12th Grade Scholar Advisor

Note for Internal Candidates

While this role is visible on our external job board, internal applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. Internal candidates will be prioritized in the review and selection process. If you are a current SEO employee interested in this opportunity, we invite you to apply and continue your professional journey with us.

Title: 12 th Grade Scholar Advisor

Department: SEO Scholars Miami

Report to: Executive Director, SEO Scholars Miami

Compensation: $57,690 - $65,700

FLSA: Exempt

Employee Type: Full-Time, Regular

Location: Miami, FL

Work Arrangement: Hybrid - 3 days/week in the SEO office at 3401 N Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33127

This is a full-time, exempt position with a hybrid schedule requiring in-person work three days a week (including required Saturdays) and virtual work two days a week. The typical weekly schedule is as follows:

Fall Term: Tuesday through Saturday (3x a month); Monday through Friday (1x month)

Spring Term: Tuesday through Saturday (3x a month); Monday through Friday (1x month)

Summer Term: Monday through Friday

In-person attendance is required for all Community Day programming dates

Two weeks of in-person attendance will be required during our College Application Bootcamp programming from mid to late July

Work requires local travel beyond the office for Saturday programming at the following locations (subject to change):

Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus

ABOUT SEO

Founded in 1963 during the Civil Rights Movement, SEO closes educational and career opportunity gaps for 7,000 ambitious young people annually.

SEO Scholars is a free, eight-year, academic program that transforms public high school students in New York City, San Francisco, North Carolina, and Miami into college graduates. SEO Scholars successfully educates and mentors students to and through college. 100% of Scholars are accepted into four-year colleges, 85% of Scholars graduate with a Bachelor’s degree, and 80% are first-generation college graduates. All are welcome to apply.

POSITION OVERVIEW

SEO Scholars Miami seeks a passionate, student-centered, and highly organized 12th Grade Scholar Advisor to support our Scholars through one of the most critical stages of their educational journey: the transition from high school to college. This Advisor role will provide individualized advising, college access support, academic monitoring, family engagement, and social-emotional guidance to ensure Scholars successfully matriculate to and persist through postsecondary opportunities.

The ideal candidate is relationship-driven, equity-minded, detail-oriented, and deeply committed to supporting first-generation and underserved students through the college application and transition process, and ideally will have experience as a college counselor in a high school or college setting with financial aid and scholarship advising experience, and possess a strong belief that, through commitment and hard work, students can achieve their dreams of college acceptance, attendance, and completion.

College Advising & Access

Create and foster an environment for all 12th grade Scholars that encourages intellectual curiosity, an inclusive, close-knit and supportive community, and a college-going culture

Provide data-driven advising to all Scholars in the cohort via one-on-one, small group, and family meetings

Guide all 12th grade Scholars through the development of their college applications, all associated essays, and the financial aid process following SEO’s college advising approach

Coordinate guest speakers, alumni panels, and volunteer engagement opportunities

Collaborate with 12 th grade leaders at other SEO Scholars sites to connect Scholars to colleges and universities in other regions, as well as the College Scholars team

Manage all college applications and matriculation decisions from start to completion, providing individualized support as needed and ensure 100% of applications are submitted on time

Assist Scholars with FAFSA, financial aid, scholarships, and verification processes

Support Scholars in evaluating financial aid packages and making informed college decisions

Coordinate college transition and summer melt prevention efforts

Scholar Advising & Coaching Support

Build strong relationships with Scholars through consistent one-on-one advising

Foster and maintain a strong cohort culture grounded in accountability, belonging, and community

Monitor academic progress, attendance, engagement, and overall Scholar well-being

Support Scholars in goal setting, time management, self-advocacy, and leadership development

Develop individualized support plans and interventions for Scholars needing additional support

Design and deliver curriculum and workshops to 12th Grade Scholars including 12th grade Advisory classes during the Fall, Spring, and Summer

Maintain accurate Scholar records, advising notes, and progress tracking systems

Track application completion, FAFSA submission, college acceptances, scholarships, and enrollment outcomes; Ensure timely completion of documentation and compliance requirements

Partner with writing instructors to support all associated college essays as well as all scholarship, enrichment program, and opportunity program applications

Project an energetic, engaging, and approachable persona to promote students’ connection to the content, investment in learning, and positive relationships to all members of the community

Work with 11 th grade Scholar Advisor to transition Scholars effectively into 12 th grade; Work with College Scholars team to successfully transition 12 th grade Scholars to their College Persistence Advisors (CPAs) and CS team

Scholar & Family Engagement

Collect, enter, and analyze all key data points for 12th grade

Create, update, and manage all student-facing trackers, including the use of Salesforce

Serve as a primary point of contact for families throughout the college application process

Facilitate family meetings, workshops, and information sessions

Communicate regularly with families regarding Scholar progress, deadlines, and college milestones

Provide bilingual and culturally responsive support when appropriate

Plan several key College Admissions related events throughout the school year including but not limited to Graduation, Mock admissions day, FAFSA day, and College Decision Day

Create and send monthly Family Newsletters

Deliver and support all 12th grade Family Workshops and assist in workshop content creation

School & Community Partnership Engagement

Build and maintain relationships with related personnel from top colleges and universities in Florida and across the Southeast region; Support individual Scholar interests nationally by building connection with college/university admissions, as required to provide support

Build and maintain relationships with school counselors/advisors, teachers, and community partners

Advocate for Scholars within school settings when appropriate

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree preferred

2+ years of experience in college access, youth development, high school counseling, advising, education, or related fields, with a focus on college-bound pathways and English; experience as a college counselor or advisor

Strong knowledge of:

College admissions processes

FAFSA and financial aid systems

Postsecondary pathways and scholarship opportunities

Experience working with students in communities aligned with SEO’s mission and passion for preparing them to lead by example in their families, communities, and careers

Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills

Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment

COMPETENCIES & SKILLS

Knowledge of the Florida public college system and top ranked private colleges preferred

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