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) is integral in guiding students in grades 9 through 12 through the transition from middle school to high school and the college preparation process in Onward’s target school districts. This role provides direct services to students in areas such as academics, college and career readiness, and social and emotional wellness. The HS Advisor helps students navigate through the complexities of high school and prepare for college, serves as a key connector to educational and community resources, and fosters a supportive environment that promotes academic achievement, college and career readiness, and personal growth.  

Job Responsibilities 

Program Delivery and Execution:  

• Promote Onward We Learn program offerings, guiding students in selecting programs that align with their needs and interests. 
• Deliver engaging and educational programming related to academic planning, summer enrichment activities, career exploration, the college application process after school, weekends, and school vacations.   
• Provide one-on-one and group mentorship sessions focusing on personal development, academic guidance, college preparation, and career exploration.  
• Help students clarify educational objectives, and identify financial aid resources, and other support services. 
• Collaborate with the Onward team to plan and execute transition activities such as college visits, financial aid planning, and career exploration.  
• Consistently adhere to Onward programmatic tenets, ensuring all activities and interactions align with the organization’s mission and educational philosophy. 
• Ensure strict compliance with all relevant school policies and legal requirements, including mandatory reporting, to ensure the safety and well-being of student participants.  

Student Transition Support:  

• Facilitate a smooth transition for middle school students to high school, coordinating with Middle School Advisors, students, parents, and staff to ensure comprehensive support and communication. 
• Lead the identification and application process for Onward's Honorific Program, offering guidance on the application process to enhance student participation and success. 
• Craft and execute strategies to assist high school students in their transition to college, working closely with College Success Coaches to address the high school-to-college transition challenges.  

Data Analysis and Reporting:  

• Utilize Onward’s CRM's caseload management modules to maintain accurate and current records of all student and family interactions, attendance, academic progress, and personal development milestones. 
• Leverage CRM reports to regularly analyze student data identify trends in student engagement and assess the effectiveness of academic support strategies. 
• Collaborate closely with the Director of High School Success to identify and implement interventions as necessary, ensuring sustained high levels of participation and students are meeting all assigned milestones.  
• Conduct at least monthly check-ins with each student on the caseload, utilizing the CRM for streamlined communication, to assess progress, address concerns, and provide targeted support.  

Relationship Building and Management  

• Collaborate with the Director of High School Success, school administrators, and the relevant community partners to develop and implement an annual partnership plan for each assigned school. 
• Develop and maintain relationships with relevant school personnel in assigned school(s) and relevant community organizations to create a supportive network for students. 
• Facilitate connections among students to foster a sense of community and belonging within the Onward We Learn program. 
• Serve as an advocate in discussions between students, their families, and school personnel, ensuring effective communication and collaboration during critical transitions and milestones. Such as the move from middle school to high school. 
• Regularly communicate with school counselors and families to update them on student progress and program information. 
• Assist families in navigating the education system and college application and financial aid processes.  

Team Collaboration and Professional Development 

• Participate in the High School department and other Program meetings to understand organization goals and how the High School Advisor role contributes to those objectives.  
• Regularly collaborate with other departments within Onward We Learn to ensure a unified approach to student development and program delivery. 
• Engage in regular professional development opportunities to stay current with educational trends, student counseling, youth mentorship, youth development best practices, and school safety and security best practices. 

• Bachelor’s degree in education, human services, or a related field 
• 2-3 years experience in direct services to adolescents 
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills 
• Ability to work independently and build relationships in a school setting 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and adaptability to new technology systems 
• Demonstrated commitment to Onward We Learn’s mission and vision 
• Access to reliable transportation to travel to assigned partner schools 

Preferred 

• Fluency in languages spoken by Onward We Learn’s students and families. 
• Prior knowledge of public, charter, and/or private education systems, community resources, and higher education.  

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.  

Onward We Learn, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, is an affirmative action equal opportunity employer.