The Role

The high school advisor is an instrumental member of the Academy team. The advisor provides highly individualized, small-group, and large-group support to Academy members as they progress from 9th through 12th grade. The advisor engages with members, families, strategic partners, the Academy team, and others to ensure every member experiences exceptional social, emotional, and academic support. The aim is to build their perseverance, agency, and belief in themselves to excel in school, work, and life.

The high school advisor is also responsible for executing the Academy advising curriculum and working closely with members to develop personal goals, academic plans, and other key attributes necessary for admissions to competitive and highly competitive colleges and universities. In addition, the high school advisor collaborates with the advising team and families to manage the summer pathways program model and other enrichment services available to members.

The high school advisor's approach to working should reflect the core values and habits of the Academy staff: tireless focus on excellence, determination despite obstacles, impeccable integrity, willingness to work hard, ability to learn from multiple sources, relentless focus on results, constant reflection and self-awareness, zest, social intelligence, and pertinacity.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Personal Characteristics

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist members with developing personal, academic, and career goals;
• Guide members with academic planning specific to the selection of high school courses, summer pathways, and other enrichment programs;
• Build strong relationships with the assigned caseload of members and families;
• Assists with the application process for summer pathway programs.
• Facilitate one-to-one and small-group advisory lessons;
• Design and facilitate college and career awareness and planning modules for members and parents;
• Organize and facilitate local and national college tours;
• Coordinate and facilitate college representative visits;
• Monitors student progress, maintains student records, and develops applicable academic intervention plans; and
• Limited travel to regional programs

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in professional school counseling or related field (high school teacher, college access specialist, others);
• Minimum of three years of successful professional school counseling, high school-based or related experience (including student-facing nonprofits or higher education);
• Demonstrated knowledge of artificial intelligence tools and emerging technologies, with the ability to effectively leverage digital platforms (e.g., data systems, advising tools, automation applications) to enhance advising practices, streamline workflows, and support student outcomes;
• Background in academic, high school, or college advising;
• Experience with designing and facilitating advisory lessons; and
• Passion or experience with organizing and facilitating college tours.
• Successful experience serving young people from resilient communities

Additionally, the High School Advisor will have a proven track record demonstrating the following capabilities:

• Understanding of current trends and best practices in education and child development
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills
• Ability to work effectively in collaboration with a diverse group of people
• Passion, idealism, integrity, positive attitude, mission focus, and autonomous nature
• Knowledge of regional challenges and opportunities relating to the mission of the organization
• Ability to work under dynamic, evolving conditions

Location

• This position will be based in Chicago. The position is a hybrid role.

Compensation

• The Academy Group offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive medical, vision, dental, and 401(k) package. The position pay range is $83,000 - $95,000.00.

To Apply