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 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, 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
• Essays
• Applications
• Financial Aid/Decision Making
• Maintain ongoing communication with all students on caseload
• 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
• 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 number of meetings per week and minimum number of meetings per student per year
• Align meetings to student process, ensuring adequate progress is being made and driving towards individual student deadlines
• Ensure all students adhere to individual and institutional deadlines

Program & Organizational Support - 10%

• Support the Development team by attending events, networking with guests / supporters, and providing event logistics as needed
• Support planning and staff of Access Program events, including but not limited to, student workshops and the core program events
• Support student recruitment, intake, and transition from Access to Success, which may include presenting at partner schools and organizations
• Additional program support as assigned by supervisor
• Represent the Bottom Line brand in a positive light, and take actions to increase brand awareness throughout the community

Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without advanced notice.

College Access Advisors are non-exempt, overtime eligible staff and work an 8.5 hour shift, including a daily ½ hour unpaid meal/rest break to comply with FLSA. There will be times throughout the year when an advisor will be expected to work additional hours…