Program Associate

About This Role

The CPI Program Associate will support college access and admissions advising for various College Preparation Initiatives, focusing on engaging and supporting college scholars from programs like PUPP, PSJP, and LSP while also assisting with PSJP program operations.

Responsibilities

• Engage and virtually meet with CPI College Scholars on all points of undergraduate student success including: registration and course sequence, financial aid renewal, campus housing security, wellness, internships/fellowships and career pathways
• Build effective relationships with college partners, financial aid, and other offices at CPI target institutions to advocate for students and assist them in reaching their higher education goals
• Strengthen and innovate existing programming for CPI program participants in college and create systems to best communicate and engage with College Scholars
• Work alongside EBCAO colleagues on the development and delivery of workshops and training aimed at supporting CPI College Scholars in their career and professional development
• Lead outreach and marketing for PSJP, including social media and other online communications
• Take an active role in the recruitment and selection of participants for PSJP, including operations
• Provide small group and 1:1 college counseling sessions to 12th grade students in CPI programs; assist with college research, application preparation, essay writing, and scholarship and financial aid applications
• Support recruitment, and selection of participants for CPI programs including PUPP, PSJP, and LSP
• Assist with regular CPI program operations, including leading PUPP and LSP cohort meetings, chaperoning events and facilitating workshops for CPI programs
• Stay current on trends and changes in college access and success, college admissions and financial aid (FAFSA, CSS Profile, scholarships) and other post-secondary issues

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• 3+ years experience
• Comprehensive knowledge of the college admissions process, particularly for high-achieving, low-income and first generation students
• Experience working with students to achieve selective college success and manage wellness/social-emotional well-being
• Experience working with first generation students and/or students from families with limited experience with American higher education systems
• Advanced written and spoken (English) communication and administrative skills; excellent telephone manner
• Experience with Slate software, Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Google Suite and Google Classroom, design software, and related to school data management systems (PowerSchool, Genesis, Naviance, etc.)
• High degree of energy, empathy, self-motivation, and flexibility
• Strong communication, organizational and interpersonal skills, and the ability to engage effectively with undergraduates, graduate students, administrative staff, and university faculty
• Ability and comfort multitasking and adapting to a wide range of organizational needs
• Ability and desire to work as part of a complex team
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and make decisions based on established polices and procedures in supervisors' absence
• Ability to problem solve and offer creative solutions

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• 3+ years experience

Nice to Have

• Masters Degree in education, counseling, or related field
• Past participation in college access and success programs as a high school or college student
• Background in Higher Education, Counseling, College Access/Preparation, Urban Education, College Admissions Counseling or related field
• Experience with the college admissions process - either as a school counselor, college advisor, or admissions officer
• Demonstrated commitment to educational access and opportunity
• Advanced Spanish language skills - written and verbal

Skills

* Required skills