College Success Advisor

Role Overview and Key Responsibilities

As a College Success Advisor at The SEED Foundation in Washington, DC, you will provide tailored support to SEED graduates to help them navigate college life successfully. Your tasks will encompass regular advising sessions focused on financial aid, academics, and social adjustments, including campus visits to connect students with vital support services such as financial aid offices, academic advising, and mental health resources.

You will assist students in complex situations like transferring institutions, re-entering college, and accessing community resources. Managing financial aid processes such as application assistance, award letter reviews, and facilitating emergency fund access also fall under your scope. Consistent communication through various methods including phone, email, text, and social media will help you maintain engagement with your caseload.

Additionally, collaborating closely with SEED high school staff and college counseling personnel to design and lead transition and success programs is essential. You will also oversee data tracking and analysis to inform advising strategies, employing SEED’s student information systems including CoPilot™, which is Salesforce™-based, to manage caseload data and submit regular reports.

Candidate Requirements

• Strong alignment with SEED Foundation's mission and core values including compassion, gratitude, growth, integrity, perseverance, respect, and responsibility.
• Bachelor’s degree required, along with 2 to 3 years’ experience supporting college access and success in educational or community environments.
• Comprehensive understanding of financial aid processes such as FAFSA, DC OneApp, DC CAP Last Dollar Award, and Maryland grant programs.
• Experienced in conducting both individual and group advising sessions focused on college success.
• Familiarity with college matching frameworks and advising geared towards finding the 'right fit' is preferred.
• Ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Excellent interpersonal skills coupled with a positive, creative energy to engage youth effectively.
• Self-driven with strong teamwork capabilities, adept at managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
• Data analytics experience and enthusiasm for further developing such skills.
• Strong organizational and database management abilities, ensuring accurate record keeping and handling confidential materials responsibly.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and Google Workspace tools.
• Comfortable navigating student information and customer relations management systems.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to various SEED schools and higher education institutions.

Additional Expectations for SEED Employees

• Demonstrate commitment to SEED Foundation’s mission and values in all activities.
• Align personal work goals strategically with the organization’s overarching objectives.
• Maintain professionalism in a dynamic environment and when engaging with diverse stakeholders.
• Work effectively both independently and collaboratively while handling multiple priorities.