The College Planner provides comprehensive support to members and their families by partnering with them to establish a foundation on which to pursue higher education, including but not limited to college admissions and financial aid. The goal of the program is to provide members with peace of mind while preparing for post-secondary education or training.

Reporting to the Director of College Planning and working in partnership with organizational partners, the part-time College Planner will:

• Work with individual students and their families face-to-face or over the phone to help navigate academic and financial barriers for post-secondary education/training.
• Assist parents and students in navigating admissions in any post-secondary training program.
• Assist parents and students to complete appropriate financial aid applications, including Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and CSS Profile, and help families navigate the negotiation process to get the most from their financial aid package.
• Identify opportunities for financial aid: scholarships, grants, work study, and student loans.
• Work with organizational partners to utilize college planning curriculum targeted specifically for high school seniors and parents on topics including but not limited to: college funding (financial aid package, student loans, savings, pay off plan, etc.).
• Work with organizational partners to support students and families in creating budgets and spending plans while in college to ensure debt level is monitored and maintained.
• Work closely with Marketing to maintain College Planning website, create blogs, and develop videos.
• Provide member-centric, member-focused program delivery and support.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelors Degree or equivalent experience.
• Three (3) years of relevant experience in a high school or higher education setting, preferably dealing with college admissions or financial aid. Experience with educational or youth-serving organizations preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to work 20 hours per week May 1, 2024-August 16, 2024.
• Knowledge of higher education landscape and current trends in education debt and enrollment process.
• Experience in college admissions or high school counseling and financial aid processes.
• Knowledge of FAFSA and student loan landscape.
• Data entry, including all program-related information, management, and maintenance of member records in Salesforce.
• Demonstrated presentation skills, including developing and delivering content.
• Excellent communication skills, including written, verbal, and interpersonal.
• Organized, detail-oriented, highly motivated, and a strong ability to work effectively with diverse groups.
• Enjoy working with diverse communities of people.

In addition to the above requirements, candidate must:

• Have reliable transportation.
• Have a valid drivers license and proof of current vehicle insurance.
• Carry out the essential functions of the position with, or without, accommodation.
• Demonstrate awareness and understanding of cultural and ethnic diversity of all organizational and community stakeholders.