College and Career Advisor

An established leader in the Northeast Ohio civic landscape, College Now has been changing the lives of students in our region since 1967. We do this by providing college and career access advising, financial aid counseling, and scholarship and retention services to students from middle school through adulthood. An individual filling this position can expect to have an impact on Northeast Ohio students and families.

When you work for College Now, you are part of an innovative and visionary team, committed to College Now's mission, vision, and values as we are committed to creating a collaborative workplace for team members. Offering superior benefits, ample opportunities for professional growth and development, and the chance to make an impact on the community, College Now is where careers are made and grown.

Position Title: College and Career Advisor
Status: Full-time; Non-Exempt
Standard Hours: 8 hours/day for full-time
Location: East Tech High School - Cleveland
Reports To: Manager of Advising Programs and Services
Salary Range: $43,000 - $52,900 ; Commensurate with experience
Assigned To: Advising Programs and Services Department

Position Summary:

The College and Career Advisor helps students aspire to, prepare for, enroll in, and secure financial resources for postsecondary education. Services are delivered through classroom workshops, group sessions, individual meetings, and family engagement at school or partner sites.

Essential Functions:

• Work within each assigned school or site environment to meet student needs and College Now expectations.
• Provide group and individual services to students and their parent(s)/guardian(s).
• Guide students in career and college exploration using web-based tools and resources.
• Advise on college entrance exams (ACT, PSAT, SAT), provide registration support, and fee waivers.
• Assist students with test preparation and registration logistics.
• Help students' complete college admissions and financial aid applications, including FAFSA and CSS Profile.
• Interpret financial aid award letters and assist with verification and other documentation.
• Promote and guide students in applying for scholarships and awards.
• Recommend eligible students for College Now scholarships and manage documentation through a student information database.
• Support and mentor assigned AmeriCorps College Guide(s), if applicable.
• Maintain accurate records in the student database; adhere to confidentiality protocols.
• Advocate for students through communication with colleges, parents/guardians, and school personnel.
• Refer students to additional resources or services as needed.
• Participate in advisor trainings, meetings, and College Now outreach opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Must-Have Skills:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Goal- and deadline-oriented mindset.
• Bilingual skills (Spanish) are a plus but not required.

Must-Have Technical Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Comfortable with internet research, laptop usage, and database entry.

Previous Work Experience:

• Experience working with adolescents required.
• Teaching or tutoring experience preferred but not required.

Education Requirement:

• Bachelor’s degree required.

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work evenings and weekends.
• Must have reliable transportation to multiple locations across Northeast Ohio.
• Must be able to carry up to 10 pounds of materials (e.g., laptop, printer).

Disclaimer: “Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.”