Advising Specialist - College Success

Advising Specialist - College Success

College Possible - National (remote)

About College Possible

As one of the largest and most successful college access and success programs in the country, since 2000 College Possible has helped put more than 59,000 students from disinvested communities on the path to economic mobility via completion of a college degree. Its proven near-peer coaching model, delivered by recent college graduates serving as AmeriCorps members, provides high-touch interventions proven to help students navigate and overcome the most common barriers to college access, retention and degree completion. Nationwide, College Possible students are three times more likely to earn a bachelor's degree within six years than their peers from similar backgrounds.

College Possible is a growing nonprofit coaching students from low-income backgrounds to and through college to break the cycle of poverty and empower the next generation of leaders. Our model has earned national recognition: the inaugural Evergreen National Education Award recognized our leadership in increasing access to and success in college for students from low-income backgrounds. It also earns top-of-field results: a Harvard study found that the program more than doubles a student's chance of enrolling in a four-year college, and our students are four times more likely to become college graduates than their low-income peers. College Possible has a budget of $33 million, more than 128 full-time employees and more than 321 AmeriCorps and VISTA service members. During the 2021-22 school year, we will reach an estimated 21,245 students in all 50 states, with the support of 169 partner high schools and 107 partner colleges.

College Possible is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and seeks to build a diverse workforce to create impact in partnership with the communities we serve. We welcome a diverse pool of qualified applicants. For each of its positions, College Possible is mindful about what best serves our students, and seeks to hire staff with relevant experience, skills and aptitude, and a commitment to the power of education. To learn more read our Diversity and Inclusion Plan.

Headquartered in Saint Paul, MN, College Possible operates: regional sites in Chicago, IL; Milwaukee, WI; Omaha, NE; Philadelphia, PA; Portland, OR; and Seattle, WA; College Forward in Austin, TX; and has Catalyze partnerships in California, Iowa, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, and Tennessee. Learn more at CollegePossible.org.

Your Role as Advising Specialist - College Success

The College SuccessAdvising Specialist will be responsible for delivering excellent student support via virtual methods as well as in-person, ensuring each student and partner interaction receives the highest quality of customer service. The College SuccessAdvising Specialist should have a knowledge of the barriers that our students may be facing and are able to advocate for vulnerable populations.

• Assist a caseload of students in navigating postsecondary success barriers, including financial aid, registration, and socio-emotional support

• Track student interactions, monitor, organize and maintain up-to-date student files and databases

Facilitate a series of virtual and in- person workshops for students at partner institutions across Texas, focusing on College Success (and sometimes college access)

• Message students to make sure they stay on top of their program milestones and have regular interaction with all students in your caseload

• Manage outreach messages to students through mass texting platform. Respond and/or redirect incoming messages to appropriate College Possible staff

• Represent College Possible at community collaboration meetings or with community stakeholders

• Develop creative solutions to enhance student engagement

• Follow up with students to ensure program satisfaction

Monitor program calendar for progress toward program milestones, event implementation, and on-time task completion

• Monitor strict program compliance with organizational policies and procedures, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

• Deliver training and presentations to small and large groups

• Collaborate with the Program team on projects around content and curriculum as needed

• Other related duties as assigned.

What You Bring

Education/Certifications/Licenses:

Bachelor's degree required.

Related Work Experience:

• At least two years of full-time work experience required.

Computer/Software Skills:

• Strong computer skills, including demonstrated proficiency in: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and other Office Suite programs.
• Experience with Salesforce required.

Other Skills, Abilities and Requirements:

• Ability to work well with diverse types of people in a team environment.
• Polished communication skills, both written and verbal, for building relationships and credibility with external partners.
• Sound time management skills, ability to manage multiple projects independently, meet deadlines, and handle complex and stressful situations in a calm and appropriate manner.
• Demonstrated evidence of creativity and resourcefulness.
• Access to reliable transportation required.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends.
Proficient or Fluent in speaking Spanish, highly desirable.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds when needed.
• Office environment with limited travel
• Ability to stand and/or sit for a minimum of 7 hours a day

What We Offer

• In addition to joining a committed, diverse, values-based organization, we offer.
• An opportunity for you to have a tremendous impact both internally and in the broader country.
• A competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Excellent benefits including complete health, dental, life, short-term and long-term insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Encouraged sustainability through a generous paid time off program.
• Personalized professional development and growth opportunities.

To Join Our Growing College Possible Team

Please apply at: www.CollegePossible.org/careers Include a resume and cover letter.