Operations / Administration College Advisor
Job Description
Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) is seeking a passionate, driven individual with the desire to learn, grow, and excel in a culture that values every member of the team. In 2019, 2020, and 2021, DSF was named one of the Denver’s Top Workplaces, a testament to our team and to our intentionality in co-creating a positive, inclusive work environment. In 2022, was named one of the Best and Brightest. When you join the DSF team, you will enjoy a supportive, and innovative environment where your work has a profound impact on the lives of students and their families.
As a nonprofit organization, DSF’s mission is to inspire and empower DPS students to enroll in and graduate from postsecondary institutions of higher education, by providing the tools, knowledge, and financial resources essential for success. By embodying the core values of equity, innovation, leadership, learning, relationships, and integrity in everything we do, DSF strives to be a leader within the community. As we constantly seek to improve our services, we build strong relationships with college staff members, partners, students, team members and the broader community. We are committed to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, believing in the value and ability of all students and team members.
We seek candidates who will model, live, and reinforce DSF’s mission and core values with colleagues, students, families, and the broader community. If you are passionate about the philosophy and mission of DSF, then we invite you to join us and help make college possible for Denver’s students.
Job Summary
Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) is seeking a College Advisor to guide students through the college readiness, application, and enrollment process. We are looking for passionate, driven individuals who desire to excel within an evolving organization. When you join the DSF team, you will enjoy a supportive, dynamic, and innovative environment where your work makes an impact. As an organization, DSF strives to be a leader in the community by embodying the values of equity, innovation, leadership, learning, relationships, and integrity in everything that we do. If you do too, then we invite you to join us and help make college possible for Denver’s students.
Requirements
Job Responsibilities
- Manage a DSF Future Center (i.e. college resource center)
- Deliver college readiness and access services to high school students and their families through individual advising, group facilitation, classroom lessons, and presentations that are strategically focused by grade-level, focusing on 4 content areas:
- College and Career Exposure- college rep presentations, academic major exploration, job shadows, interest and aptitude surveys, connecting career interest to academic pathways
- Personal Development- relationship building, goal setting, student accountability, navigating systems, communication skills
- College Readiness- HS academic success, extracurricular involvement,
- Financial Literacy- How to pay for college, financial aid readiness, scholarship identification and application support
- Support and collaborate on college access programming including, but not limited to, college application submission, career advising, college campus visits, interface with admissions officers, financial aid advising, scholarship assistance, FAFSA submission and college enrollment step completion
- Ongoing support and advocacy for students’ academic and personal development
- Promote all college pathways including technical, two-year and four-year opportunities
- Collaborate with school administration, counselors, staff and community partners to coordinate and/or deliver specified 9-12th grade services focused on college and career awareness and early preparation
- Maintain accurate and current student data related to college access activities, services, progress toward post-secondary education, college enrollment, mental health and resiliency
- Raise student awareness and participation in the DSF Scholarship program
- Collect, analyze, and report data in a timely manner
- Track qualitative and quantitative data to access improvements in student resiliency
- Coordinate in-school college representative visits, college campus visits, and career exploration programs
- Maintain and utilize current best practices in college access advising for diverse, first-generation, and limited income students aspiring to complete a technical certificate, 2-year degree, and/or a 4-year degree
- Actively participate in Staff, Program, and Advisor meetings and professional development opportunities, assist in the planning and facilitation when appropriate, and manage DSF volunteers/interns to maximize impact
- Depending upon Future Center site, engage student voices to design and implement programming rooted in trauma-informed strategies focused on students’ social awareness, relationship skills, self-confidence, self-management, and decisions making
- Engage student voices to design and implement programming rooted in trauma-informed strategies focused on student social-awareness, relationship skills, self-confidence, self-management, decision making and more
- General description of the position is to guide students through the college enrollment process through a holistic lens that also includes supporting student’s mental health.
- Other duties as assigned
Required Skills and Abilities
- Experience working with youth (especially those who are traditionally under-resourced) and a demonstrated passion for helping students succeed
- Knowledge of adolescent development theory and practices. Ability to evaluate student knowledge and abilities of academic skills, soft skills, and college readiness and to provide developmentally appropriate support and interventions to promote growth in each targeted area
- Knowledge of higher education financing, student financial aid, and/or postsecondary education entrance processes
- Strong oral communication, presentation and writing skills
- Strong organization skills, attention to detail, accuracy and timeliness with assigned tasks
- Proactive problem-solver who demonstrates initiative and ability to work individually and on a team
- Ability to operate in a professional manner including proper attire, ethical behavior, and strict confidentiality with student/family information
- Ability to facilitate effective collaboration and to resolve conflict
- Effective use a variety of technology tools including database, various software programs, internet tools, and communication tools
- A sense of humor, tolerance for change, and a demonstrated ability to create a positive culture and sense of empowerment for students/families
- Fluent Spanish speaker (Preferred)
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree and minimum three years of experience in a related field
Compensation & Benefits
- $50,000 to $56,000
- 401(k) plan with $ for $ match of up to 5%
- Group health, dental, and vision insurance (low to no cost premium plans offered)
- Life Insurance that provides 1.5 Times Your Annual Salary
- Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
- Short Term Disability Supplement (Based on Years of Service)
- Paid holidays (includes Winter Break and Summer 1/2 Fridays in June and July) and 2 Floating holidays each year
- Trusted Time Off (unlimited vacation policy following 90 days)
- Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave (Based on Years of Service)
- ID Theft Protection and Will Preparation Assistance
- Legal and Financial Counseling
- Four Professional Wellness Sessions
- Employee Assistance Free and Confidential Counseling Services
As part of our commitment to health and safety, DSF employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. All persons offered a position will be required to provide valid proof of vaccination prior to starting employment.
Denver Scholarship Foundation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Learn about DSF’s commitment to Equity & Inclusion.
Salary Description
$50,000 to $56,000
