Description

As a nonprofit organization, DSF’s mission is to inspire and empower DPS students to enroll in and graduate from postsecondary institutions of higher education, by providing the tools, knowledge, and financial resources essential for success. By embodying the core values of equity, innovation, leadership, learning, relationships, and integrity in everything we do, DSF strives to be a leader within the community. As we constantly seek to improve our services, we build strong relationships with college staff members, partners, students, team members and the broader community. We are committed to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, believing in the value and ability of all students and team members.

We seek candidates who will model, live, and reinforce DSF’s mission and core values with colleagues, students, families, and the broader community. If you are passionate about the philosophy and mission of DSF, then we invite you to join us and help make college possible for Denver's students.

Job Summary:

DSF seeks dynamic applicants for an impactful new advising role! This unique position promises to be an exciting opportunity to support both Denver Public Schools (DPS) high school students and DSF Scholars who have recently graduated from college (DSF Alumni). As a Program Advisor, you’ll be at the heart of two primary functions of our program. In this role, fifty-percent of time and effort will be serving with our College Access Team to provide college and career advising to high school students across our network of 15 Denver Public Schools with a DSF Future Center rotating among them as needed. The other half will be spent with our College Success Team with a research-based focus on crafting and implementing research-based programming and communications for DSF Alumni who have recently graduated from college. Your creative input will be key in supporting DSF Alumni in their transition from as needed as-needed college to a thriving career.

Primary Responsibilities: College Access (20 hours per week on-site)  

• Support a DSF Future Center (i.e. college resource center) that promotes all college pathways including technical, two-year, and four-year opportunities, under direct supervision and collaboration with another College Advisor. 
• Observe and support the delivery of high impact college readiness and access services to high school students and their families through individual advising, group facilitation, classroom lessons, and presentations that are strategically grouped by grade-level, focusing on 4 content areas: 

1. College and Career Exposure- college representative presentations, academic major exploration, job shadows, interest and aptitude surveys, connecting career interest to academic pathways

2. Personal Development- relationship building, goal setting, decision making, student accountability, navigating systems, communication skills 

3. College Readiness- high school academic success, extracurricular involvement, 

4. Financial Literacy- how to pay for college, financial aid readiness, scholarship identification and application support 

• Support and collaborate on college access programming including, but not limited to, college application submission, career advising, college campus visits, interface with admissions officers, financial aid advising, scholarship assistance, FAFSA submission and college enrollment step completion
• Effectively collaboration with school administration, counselors, staff and community partners to coordinate and/or deliver specified 9-12th grade services focused on college and career awareness and early preparation
• Maintain accurate and current student data related to college access activities, services, progress toward post-secondary education, college enrollment, college matriculation
• Analyze student progress periodically to establish data-informed daily, weekly, monthly and annual programming and student outreach priorities and strategies

Primary Responsibilities: College Success (12 hours per week on-site 8 hours per week off-site) 

• Provide direct student support to approximately 300 recent Auraria (Community College of Denver [CCD], Metropolitan State University [MSU] Denver, University of Colorado [CU] Denver) Alumni, and support the development and implementation of engaging communications and outreach for all DSF Alumni including a monthly newsletter
• Partner with Success Program Manager with the development and implementation of DSF Alumni programming, including but not limited to: DSF Scholar & Alumni Virtual Series, DSF Scholar Summit, DSF Mentorship Program, and DSF Alumni Advisory Committee
• Meet and collaborate with DSF Alumni support team to establish and inform alumni advising procedures and data tracking guidelines, while also providing direct support to DSF Alumni who are seeking general guidance on next steps 
• Assist College Success team with special projects, including but not limited to: researching best practices in supporting higher education students for retention and completion, gathering examples of similar programs locally/nationally, and examination of current DSF programming for alignment 
• Compile and update current College Success resources including the Campus Advisor Handbook and weekly Success updates

Other Primary Responsibilities

• Maintain healthy, collaborative, and productive relationships with all key stakeholders including students, families, high school staff, college staff, district partners, staff from partner organizations, community members, and funders.
• Raise student awareness and participation in the DSF Scholarship program
• Actively participate in Staff, Program, Access, Success meetings and professional development opportunities, assist in the planning and facilitation when appropriate, and manage DSF volunteers/interns to maximize impact
• Remain current on best practices in college success and measurements of college success, particularly as it relates to first generation and low-income students
• Ongoing support and advocacy for students’ academic and personal development
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Coachable, eager to learn, capable of initiating own learning, ability to implement feedback. 
• Exceptional adaptability and flexibility, capable of identifying problems and effectively solving them with minimal direction.
• Experience working with young people, particularly those from under-resourced backgrounds, and a passion for student and Alumni success.
• Knowledge of higher education financing, student financial aid, and postsecondary education systems and long- term interest in college access and career success, financial aid, and scholarships.
• Strong oral communication, presentation, and writing skills.
• Excellent organization skills, attention to detail, accuracy, and timely completion of tasks.
• Proactive problem-solving ability, demonstrating initiative both independently and within a team.
• Ability to operate in a professional manner including proper attire, ethical behavior, and strict confidentiality with student/family information
• A sense of humor, tolerance for change, and a demonstrated ability to create a positive culture and sense of empowerment for students/families
• Proficiency in using various technology tools, including databases, software programs, internet tools, and communication platforms.
• Ability to strategically utilize internet searches to gather accurate, credible information and synthesize research results to address requested subjects.
• Sense of humor, tolerance for change, and proven ability to foster a supportive environment for students and families.
• Fluency in Spanish and experience with Salesforce preferred. 

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree and at least one year of experience in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Compensation & Benefits 

• $55,000 to $58,000
• 401(k) plan with $ for $ match of up to 5%
• Group health, dental, and vision insurance (low cost premium plans offered) 
• Life Insurance that provides 2 Times Your Annual Salary
• Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Short Term Disability Supplement (Based on Years of Service)
• Paid holidays (includes Winter Break and Summer 1/2 Fridays in June and July) and 2 Floating holidays each year
• Trusted Time Off (unlimited vacation policy following 90 days)
• Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave (Based on Years of Service)
• ID Theft Protection and Will Preparation Assistance
• Legal and Financial Counseling
• Four Professional Wellness Sessions
• Employee Assistance Free and Confidential Counseling Services

This is a hybrid position four days onsite and one day remote.

Job posting will remain open until 06/17/24 and may be extended if additional time is needed to gather qualified applicants. 

Denver Scholarship Foundation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Learn about DSF’s commitment to Equity & Inclusion.