College Advisor

History

Higher Heights Youth Empowerment Programs, Inc. (HHYEP), founded in 2004, is a statewide college access organization that provides college-planning services to districts and high school students, grade 9 thru 12, and their families, throughout the State of Connecticut.

Our mission is to change the lives of under-represented college-bound students and Empower, Encourage, and Equip them to obtain a post-secondary education.

Our organization’s goal is to provide more equitable access to college preparatory resources and services to a broad range of students and their families who have a history of being deprived and who as a consequence are underrepresented in the pool of academically high-achieving students.

Description

Job Title: College Access Advisor

Reports to: Executive Director

Work Hours: 32 - 35 hours per week (typical hours model the school day)

Pay Rate: $25 per hour

Start Date: August 2024

Location: New Haven, Connecticut

I. Job Summary

Summary/Description: The College Access Advisor works across our High School program to build and sustain a college-going culture and promotes awareness of the link between higher education and professional careers. There is a focus on supporting middle school students in grade 8. This person provides comprehensive college-readiness support: informing and facilitating college-readiness programming and financial aid workshops; assisting with researching and applying for scholarships; engaging and coaching parents about the college application process; and cultivating and maintaining relationships with college admissions counselors.

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The Advisor will:

• Serve as the college advisor for students (grades 9-12)
• Deliver lessons and workshops focused on college and career readiness and planning
• Deliver a year-long calendar of college and career activities and lessons
• Coordinate events and trips that will support, inspire, and inform students about the skills needed to pursue higher education and other opportunities (trips, panels, and college tours/fairs)
• Email students and parents on a weekly basis to remind them of sessions
• Coordinate admissions visits, financial aid, and FAFSA workshops; assist students and parents with navigating the financial aid/FAFSA process
• Coordinate with the school counselor to provide differentiated college prep support to participants according to their individual plans, in small group and one-on-one settings
• Develop and lead parent workshop series on post-secondary options and process
• Weekly Track youth progress and student data
• Attend staff and planning meetings as needed
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, school counselors, school administrators, post-secondary institutions, and organization staff
• Reach out to local colleges for partnerships in planning activities and events
• Participate in professional development activities to keep current on changing rules and regulations in financial aid matters and to network with other college access advisors
• Advisors are expected to communicate and meet with students (in-person or virtually) during the work week for one-on-one sessions
• Advisors facilitate Saturday group sessions

III. Knowledge and Abilities

• Excited about community-based youth development work.
• Proven ability to serve as a role model in an after-school setting.
• Ability to connect with youth, provide needed support demonstrate patience, and maintain a positive attitude.
• Demonstrated ability to work individually and as part of a team.
• Ability to work well with diverse types of people; eagerness to help low-income young people improve themselves.
• Excellent communication, organization, and time management skills.
• Ability to multitask and handle potentially stressful situations calmly and appropriately.
• High energy, enthusiasm, and strong commitment to public service and social justice.
• Familiarity with the college admissions process, including standardized tests, application process, and financial aid strongly preferred.
• Desire to work in a growing nonprofit organization, ability to adapt, creativity, and commitment to excellence are highly valued.

IV. Education and Qualifications:

• Associate or Bachelor's Degree
• Knowledge of college application process and financial aid
• Experience teaching or facilitating groups
• Computer skills; experience working with Google, Excel, Word, and email
• Access to reliable transportation required

Logistics

The College Access Advisor will commit to a schedule of 35 hours per week. Typical day models the school day from 7:30 am - 3:00 pm.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• Health Care Plan
• Paid-time off
• Mileage Reimbursement
• Business Laptop
• Conferences & Professional Development

Submission Information: Please submit materials that detail your interests, qualifications, and other relevant information. At a minimum, application materials should include a cover letter; a resume detailing background and skills; and a list of three professional references.

Email all materials to

FLSA Status: Exempt

Date: 05/2024

Higher Heights Youth Empowerment Programs, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment with Higher Heights Youth Empowerment Programs, Inc. is based solely on qualifications and competence for a particular position, without regard to race, color, ethnic or national origin, age, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or marital, military, or citizenship status

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $41,971.00 - $42,547.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• After school
• Extended hours
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $41,971 - $42,547