COLLEGE SUCCESS ADVISOR

COLLEGE SUCCESS ADVISOR

Chicago, IL

Who We Are and What We Believe:

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.

What You Will Do:

The primary focus of the College Success Advisor is to effectively serve a caseload of 85 college students at 3-5 college campuses using the Bottom Line DEAL (Degree, Employability, Affordability, Life Skills) model. The College Success Advisor provides one on-one academic, financial, personal, and career guidance, and 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 the goal of being ready for promotion to Senior Advisor after their first or second 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%

• Follow Bottom Line's structured curriculum (DEAL), which supports students in four areas: Degree, Employability, Affordability, and Life Skills, to help students progress towards specific goals/milestones.

• Coach students toward reaching DEAL Milestones, including, but not limited to: "Enroll in fall classes," "Create a professional resume," "Complete financial aid applications".
• Conduct and document end-of-semester assessments for each student (twice annually).
• Based on these assessments, create service plans for each student.

• Maintain ongoing communication with all students on caseload.

• Lead 45-minute meetings for 18 - 21 students per week on campus.
• Meet with incoming first year students over the summer to ensure a smooth transition to their new campus.
• Send messages of encouragement, congratulatory cards, care packages, etc.
• Respond to all student text/calls/emails within 2 business days.

• Guide students through financial aid renewal process by appropriate deadlines.
• Support students through career exploration, career planning, and career development, working collaboratively with Career Connections Team if applicable.

• Research relevant career information and resources to send to students.
• Identify students for specific Bottom Line partner internships and opportunities, and support students through the application process for these opportunities.
• Connect students with Bottom Line job coaching volunteers ("Go Far Volunteers").
• Market Career Connections opportunities and events.

• Help students resolve general obstacles that come up throughout the school year by coaching them on self-advocacy and resourcefulness skills, and communicating with school offices to advocate for students.
• Refer students to appropriate resources when needed.

Caseload & Data Management - 20%

• Track and record student progress, using both quantitative and qualitative measures

• Enter data into the database within 3 business days of a student interaction or status change.
• Enter assessments and service plans twice annually.
• 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 caseload of approximately 85 college 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 standards as outlined by KPIs.
• Support students who have become unenrolled or who have transferred out of a Bottom Line Success school.

Secondary Responsibilities:


Program Support - 5%

• Support student recruitment for Access and Success Direct.
• Attend Success Program Events, including Recognition Night, Send Off, Success Orientation, and career-related student workshops.
• Additional program support as assigned by Team Manager.

Organizational Support - 5%

• Represent the Bottom Line brand in a positive light, and take actions to increase brand awareness throughout the community.
• Support the Development and External Affairs team by attending events, networking with guests / supporters, and providing event logistics as needed.

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

Work Schedule:

College Success Advisors work an 8.5-hour shift, including a daily ½ hour unpaid meal/rest break to comply with FLSA. Advisors are expected to be present during the following core hours. There may be times throughout the year when you may be expected to work additional hours and/or flex your schedule to meet the needs of our students.


Expected Travel:

50% -- Frequent campus travel (3 days per week) during the college semester. Commute to campus can be up to 3 hours roundtrip. Approx. 1/3 of advisors will be assigned to college campuses that require overnight stays every 3 weeks.


Who Should Apply:

If you meet the qualifications below, you should apply.


Required:

• Bachelor's degree and work authorization
• 1 - 2 years of related work experience
• Experience developing trusting relationships with students, and coaching them toward goals
• The ability to make a minimum of a two-year commitment
• Valid driver's license
• Demonstrated commitment to Bottom Line's Mission, Vision, and Core Values

Preferred:

• Fluency in a language other than English a plus
• Access to a car strongly preferred

How To Apply/Application Deadline:

All applications must be submitted via Bottom Line's Career Page.


Please share your resume and cover letter.


Please note: This is an evergreen job posting intended to build a pipeline of qualified candidates for future opportunities. While there may not be an immediate opening at the time of application, submissions will be reviewed and considered as positions become available.

Compensation:

$49,000

Benefits:

Learn about our benefits here.