Next Steps Advisor 2025-2026

Please DO NOT USE the "Apply for this Position" blue button. There is an external application link at the bottom of this job description. 

Summary:

Join Earn to Learn’s Next Steps Program on a fulfilling journey dedicated to empowering Arizona students in their pursuit of postsecondary education and career readiness. As a Next Steps Advisor, you’ll be at the heart of fostering a vibrant college-going culture in selected high schools across the state. Working in close collaboration with high school counselors, as well as other committed professionals and community partners, you’ll guide students through the crucial transition from high school to higher education while exploring diverse career paths.

This part-time position not only offers you the opportunity to make a lasting impact on students’ lives but also provides professional training to enhance your skills in mentorship, advising, and college access. By helping with college applications, financial aid, and career exploration, you’ll build meaningful connections, gain valuable educational experience, and contribute to a transformative, supportive environment for Arizona’s future leaders.

Commitment: 

Next Steps Advisors commit to working from September to May, starting with a mandatory orientation. Advisors are strongly encouraged to live near their assigned area to better support their students. 

* We also offer semester-only positions from September to December or January to May for those who are only available for one semester. *

The Next Steps Program is proud to serve students and schools across all of Arizona, including Apache County, Cochise County, Coconino County, Gila County, Graham County, Greenlee County, La Paz County, Maricopa County, Mohave County, Navajo County, Pima County, Pinal County, Santa Cruz County, Yavapai County, and Yuma counties. Our reach reflects our commitment to expanding access to college and career readiness support statewide.  

Primary Responsibilities:

• Meet weekly with high school students and their families to provide guidance on college and career pathways
• Introduce career exploration activities and encourage early college planning
• Support students in researching colleges, completing applications, and understanding financial aid options
• Help students review admissions offers, financial aid packages, and career choices
• Provide additional resources such as resume building, job searching, and interview skills to prepare students for their future careers
• Deliver presentations in classrooms, assemblies, and clubs to promote college and career readiness     
• Organize and lead family workshops on financial aid, career exploration, and the college admissions process
• Coordinate college campus visits and arrange on-site visits from college representatives
• Build strong relationships with principals, counselors, and teachers to support student success     
• Partner with community organizations to provide college and career services beyond school hours     
• Collaborate with school staff to integrate career exploration into classroom activities
• Maintain accurate records of student interactions and progress
• Collect data to assess program impact and improve services
• Participate in ongoing training to enhance advising skills     
• Stay informed on best practices in college admissions, financial aid, and career exploration
• Attend monthly meetings and professional development sessions with Earn to Learn staff

Program Supervisors:

• The Next Steps Program Coordinator(s): You will connect and meet with your Coordinators once a month and participate in the monthly held virtual trainings. 

Eligibility:

Applicants must be a United States citizen, a national, or a legal permanent resident and at least 18 years of age. Documentation of proof of age and citizenship status will be required.           

Qualifications:

• At least 1 year of college experience (currently enrolled in college or recent graduate with an associate or bachelor's degree within the last 4 years from an accredited institution)
• Available to serve at a local high school or college access program for a minimum of 2-3 days per week
• Ability to effectively work with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds
• Strong communication skills: able to share ideas, listen actively, and engage in constructive feedback
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, with experience influencing others positively and achieving goals
• Independent, analytical thinker who exercises discretion and sound judgment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient in using computers, including Microsoft Office and Google Suite
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects
• Willingness to handle complex and detailed tasks
• High energy, creativity, and a strong sense of responsibility
• Ability to take initiative and develop innovative programs in the high school setting
• Successfully pass federal and state background screenings
• Provide documentation of eligibility for service (e.g., birth certificate, passport, transcripts)
• Reliable transportation to travel to and from the assigned service site

Compensation:

Our compensation package includes a stipend paid bi-weekly.

Application Instructions:

Complete the Application – 

• New Applicants: 
  • Follow this link - Application Link
• Current/Returning members:
  • Fill out the application in your next steps portal, you will find it on your front page upon login

You will be contacted by a Next Steps Program staff member to continue through the application process. If you have questions, please email Next Steps Program. 

Please DO NOT USE the "Apply for this Position" blue button. Applications will only be considered if submitted through our external portal. To apply, please submit using the link noted above.