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 Middle School Advisor (MS Advisor) is pivotal in shaping a supportive educational pathway for students in grades 6-8 in Onward’s target school districts. This role is instrumental in recruiting students into our programs and providing comprehensive support services. The MS Advisor provides direct services to students in areas such as academics, high school preparation, career exploration, and social and emotional wellness. Acting as a vital link, the MS Advisor serves as both an advocate and a liaison between the students, their schools, and Onward We Learn.   

Job Responsibilities

Recruitment and Engagement Efforts: 

• Collaborate with Recruitment and Admission staff to actively promote Onward to potential students and families aiming for an increase in student enrollment through targeted recruitment strategies. 
• Facilitate communications between the Onward team and relevant school personnel regarding our admissions process. 
• Participate in admissions events such as informational nights, application support sessions, and new student orientations. 
• Serve as an onsite point of contact for prospective students and families, guiding them through the application process and ensuring all requirements are met. 

Program Delivery and Execution: 

• Deliver highly engaging educational workshops and activities tailored to middle school students, focusing on college/career readiness and essential life skills. 
• Organize and facilitate expanded learning programs during after-school hours, weekends, and school vacations that align with Onward's mission and address the unique needs of middle school students. 
• Provide targeted one-on-one and group mentorship sessions, emphasizing personal development, academic guidance, and social skills, utilizing Onward’s CRM for streamlined communication and documentation. 
• Assist students in setting realistic academic and personal goals, developing actionable plans with a strong emphasis on college access and awareness, and ensuring they meet certain milestones. 
• Collaborate closely with the Onward team to plan and execute high school transition activities, ensuring a smooth and informed progression for middle school students. 
• Consistently adhere to Onward's programmatic tenets, guaranteeing that all activities and interactions align with our mission and educational philosophy. 
• 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. 
• Ensure strict compliance with all relevant school policies and legal requirements, including mandatory reporting, to uphold the safety and well-being of student participants. 

Data Analysis and Reporting: 

• Utilize Onward’s CRM's caseload management modules to maintain accurate and current records of all student and family interactions, including attendance, academic progress, services and interventions, and personal/college awareness development milestones. 
• Leverage CRM reports to regularly analyze student attendance, academic milestones, achievement of academic goals, and completion of college readiness activities to identify trends in student engagement and assess the effectiveness of academic support strategies. 
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Middle School Success to identify and implement interventions as necessary, ensuring sustained high levels of participation and the effectiveness of academic support strategies. 
• Conduct at least monthly check-ins with each student on the caseload, utilizing the CRM for streamlined communication, to assess student progress, address concerns, and provide necessary support to enhance their experience and success. 

Relationship Building and Management  

• Develop and maintain working relationships with relevant school personnel in assigned school(s) and relevant community organizations to create a supportive network for students and support Onward’s recruitment efforts. 
• Facilitate connections among students to foster a sense of community and belonging within the Onward We Learn program. 

Family Communication and Support:  

• Establish regular communication channels with families to update them on student progress and program information biannually in the academic year and maintain them.  
• Provide quarterly updates to families on student progress and program information via email or phone. 
• Serve as an advocate in discussions between students, their families, and school personnel and assist families in navigating educational systems and accessing necessary resources, including technology and translation services. 
• Document family communications (frequency and content) in CRM for reporting and analysis.  

Team Collaboration and Professional Development 

• Participate in the Middle School department and other Program meetings to understand organization goals and how the Middle 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.