College Success Advisor

Overview: Founded in 2004, College Visions is one of the oldest and most comprehensive college success organizations in Rhode Island. Every year, CV empowers 500 first-generation students to pursue their dream of earning a college degree. CV Scholars receive individualized support beginning with the college application process through college graduation. Our vision is that CV Scholars will earn degrees, build meaningful careers, and become our next generation of leaders. For more information, see www.collegevisions.org. 

Position Summary: The College Success Program (CSP) was established in 2009 as the first community-based college completion program in Rhode Island. CSP is designed to support College Visions students once they enter college through graduation, providing students access to college success coaching and resources that encourage matriculation, persistence, and reentry into college for students who have stopped out. The College Success Advisor is responsible for providing guidance, mentorship, and support to help students achieve their personal and professional goals in college and beyond. Through regular advising meetings, check-ins, and campus visits, the College Success Advisor helps students develop college success strategies, troubleshoot challenges, and proactively plan for life after college. Beyond supporting students, a successful College Success Advisor is proactive about developing resources and tools to improve program outcomes and student success metrics. 

Management: The College Success Advisor reports to the Director of Programs.

Hours: This is a full-time hybrid position. Typical hours are Monday through Friday 9-5 pm with occasional events on weekends and evenings. 

Responsibilities 

Student Advising and Outreach: 50%

• Provide personalized college success coaching to a cohort of low-income first-generation college students that addresses their individual needs and challenges; topics may include practicing habits for academic success, connecting with on-campus resources, maintaining advantageous financial aid packages, troubleshooting challenges, navigating transfer admission and career readiness 
• Build trusting relationships with students and maintain frequent communication throughout the academic year according to the CSP outreach calendar and student check-in guides 
• Work to maintain up-to-date knowledge about colleges and universities, on and off-campus resources, and different college success strategies to help students attain college degrees
• Keep accurate, detailed advisee records including student contact information, student interactions, and program outcomes as well as key student success metrics.

Events and Program Development: 30%

• Collaborate with the Director of Programs to facilitate workshops and events such as the College Success Program Transition retreat and college prep workshops for current high school seniors, campus workshops, and CV’s annual Career Summit 
• Develop career readiness resources and tools that help CV students proactively prepare for careers after graduation 
• Support the Director of Programs in cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with colleges and universities
• Assist with other CV programs and events as needed 

Professional Growth: 10%

• Participate in ongoing college success training and seek out external professional development opportunities
• Engage in ongoing learning to gain familiarity with best practices and emerging research in the field of college success
• Strive for excellence, reflect on challenges, and celebrate victories

Other Activities: 10%

• Document events and activities on an ongoing basis 
• Assist with events, staff training, program evaluation, student recruitment, community workshops, and other general CV program activities
• Contribute to the development of new strategic initiatives and fundraising activities as needed 
• Promote CV in Rhode Island and the college access and success sector.
• Handle administrative tasks including maintenance of records, adherence to financial and HR policies, and upkeep of office space.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in a related field
• Deep, well-articulated commitment to CV’s mission
• Previous experience as a low-income first-gen graduate or in student advising, coaching, and mentoring low-income first-gen students is a plus 
• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation 
• Strong writing, organizational, and communication skills; ability to work independently and prioritize tasks 
• Collaborative, energetic, positive, and flexible

Awesomeness

• Be awesome

Compensation/benefits: The salary for this position is $44,000. CV offers generous time off, a hybrid work schedule, medical/dental/vision, retirement match, and other benefits.

Ideal start date, but flexible: Monday, September 2, 2024 

Interested candidates should send their resumes to Susan Anderson, Director of Programs at susan@collegevisions.org by the priority deadline of Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at 4 pm. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.