College and Career Readiness Advisor

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The College Advisor is a mission-aligned, student-centered leader who believes deeply in the potential of every scholar and is committed to helping them navigate the path to college with confidence, clarity, and purpose. This role is essential in supporting students as they explore, apply to, and enroll in postsecondary opportunities, while building a strong college-going culture across the school community.

Rooted in HFCA’s mission to send scholars to and through college, the College Advisor provides proactive and individualized guidance, leads group workshops, and engages families to ensure that every scholar is equipped with the tools, resources, and support needed for postsecondary success. The ideal candidate is highly organized, knowledgeable about college access and admissions, an effective communicator, and deeply passionate about helping students achieve their academic and career goals.

Location: High School

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Advising

• Build relationships with scholars by managing a caseload, meeting individually with each student on a monthly basis to engage in college and career exploration and complete their graduation plan.

• Create and execute a college & career family engagement plan related to key deliverables.

Program Development and Collaboration

• Design and facilitate a curriculum focused on college exploration and college readiness topics  specific to college enrollment, such as; college affordability, campus resources, etc...

• Plan, organize and chaperone college campus visits and information sessions to expose students to a variety of post-secondary options.

• Maintain strong relationships with college admissions representatives and scholarship representatives to stay informed about trends and admissions requirements.

College Application Assistance

• Provide guided support for students in navigating the college application process, including developing appropriate College Wish Lists, completing applications, and submitting supporting application documents in a timely manner

• Review and provide feedback on personal statements, resumes, and other application materials.

• Serve as an advocate for students as they collect Letters of Recommendation from their teachers

Financial Aid and Scholarships

• Guide students and families through the financial aid application process, including FAFSA completion and scholarship applications

• Target students eligible for specific scholarship programs (All in Milwaukee, Marquette EOP) and guide them through the application process

In addition to these responsibilities, College and Career Readiness Advisors will also execute on any other assignments as delegated to support the needs of the department and the school.

 

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Counseling, Higher Education, Social Work, or a related field

• Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in college access, academic advising, or a similar student-facing role

• Experience working in a K-12 setting

• Deep understanding of the college admissions process, including applications, financial aid (FAFSA), scholarships, and enrollment

• Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with students, families, and school staff

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to provide meaningful feedback on student essays and materials

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines, events, and systems simultaneously

• Commitment to educational equity and to supporting first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students

• Flexibility to work occasional evenings for district-wide events.

• Proficient in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides), student databases, and college access platforms (e.g., Overgrad, Naviance, Common App)

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Regularly required to move about campus buildings, attend meetings, and engage with students and staff across multiple sites.

• Periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer for extended durations.

• Must be able to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds (e.g., transporting materials or event supplies).

• The work environment is a combination of office, school, and community settings, with moderate noise levels typical of a school environment.

• May require occasional evening or weekend hours to respond to student or family needs, community events, or crisis situations.

 

Summary

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

HFCA complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination. We are committed to equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, gender, disability, genetic information, marital status, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, lay-off, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training. 

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HFCA  expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Any actions or behaviors that create an uncomfortable work environment and prohibit an employee to perform their expected duties will not be tolerated.