Organizational Overview

The mission of Onward We Learn is to prepare and inspire young people in Rhode Island to become the first in their families to attend and complete college. From the time they join through their early years of college, participants experience the steady, nurturing presence of caring adults and participate in programs that focus on academic enrichment, personal development, career exploration, and college preparation.  

Onward We Learn encourages people from underrepresented backgrounds to apply, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC); those who are the first in their family to attend college; LGBTQIA+ community  

Purpose of the Position

 The High School Advisor (HS Advisor) works with an assigned caseload of Onward We Learn students in grades 9-12 attending public or charter schools in one of the six under-resourced communities served by Onward We Learn. The High School Advisor provides direct services to high school students on matters dealing with academics, college/career readiness, and social and emotional wellness. The HS Advisor links students to existing school- and community-based support systems and programs.  

Application Instructions: Please include a cover letter stating how your unique background and/or experiences connect to the mission, vision, and values of this organization. We are looking for a thoughtful, personalized cover letter that demonstrates your qualifications, work style, and interest in this specific role. 

Major Responsibilities

 Partnership Management 

• In collaboration with the Director of High School Success, Onward We Learn staff, assigned school administration, and community partners, to develop and implement an annual school partnership plan to support students in meeting a set of student performance benchmarks 
• Exchanges information with, school counselors, student, and parents regarding program challenges, failures, and successes of participants 
• Work with school administration to expand a school and community-wide culture of college access and success 
• Access and leverage community resources in support of the program 

Service Delivery 

• Promote Onward We Learn program offerings and help students identify and select programs that relate to their needs and interests. Provide the necessary follow-up to ensure successful participation 
• Assist with the planning and implementation of all transitional activities (middle school to high school and high school to postsecondary)  
• Aid students in clarifying education objectives, identifying financial aid resources, and other appropriate support services as needed 
• Collaborate to implement a broad range of services during after-school, school vacation breaks, and weekends, including academic planning and preparation, career exploration, tutoring, college visits, financial aid planning, summer enrichment activities, summer melt initiatives, text messaging, leadership training, annual orientation events, FAFSA submission, and college application completion 

Caseload and data management  

• Encourage every student to consider a broad range of appropriate postsecondary choices with an emphasis placed on exploring and identifying students’ best-fit options 
• Track all services by accurately entering program information, contacts, and notes into the student database. Adhere to strict confidentiality in student record keeping 
• Maintain accurate data, records, and files to track the activities, achievements, participation, attendance progress, and status of individual students 
• Assist in data collection and evaluation aimed at grant compliance and long-term sustainability of the program 
• Perform other duties as required 

Position Qualification and Competencies

Essential KSOC’s (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics)

•  Knowledge of public, charter, and/or private education systems, community resources, and higher education preferred 
• High energy level, attention to detail, strong time management skills, ability to handle multiple tasks, strong interpersonal skills, innovative mindset, and team player a must 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Access) and able to learn and effectively use the latest software and technology systems employed by Onward We Learn 

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, human services or related field.
• 2-3 years’ experience in direct services to adolescents.

Other Requirements

•  Schedule: Must be willing to maintain a flexible schedule, including some weekend and evening hours. 
• Transportation: Must have own reliable transportation, valid driver's license, and proof of insurance. 
• Flexibility: Must be willing to perform other duties associated with this position as required. 
• Bilingual a plus (Spanish, Portuguese, Cape Verde, Hmong, Cambodian.) 

 Total Rewards and Benefits 

Onward We Learn offers a comprehensive benefits package that helps our employees live their best lives and grow personally and professionally. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, flex spending accounts, generous paid time off, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and a 403(b)retirement plan with organizational match.  

Salary Range

$36,400 - $52,600 - salary is dependent on experience