College Access Advisor

College Access Advisor

Founded in 1997, Bottom Line is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization with a mission to partner with degree-aspiring students of color from under-resourced communities as they get into college, graduate, and go far in life. We achieve this mission by providing one-on-one guidance during the college application process through college graduation and the successful launch of their careers.

Our vision is to dramatically transform urban communities by producing thousands of new career-ready college graduates.

When you join Bottom Line, you will find a rewarding, fast-paced, results-oriented environment. We build strong relationships with our students and with each other. We take our work seriously, and we know that a focus on data and metrics is integral to our continued success. Experts in our fields, we are driven by our mission and extremely proud of the work we do.

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, Applications, Decisions) Model. The College Access 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 College Access 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 in the Advisor role is focused on the Bottom Line curriculum and student services, as well as Bottom Line Foundations.

Direct Student Support - 70%

• 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

Caseload & Data Management – 20%

• Track and record student progress in our database, using both quantitative and qualitative measures
• Enter data into the database within 3 business days of a student interaction or status change
• Maintain accurate student contact information in the student database
• Enter and update data for students applying to Bottom Line and/or transitioning into the Success Program

• Manage a…