College Advisor

**JOB MISSION**

YPIE College Advisors provide comprehensive college guidance for juniors and seniors that will result in student enrollment, persistence, and completion at a 4-year college. College Advisors work with YPIE students beginning in 9th grade to cultivate the academic and life skills needed for college success.

**RESPONSIBILITIES & RESULTS**

**College Guidance**
- _11th grade: _Provide individualized grade level college guidance to each assigned 11th grade YPIE student including, but not limited to: assessing each student’s college aspirations and goals, reviewing transcripts, drafting best fit college lists, kicking off the college essay writing process, helping students request letters of recommendation and starting the Common Application, and identifying students who are appropriate for Opportunity Programs.

**College Transition/Enrollment Support**
- After seniors commit to colleges, support all seniors through the enrollment process to remove all barriers to enrollment including but not limited to:

- submitting medical forms,
- signing up for orientation,
- accepting loans and completing loan counseling and MPN (if necessary),
- setting up a payment plan.

**Student Engagement**
- Meet with each junior at least twice/year and each senior at least five times/year - more if needed to achieve students’ postsecondary goals.
- Guide students to participate in YPIE programs, including test prep, essay writing, interview skills, and other offerings that support their path to college.
- Plan and chaperone students on YPIE college visits.
- Collaborate with volunteers to assist in providing services to YPIE students.

**Effective Professional Relationships with Students**
- Develop strong professional relationships with students in order to hold them accountable for their progress toward graduation.
- Connect students to crucial YPIE and external supports as necessary, holding students accountable for milestones to achieve their goals.
- Collaborate with volunteers to assist in providing services to YPIE students.

**Family Engagement**
- Meet with and include parents/guardians one-on-one or in groups on all aspects of the postsecondary process.
- Maintain active, collaborative relationships with key family figures in students' lives, coordinating to address students’ challenges and reinforce goals.
- Facilitate info sessions and other events that deepen student & family understanding of the college process.

**Program Administration & Recruitment**
- Manage student records and program logistics, communicating with key stakeholders to ensure seamless events and effective program implementation.
- Leverage data to recruit for a new cohort of YPIE Fellows each year, proactively collaborating with district partners to identify target students and deliver info sessions and presentations.
- Conduct professional development workshops for YPS guidance staff and others on topics that will enhance the school district’s overall college access services (Naviance, recommendation letter writing, financial aid).

**VALUES**

YPIE team members:

- are **always learning, **embracing feedback and pursuing growth alongside our students.
- do **whatever it takes**, consistently going the extra mile to get the job done with the highest degree of quality.
- **sweat the details**, approaching tasks with meticulous attention to every element and pride in high-quality work.
- **collaborate**, regularly coordinating with key internal and external partners to advance strategic goals.
- **track and use data, **maintaining strong records and regularly consulting data to inspire effective decision-making.

**CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS**

**To be eligible for consideration, applicants should have**:

- 2+ years experience providing college guidance to low income, first generation, and/or students of color
- Strong writing and public speaking skills
- Ability to navigate partnerships with diverse stakeholders
- Knowledge of public and private colleges/universities, opportunity programs, and financial aid requirements
- Flexibility to work some evening and weekend hours as dictated by programming needs
- A car and willingness to travel to program site(s)

**The most competitive applicants will possess**:

- Masters in counseling or related field
- Prior experience with Naviance and/or other databases
- NY State certification in school counseling
- Spanish fluency
- Comprehensive knowledge of public and private colleges/universities including selective colleges, opportunity programs, and financial aid requirements
- A desire to learn and stay current in the ever changing world of postsecondary admissions

**You are likely to be successful in this role if**:

- You enjoy solving challenging problems with students, helping them reach measurable outcomes.
- You thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, where you will manage your own time to support each student.
- You are hungry for collaboration with team members