Running Start College and Career Readiness Advisor

BACKGROUND

Elevate is a dynamic community partnership facilitated by the United Way of the Blue Mountains, uniting diverse cross-sector members to strengthen the educational pipeline from cradle to career. Our mission is to ensure every student, regardless of background, has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Through collaborative efforts and data-driven strategies, Elevate works to eliminate barriers and foster success in education, creating a brighter future for all students in the region.  

The Elevate partnership received the Horizons Regional Grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  This grant funds Elevate’s efforts to increase postsecondary enrollment and through increasing FAFSA completion rates, providing effective college and career advising, and increasing dual credit completion.  Essential in this work is an understanding of the postsecondary landscape and a commitment to engaging with low-income, rural, and Latino communities in the Blue Mountain region.

POSITION SUMMARY

United Way/Elevate is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented College and Career Readiness Advisor (“CCRA”) to provide comprehensive college and career advising to local high school students who are enrolled in Running Start classes at Walla Walla Community College (“WWCC”).  The role serves as a trusted guide for students planning for further education after high school and navigating the transition to postsecondary programs.  This is a full time, year-round position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work collaboratively with WWCC and school district staff who support Running Start students, as well as other high school administrators, teachers, counselors, community-based organizations, and other staff to support Running Start students and families to navigate the postsecondary landscape and process.  
• Build strong cross-entity relationships with WWCC staff.  Gain deep knowledge of WWCC programs to serve as the “WWCC expert” on the CCRA team.
• Meet individually and in small groups with students to understand their aspirations and goals for after high school, and help students understand pathways to achieve those goals.
• Provide culturally-appropriate support to students and families in understanding and completing college applications, financial aid applications (including both FAFSA and WASFA), and other postsecondary application forms.
• Assist students with scholarship searches and applications.  
• Support students with tasks associated with the transition to postsecondary programs to prevent summer melt, including warm handoffs to postsecondary support staff.  
• Participate in Walla Walla High School and College Place Ecosystem teams, including leading financial aid run chart data gathering and presentation.
• Document and track student interactions, outreach efforts, and engagement activities using Airtable to support accurate records and reporting.  
• Support programming and student engagement efforts by participating in events and activities hosted by Walla Walla Community College and local high schools.
• Collaborate with higher education partners to plan and carry out campus visits for Running Start students, including chaperoning part-day, full-day, and overnight field trips.  
• Participate in case management and professional development sessions, conferences and convenings, and other local and statewide professional learning opportunities.  
• Work collaboratively with building and regional partners to plan and carry out career exploration and readiness activities such as career fairs, guest speakers, job site visits, résumé and cover letter writing workshops, leadership opportunities, interviewing skills, and work-based learning.
• Work with high school staff to assist students in completing their High School and Beyond Plans. 
• With support from Elevate staff and Local Data Intermediary, collect and analyze student postsecondary application and enrollment data.
• Conduct and provide logistical support for family-focused workshops on postsecondary access, including Family Academy/Academia Familiar.
• Maintain confidentiality of student and family information.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent interpersonal, relationship building, and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with high school students, school staff, and families.  
• Ability to work in a team environment as well as serve as a self-starter who proactively identifies opportunities, solves problems, and follows through on tasks and projects.
• Associate’s degree in education, counseling, social work, or a related field and two years related work experience, or bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, social work, or a related field with one or more years related work experience.
• Demonstrated experience working with youth and a knowledge and passion for youth development, including at least two years’ experience working in K-12 schools or higher education, preferably in rural, low-income, or Latino communities.
• Demonstrated familiarity with a variety of postsecondary options, financial aid literacy, and career development strategies.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.  
• Ability to effectively track interaction and intervention data.
• Ability to travel through Walla Walla County with reliable vehicle and proof of insurance.

ADDITIONAL PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, or related field.
• Previous experience in project and/or management, preferably in an educational setting.
• Experience in facilitating workshops and meetings and adapting communication style to engage diverse groups of students, parents, and stakeholders.
• Written and oral fluency in Spanish.

COMPENSATION

Total compensation will range from $76,385-$80,000 depending on qualifications, experience, and benefit selections.  

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit the following materials to amy@uwbluemt.org and christy@uwbluemt.org with the subject line “RUNNING START CCRA APPLICATION”

1. Cover letter
2. Resume

We will consider applications on a rolling basis until we find the right person.  

If you have questions, contact Amy Ly, at amy@uwbluemt.org.  

United Way is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.