Our Organization

Students Rising Above (SRA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded 20 years ago to  serve all nine counties of the San Francisco Bay Area, now supporting students across the country. Students Rising Above (SRA) believes in the transformative power of education and every day we work to empower underrepresented students to achieve their life goals by connecting them to the tools, resources, and supportive community they need to excel and thrive on their college-to-career journey.  

Comprised of a tightly organized team of trained experts, corporate partners, an engaged student community, and the commitment of both individual donors and foundations, SRA has created an all-encompassing program that offers students support,  including but not limited to:

• Social-emotional support
• Academic advising and support
• Healthcare navigation
• Mental health support
• Career guidance
• Professional development

By providing comprehensive guidance and support whenever and wherever it’s needed, SRA accomplishes its mission through a series of proven initiatives that have a direct and profound impact, affecting lives for generations. For more information, visit www.studentsrisingabove.org. 

Overview

The College Admissions Counselor for the Rising Stars program is responsible for guiding high school seniors through the college application, financial aid and college decision process. SRA is a growing organization; successful candidates will need to be flexible with additional duties resulting from expansion. SRA is committed to supporting a positive and diverse workplace to meet the needs of all of our students and encourage applicants with experience serving students from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities to apply.

Key Responsibilities include:

Rising Stars Program: 

• Provide mentoring support to a cohort of students who come from low-income backgrounds.
• Develop trusting relationships with students in order to provide comprehensive support. 
• Partner with students to develop a customized college list that meets their academic, social and financial needs.
• Help students access Fly In programs.
• Assist students with completing college and financial aid applications.
• Comprehensively follow up with college applications, financial aid and college selection.
• Maintain regular contact with students via email, phone calls, text messages, virtual and in person meetings.
• Prepare and lead meetings with students covering topics including college selection, college applications, scholarships and financial aid.
• Provide support and guidance in times of crisis.
• Identify departamental points of contact at universities to develop relationships and enhance partnerships to better serve our students.
• Advocate for students with colleges.
• Guide students with waitlist and financial aid appeals.
• Participate and contribute in the outreach and selection process for new scholars.
• Attend college conferences to promote the organization and to enhance program services.
• Participate in on-going training with the SRA programs team. 
• Assist with organizing annual student retreat and college receptions.
• Collaborate with other staff and departments to ensure students receive comprehensive support services which may include but not limited to:  Career Development, mentorship, health care needs, etc. 
• Manage and liaison with organization volunteers.

Data Entry & Analysis

• Enter and update all required Salesforce data for students.
• Review data consistently and use collected data to recognize trends and inform advising

Organizational Commitment:

• Extensive travel throughout the Bay Area required.
• Strong interpersonal skills and effective at building relationships with all stakeholders.
• Position may include occasional travel for conferences or other program-related events.
• Attend organization staff meetings and trainings.

SRA is currently working 100% remotely with opportunities to meet in person with adherence to SRA in-person meeting policies. Candidates should live in the Bay Area or be willing to travel at their own expense for in-person meetings. SRA does not employ staff who live outside of the state of California. 

Required Qualifications:  

• Because our students are in school during the day, advising often happens in the late afternoon or evening and on weekends. This position requires you to be available to work shifted hours (for instance, 12pm - 8pm) up to 3 days per week and Saturdays or Sundays throughout the year.
• Proven college counseling with high school students.
• Deep knowledge of the CSU, UC and Common Application.
• Experience with HBCUs, HSIs, CTCLs and Liberal Arts Colleges.
• Experience with FAFSA and CA Dream Act applications and the verification process.
• Strong computer skills and knowledge of Salesforce is a plus.
• Sense of humor
• Excellent judgment and ability to coach students through difficult situations.
• An ability to work both independently and in a group environment.
• Ability to reach out for help when support is needed.
• Commitment to a personal and professional exploration of power and privilege, including a willingness to self-reflect and experience discomfort in difficult and transformative conversations. Previous progress along this journey required.
• 5+ years minimum of relevant experience post college graduation.
• Current driver's license and regular access to a vehicle. 
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or College Admissions & Career Planning Certificate required.
• Holds self accountable, and consistently produces quality work.
• Flexible learner and problem solver who feels comfortable taking initiative.
• Excellent project management skills and ability to provide individual guidance to a cohort of up to 50 High School seniors

To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter and resume to careers@studentsrisingabove.org. Please include “College Admissions Counselor” in the subject line.  In your cover letter please also address: 

1. What are key considerations you would advise a high school senior to consider as they are developing their college list?
2. What is one thing you wish someone told you when you were 18? 

SRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SRA has a strong commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. We strive to create and maintain a professional environment that supports these practices. SRA welcomes and encourages applications from minorities, people of color, veterans, persons with disabilities, people of any religion, people of any sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression and members of the LGBTQI+ community. All applicants are considered for all positions without regard to pregnancy, age, physical/mental disability, medical condition, military/veteran status, genetic information, marital status, citizenship or immigration status, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.