Hybrid College Access Advisor; First-Gen Focus

College Access Advisor

Full Time – Ohio Office, Dayton, OH, US – Salary: $44,300.00 annually.

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.

Reporting to the Program Director, the primary focus of the College Access Advisor is to effectively serve a caseload of college‑aspiring high school seniors using the Bottom Line LEAD (Lists, Essays, Applications, Decisions) Model. Responsibilities include helping 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 actively participate in recruiting and onboarding each new cohort of students. They track and record student progress in the database using both quantitative and qualitative data, build advising skills, learn the Bottom Line program model and expectations, and may receive a performance‑based promotion to Senior Advisor after their first full year.

• Provide one‑on‑one guidance to a caseload of 60–65 high school seniors
• College Lists
  • Coach each student toward 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 using 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 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 1
• 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 texts, calls, and emails within 2 business days
• Develop individualized communication plans to keep students engaged and meeting deadlines
• Help students resolve general obstacles that arise throughout the school year by coaching them on self‑advocacy and resourcefulness skills

• Track and record student progress in our database using both quantitative and qualitative measures
• Enter data within 3 business days of a student interaction or status change
• Maintain accurate student contact information
• Enter and update data for students applying to Bottom Line and/or transitioning into the Success Program
• Manage a caseload of 60–65 high school students, including but not limited to
• Schedule all student meetings on a weekly or as‑needed basis
• Manage time and calendar to meet minimum meeting counts per week and per student per year
• Align meetings to student processes, ensuring adequate progress is…