Adviser

2026‑27 Next Step Adviser (Multiple Vacancies)

Join the Advise NC at Appalachian State program as a Next Step Adviser to help students in rural Appalachian communities set and pursue their post‑high school goals. This position requires recent graduates with an associate or bachelor’s degree earned between May 2019 and June 2026. The adviser will work in high schools across Western North Carolina and must be able to relocate and engage with community stakeholders.

• Earned or will earn an associate’s degree between May 2019 and June 2026, or a bachelor’s degree within that period.
• Ability to work well with diverse population groups.
• Strong desire to serve and interest in learning and professional growth.
• High level of professionalism in all communications.
• Must be able to relocate to the service area and be involved in the surrounding community.

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Experience working with high school‑aged youth
• Experience managing large projects and working in teams
• Background in community service
• Leadership experience
• Priority given to graduates of Appalachian State University during the initial application review process
• Proficiency in languages other than English

• Assist students with the development of post‑graduation plans, including workforce entry, trade or technical school enrollment, 2‑year or 4‑year college enrollment, or military enlistment.
• Provide one‑on‑one admissions and financial aid advisement to any student or family seeking assistance.
• Encourage students to consider a broad range of appropriate post‑secondary choices and assist them in developing a comprehensive list of good fit and match options.
• Help students and families complete and submit admissions and financial aid applications.
• Offer a variety of workshops, presentations, and events to promote next‑steps planning.
• Engage families and mentors in support of their students’ post‑secondary process, including calling all senior families/guardians via phone.
• Participate in activities, attend events, and interact with the school and community in an effort to build trust and relationships.
• Collaborate with the Advise NC at App State Program Staff and partner school personnel.
• Record up‑to‑date service activity data using a web‑based database system (training provided).
• Submit weekly progress reports to the Advise NC at App State Program Staff documenting progress and outputs.
• Establish productive working relationships with principals, counselors, teachers, and other student support staff in partner high school(s).
• Actively seek the advice and counsel of the on‑site liaison at partner high school and the Advise NC at App State Program Staff to provide student and family services most effectively.
• Develop expertise in admissions and financial aid advising.
• Participate fully in pre‑ and in‑service training.
• Seek out and participate in other opportunities for professional development in consultation with the program staff.
• Create resources for the larger advising team, including social media templates, graphics & videos, advising resources, financial aid resources, scholarship guides, newsletters, event planning guides, etc.
• Assist Advise NC at App State Program Staff with the development and facilitation of adviser pre‑service and in‑service trainings.
• Represent the Advise NC at Appalachian State program appropriately at all times.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Monday‑Friday.
• Daily hours follow the partner high school’s expected schedule for faculty and staff; some nights and weekends required.
• Advisers work toward a set number of service hours as Ameri Corps members; resources are provided to track and plan for service hour completion.

Hiring range: $35,000‑$41,000 (11‑month living allowance). Pay will be commensurate with applicant competencies, budget, equity and market considerations.

High schools located throughout Western North Carolina (counties include Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Graham, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, Mitchell, McDowell, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey). Advisers must be able to relocate and participate in the surrounding community.

• Resume
• Cover Letter or Letter of Interest
• Minimum three professional references or a list of references with contact information
• Optional:
  Unofficial undergraduate transcripts

Commits to an 11‑month service period (40 hours/week) with optional 2‑year commitment. Must have earned an associate’s or bachelor’s degree between May 2019 and June 2026. Includes reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.