College Placement Manager

The Role:

Do you have a passion for empowering students to achieve their college dreams?

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic College Specialist to join our Futures team advising team. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in guiding high school students on their college and career exploration journey, from initial interest to successful application.

Background on the Futures Program:

The FuturesProgram is a new program launched by Hope for Youth and Families, a local family foundation and non-profit that is committed to supporting underserved youth and families and to addressing disparities in educational attainment, income and life outcomes in Springfield, MA. The project brings together multiple partners to create a regional scalable solution to supporting youth in the career and college process beginning as 9th grade. Youth cannot access this support in school with counselor-to-student ratios in MA over 300:1. In partnership with our public high schools and numerous other groups, we provide an evidence-based, robust career and college readiness program. Futuresstudents participate in 1:1 advising, workshops, college visits and career-based experiences as part of a strategically sequenced program. Research shows that our approach supports educational persistence and a path to economic mobility. Learn more at www.hyff.org/.

Key Responsibilities:

Student Advising: While you may advise a range of students as our program grows, you will focus primarily on those pursuing a college path, and particularly students seeking selective colleges and universities. In this capacity you will

• Provide one-on-one counseling and guidance to a caseload of students from our partner high schools and local community on college and career focused topics, with an emphasis on the college process, admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and more
• Assist students in identifying their strengths, interests, and career goals, aligning these with optimal educational pathways.
• Support students to understand the range of college types, opportunities and requirements, and identify those that align best with their aspirations and plans of study.
• Develop personalized plans for students that include 1:1 support, connections to mentors, workshops, college and industry visits and more.
• Monitor students' progress and refine supports for college and career readiness.
• Collaborate with high school and Futures program staff to support students in the application, selection and transition to colleges.
• Collaborate with the Futures team to place and support students in jobs, internships and other career-connected activities.

Program Development and Implementation:

• Collaborate with the Futures team to develop program resources and tools focused on college knowledge, process and experiences.
• Contribute expertise around college access and success to all programs and opportunity design.
• Implement and continuously improve program initiatives, including advising, workshops, events.
• Develop, organize and conduct college-related workshops, events and tours.
• Collaborate with partner schools to refine our supports, align our program to their systems and tools and coordinate logistics for maximum access to students.
• Develop and maintain programming on partner college campuses, with systems to sustain this work.
• Monitor progress and success and refine tools and practices to better support students.

Data Collection and Reporting:

• Gather and use data to inform advising practices and program components.
• Maintain accurate records of student interactions, milestones, and achievements.
• Assist in data collection and analysis to evaluate program effectiveness.
• Contribute to the preparation of reports and presentations showcasing student outcomes.

College and Community Engagement:

• Build and nurture relationships with colleges and universities to create opportunities for students and stay current on requirements and opportunities.
• Collaborate with community partners to connect students with college opportunities, scholarships, resources and services that support their college and career goals.
• Collaborate with the Futures team to cultivate relationships with community centers and other organizations to support access for students and expand Future’s work.

Family/Caregiver Engagement:

• Build relationships with families/caregivers and leverage their input to inform our program.
• Collaborate with the Futures team to onboard and partner with families in the college process.
• Provide resources and information to families/caregivers to support students’ educational journeys.

Professional Development:

• Engage in authentic reflection, coaching and ongoing training to improve practice.
• Stay updated on evidence-based practices in your areas of focus.
• Build skills with a range of tools (Futures tools, partner schools resources, online tools) to leverage those resources effectively with students.
• Attend relevant conferences and workshops to enhance knowledge and skills as determined in collaboration with the Program Manager.

What You Bring: Qualifications, Competencies and Commitments

• Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, or a related field; Masters preferred.
• Previous experience in college advising, counseling, education, or similar field.
• Track record of working well with high school students of diverse backgrounds and at a wide range of places on their journey to post-secondary success.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build rapport with students, families/caregivers, educators, and community partners.
• Knowledge of the college landscape, admissions, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities.
• Knowledge of career pathways, opportunities and related education and training requirements.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and contribute to program design and implementation success.
• Familiarity with educational technology and software used for college and career planning.
• Deep commitment to equity and ending disparities in access to sustaining wages, college degrees and opportunities for advancement.
• Entrepreneurial and strategic mindset - ready to dive into new challenges, seek innovative solutions and take proactive action, while ensuring a strategic, efficient and sustainable approach to the Futures program.
• Commitment to and belief in continuous growth in your own work and learning, for the program and for the Springfield youth we serve.

Please send a resume and cover letter that explains how your experience, interest and qualifications align to this role, to info@hyff.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Experience level:

• 3 years
• 4 years
• 5 years

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Springfield, MA: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person