Jobs at Young Black Leadership Alliance (YBLA) (Now Hiring) — 2 open

Position Summary

YBLA is seeking two part-time College Advisors—one based in Charlotte, NC, and one based in Atlanta, GA—to provide college advising, application support, and college readiness programming for high school students and their families.

The College Advisor is responsible for guiding high school students and their families through the college planning and admissions process. This position provides group and individualized advising, facilitates college readiness workshops, assists with college and scholarship applications, and helps students make informed decisions about their postsecondary education.

The College Advisor plays a critical role in ensuring students are prepared to successfully transition from high school to college while advancing YBLA's mission of developing future leaders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

College Advising

• Provide group and one-on-one college advising to high school students and their families.
• Guide students through the college search, application, and admissions process.
• Assist students in identifying colleges that best align with their academic, personal, and career goals.
• Support students in evaluating financial aid offers and making informed college decisions.

College Readiness

• Review and provide feedback on college essays, resumes, and personal statements.
• Assist students with completing college applications and meeting important deadlines.
• Facilitate workshops on topics including:
  • College admissions
  • College essay writing
  • Resume development
  • Financial aid and scholarships
  • Transitioning to college
  • College success strategies

Scholarships & Financial Aid

• Research and identify scholarship opportunities for students.
• Communicate scholarship opportunities and deadlines to students and parents.
• Assist students with scholarship applications and required materials.

Student Engagement & Program Support

• Facilitate virtual college preparation workshops and SAT/ACT prep boot camps.
• Provide one-on-one advising and support to students throughout the college admissions process.
• Communicate regularly with students and parents regarding program updates, deadlines, and upcoming events.
• Assist the Parent Advisor with parent workshops and family engagement activities as needed.
• Support college tours, college fairs, and other college readiness events.

Data & Reporting

• Maintain accurate student records, advising notes, and case management documentation.
• Track student progress, application completion, scholarship submissions and awards, college acceptances, enrollment, and persistence.
• Monitor program participation and student engagement.
• Prepare reports that measure student outcomes and overall program effectiveness.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with high school students in an educational or youth development setting.
• Minimum of two (2) years of college advising experience.
• Experience facilitating college readiness workshops.
• Experience reviewing and editing college essays, resumes, and personal statements.
• Experience working with students and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong knowledge of the college admissions, financial aid, and scholarship application processes.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple students, deadlines, and priorities.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.

Position Details

• Part-time position (up to 10 hours per week).
• Flexible schedule with evening availability required for workshops, student advising, and occasional weekend events.
• Participate in weekly planning meetings with the Program Manager.
• Travel required for college tours and other student events.
• Hybrid/remote work environment with the ability to work from home while maintaining regular communication with the YBLA team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of FAFSA and financial aid processes.
• Experience working with first-generation college students.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience using Microsoft Teams and Zoom for virtual meetings

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Passion for helping students achieve postsecondary success.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and follow-through.
• Excellent presentation and facilitation skills.
• Ability to build meaningful relationships with students, parents, educators, and community partners.
• Strong problem-solving and time-management skills.
• Commitment to equity, student success, and the mission and values of YBLA.

Why Join YBLA?

At YBLA, you'll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people by helping them navigate one of the most important decisions of their lives. You'll join a passionate team committed to preparing the next generation of leaders through education, mentorship, leadership development, and life-changing experiences.