College Access Advisor: Guide –Seniors to College

COLLEGE ACCESS ADVISOR

Full Time

Chicago Office, Chicago, IL, US

Salary Range: $49,000.00 To $49,000.00 Annually

College Access Advisor, Chicago, IL

Founded in 1997, Bottom Line is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization with a mission to partner with degree-aspiring students from first‑generation and low‑income backgrounds as they get into college, graduate, and launch meaningful careers. For over two decades, Bottom Line has provided consistent, one‑on‑one support to help students navigate the challenges of accessing and succeeding in college.

Today, we proudly serve over 7,000 students through our three core programs—College Access, College Success, and Bluprint—across regional offices in Massachusetts, New York City, Chicago, Ohio, Detroit, and soon, Houston. Our vision is to create a far‑reaching ripple effect, launched by the transformative power of a college degree and a mobilizing first career, that uplifts individuals, families, and entire communities.

When you join Bottom Line, you will become a part of a team that combines passion with expertise to advance equity and opportunity for degree‑aspiring students. In our dynamic, results‑driven environment, your contributions will help shape brighter futures and stronger communities.

Reporting to the Program Director, the primary focus of the College Access Advisor is on effectively serving a caseload of college‑aspiring high school seniors using the Bottom Line LEAD (Lists, Essays, Application, Decisions) Model. The Advisor helps students identify college options, write application essays, submit applications, complete financial aid and application requirements, analyze acceptances and award packages, and make a responsible college choice.

Advisors are also active participants in efforts to recruit and onboard each new cohort of students. The Advisor tracks and records student progress in our database using both quantitative and qualitative data. Advisors are expected to build advising skills and learn the Bottom Line program model and expectations for supporting a caseload of students, with an opportunity for a performance‑based promotion to Senior Advisor after their first full year as an Advisor.

Training and professional development is focused on the Bottom Line curriculum, student services, and Bottom Line Foundations.

• Provide one‑on‑one guidance to a caseload of 60–65 high school seniors
• College Lists
  • Coach each student towards a college list that meets Access Program standards, is individualized to that student, and is in line with admissions and affordability data
  • Adjust admissions chances based on changes to student academic profile throughout the year
• Essays
  • Help each student brainstorm, revise, and finalize college essays by utilizing both in‑person and remote support tools
• Applications
  • Design individualized service plans to ensure each student submits complete, high‑quality college applications by institutional priority deadlines
  • Support students in identifying and completing missing/additional application materials throughout the Winter and Spring
• Financial Aid/Decision Making
  • Guide students (in person or remotely) to submit FAFSA and/or CSS Profile by institutional priority deadlines
  • Identify and support students selected for federal income and/or citizenship verification
  • Identify students eligible for a variety of scholarships
  • Explain financial aid award data to each student, and coach them to make a financially responsible college decision
  • Support students with submitting a deposit to a college by May 1st
• Maintain ongoing communication with all students on caseload
• Lead 60‑minute meetings for 15–20 students per week at the Bottom Line office, a high school campus, or other off‑site locations throughout the region
• Respond to all student text/calls/emails within 2 business days
• Develop individualized communication plans to ensure students remain engaged with the program and meet deadlines
• Help students resolve general obstacles that come up throughout the school year by coaching them on self‑advocacy and resourcefulness skills

• Track and…