Scholar Advisor; Hybrid

ABOUT NEW FUTURES:

New Futures is a dynamic local nonprofit with a unique approach to fighting inequity:
We believe fiercely that shorter-term credentials – associate degrees or professional certifications – are an effective launch point toward rewarding, fulfilling careers. New Futures invests in our scholars with a deliberate combination of scholarships, academic and career advising, access to transformative professional networks, and a lot of heart as they jumpstart careers they love in high-growth fields that will lead to financial security and more equitable futures for all.

Since our inception, we have worked with over 813 scholars and awarded over $7.1 million in post-secondary scholarships. Having strengthened our approach, we are growing our team to build capacity, expand our impact, and sustain our growth.

As the Scholar Advisor, you will have an invaluable opportunity to manage a caseload of scholars, advance New Futures’ advising model, and support programming. You will work closely with the New Futures team on various program elements, from supporting the recruitment and selection of new scholars to informing our advising approach and scholar programming. Your primary responsibility will be to advise a caseload of students, providing support, guidance, and accountability as they start and finish their post-secondary programs.

This is a full‑time position reporting to the Assistant Director of Programs.

60%

• Maintain a caseload of scholars, providing them with ongoing academic and career advising to ensure success in their post‑secondary programs. Regularly communicate with scholars via virtual and in‑person meetings, texts, phone calls, and email.
• Monitor progress toward their degree and/or program completion, refer to resources, support with the transfer application process, and more.
• Proactively support scholars facing academic and personal challenges, and implement academic and engagement interventions as necessary, guided by the New Futures advising model and program expectations.
• Maintain accurate records for all scholars, keeping track of all interactions and advising sessions, and documenting degree progress, updates to contact information, and other critical data in Salesforce.
• Manage scholarship payments, and monitor disbursements and scholarship balances for all scholars on caseload. Communicate scholarship requirements and scholar expectations to caseload.
• Engage in professional development to stay abreast of updates and trends in financial aid, higher education, and career readiness to inform current and future programming.

35%

• Assist with the design, facilitation, logistics, and evaluation of academic and career skill‑building workshops and other student‑centered programs and opportunities for engagement, with equity, inclusivity, and accessibility at the forefront.
• Support the recruitment and selection of new Scholars including reviewing, assessing, and interviewing potential scholars, with a sharp focus on equity in the selection of new scholars.
• Support other organizational efforts as needed such as development and communication initiatives for administrative duties

5% OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

• Associate (or equivalent college experience ~60 credits) or higher degree
• 1‑2 years of experience in advising, college counseling, or volunteering with students in a postsecondary institution, educational nonprofit, and/or other relevant setting with a focus on college access and/or success.
• Candidate must reside in the Washington, DC metropolitan area at the time of hire and maintain residency throughout their tenure.
• Unwavering commitment to equity, and a desire to challenge barriers within higher education.
• Desire to lead with empathy and advocate for the needs of all students.
• Experience with and sensitivity to the needs of a diverse scholar and alumni community.
• Ability to develop meaningful relationships with our scholar and alumni community, especially in a virtual and/or hybrid environment.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, meet due dates, and utilize organizational tools…