Department: Teen Programming
Reports To: Director of Teen Initiatives
Schedule: Part-Time, approximately 25 hours per week
About the Role
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties (BGCSDC) is seeking a College & Career Advisor to provide high school students with individualized guidance and support as they prepare for life after graduation. The Advisor will help students navigate college admissions, scholarships, financial aid, career exploration, technical education, and other post-secondary pathways.
The Advisor will develop and facilitate post-secondary readiness programming, coordinate visits to colleges and training institutions, and build relationships with colleges, universities, technical schools, scholarship organizations, and other educational partners to expand opportunities for Club teens. The ideal candidate is organized, knowledgeable, and relationship-oriented, with a strong understanding of post-secondary options and a commitment to helping students identify and pursue the pathway that best aligns with their goals.
Key Responsibilities
Student Advising & Post-Secondary Planning
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Provide individualized advising to high school students, with an emphasis on upperclassmen, to help them identify and pursue appropriate college, technical education, certification, and other post-secondary pathways.
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Guide students through academic requirements, admissions processes, application timelines, scholarships, financial aid, and FAFSA completion, providing hands-on support as needed.
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Build strong relationships with students and provide ongoing guidance, accountability, and support to help them successfully navigate their post-secondary plans.
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Identify barriers to post-secondary participation and connect students and families with appropriate resources and support.
Partnerships & Opportunity Development
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Develop and maintain relationships with colleges, universities, technical institutions, scholarship organizations, and community partners to expand educational opportunities available to Club teens.
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Identify and connect students with relevant scholarships, financial aid opportunities, programs, and other post-secondary resources.
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Coordinate college and technical education visits and other post-secondary experiences, including tours, transportation, travel arrangements, and related logistics.
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Collaborate with schools, families, Teen Programming staff, and community partners to provide coordinated support and maximize opportunities for students.
Management & Impact
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Maintain accurate records of student advising, applications, post-secondary plans, and outcomes to support effective follow-up and student progress.
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Use student needs and outcomes to identify gaps and continuously strengthen post-secondary advising and support.
Requirements
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Bachelor’s degree required.
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Three years of experience in education, youth development, college access, advising, or a related field preferred.
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Experience working with high school students and knowledge of college admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and post-secondary education or training options.
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Strong communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills.
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Ability to manage multiple students, deadlines, and priorities with discretion and attention to detail.
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Ability to work independently and collaboratively with students, families, schools, and community partners.
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Commitment to the mission, values, and standards of BGCSDC.
This is a part-time position of approximately 25 hours per week, with occasional evening and weekend commitments for workshops, student events, college visits, and other programming.
