and program partners. Advisors should expect to participate in several evening events per month (both in-person and virtual).
Maintain positive and collaborative working relationships.
Support Program leadership by assisting with special projects as assigned.