College Access Advisor

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit: Local 2110
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $63,700 - $66,000

Position Summary

The Roger Lehecka Double Discovery Center (DDC) at Columbia College works with college bound youth between the ages 12 and 27 that are first-generation and from low-income communities to ensure high school graduation, college access & enrollment, and college persistence & completion to support productive transition into responsible adulthood.

The College Access Advisor position, working in collaboration with the Director of College Access Programs, supports the implementation and refinement of high-quality college access programs that strengthen the college readiness of DDC students and their families. The ideal candidate will possess an extensive knowledge of the college application, admissions and financial aid processes - including relevant NY state information - as well as the skills necessary to help students be successful in college. Chief among these are entrepreneurialism, systems-driven, organized, relentlessness, creative problem solving, and follow-through. The ideal candidate will also possess research, networking, and communication skills to connect students to unique programs that will further enhance their college and career readiness. In order to meet these ambitious goals, an ideal candidate must also plan carefully in order to ensure strategic use of time and resources.

THIS IS A GRANT-FUNDED POSITION. CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT IN THIS POSITION IS CONTINGENT UPON ONGOING SUFFICIENT FUNDING.

Responsibilities

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION

• Provides one-on-one college counseling to a caseload of grade-specific young people that are first generation, from low income communities, and attending high school in New York City to establish goals related to college readiness, persistence, and career exploration as well as action plans to support goal attainment; and routinely review progress towards goals with students to refine plans as appropriate.
• Works in partnership with the Assistant Director to develop grade appropriate college access and readiness curriculum. Including researching, drafting, and revising content.
• Teach regular grade specific college access and readiness curriculum and hold "office hours" to enhance student learning and retention; as well as track progression with goals.
• Work closely with parents and guardians on navigating the complex process of applying for financial aid assistance, including identifying grants, scholarships, and applicable funding sources.
• Assist with the development and planning of workshops for parents and guardians on key topics (financial aid planning, different types of institutions, scholarships, etc.) related to the college admissions process. Teach parent workshops on a regular basis.
• Research and identify special opportunities made available to low-income students in the college search and application process (i.e. fee waivers, fly-in visits, university partner programs and scholarships). Guide students as needed in the application process of such opportunities.
• Determine if students need additional support for non-academic resources and provide students with appropriate referrals (social-emotional wellness, social services as needed, etc.).
• Collaborate with the Assistant Director to cultivate and maintain relationships with principals, teachers, and counselors from NYC schools including regular check-ins.
  
• Develop and maintain a robust network of college access professionals through regular communication to keep on track with the latest practices in the college access space.
• Research colleges and universities that best support first generation college students from low income communities. Identify schools to visit during college tour trips. Staff college trips as needed - including both day and overnight trip supervision of minors.
• Oversees the work of tutors/teachers/volunteers and summer staff, monitors student academic progress, provides feedback to parents, students, and guidance counselors at students' NYC public school.
• Develop and implement collective student meetings and workshops as needed to supplement the college access curriculum.
• Provide supervision, instruction and support for the five-week residential Summer Academy - which engages nearly 60 local 9th & 10th grade students living and learning on campus. Includes evening and overnight supervision of the residential staff and minors. Using independent judgment to follow proper protocol for various issues as they arise (student conduct issues, crisis management, medical emergencies).

ADMINISTRATION

• Collect and track student attendance, participation, and engagement on a timely basis for all program activities. Including follow up with students, parents, guardians when attendance is inconsistent.
• Collect, verify, enter, and analyze student data (e.g. demographic and indicators of academic and non-academic progress including transcripts, Regents passing, school attendance, disciplinary infractions, SEL outcomes) and create reports for required annual performance reports, Board reporting, as well as for routine assessment of programmatic impact.
• Ensures compliance with all practices related to the University's Protection of Minors policy as well as DDC's child safety procedures.
• Coordinates space and other logistical matters to support programming needs.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education, social services, psychology, non-profit administration, or other relevant field required.
• Minimum of two years of related experience required.
• Knowledge of the college access, advising and admissions field.
• Demonstrated understanding of the public school system and youth development, especially in the area of after-school and expanded learning opportunities for college access and persistence.
• Experience working with students from diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Experience with developing, teaching, facilitating, and leading workshops.
• Demonstrated commitment to post-secondary access for public school students.
• Must have strong demonstrated effective organization and project coordination skills.
• Ability to manage complex tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills including ability to build productive relationships with various stakeholders.
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Capacity to effectively use data for results-orientation and problem-solving.
• Detail-oriented and self-directed, with relentless accountability to deadlines.

*Must be able to work evenings, Saturdays as needed, and support the residential Summer Academy with occasional evenings and overnight shifts are needed. *

**Applications received without a resume and cover letter will not be considered.**

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in related field preferred.
• Experience navigating the complex process, application, and determination of financial aid.
• Experience with the NYC public school system.
• Experience with academic planning, college counseling, teaching and tutoring of middle school, high school youth, and re-entry students.
• Spanish fluency is preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.