Manager, Advising Programs & Services

An established leader in the Northeast Ohio civic landscape, College Now has been changing the lives of students in our region since 1967. We do this by providing college and career access advising, financial aid counseling, and scholarship and retention services to students from middle school through adulthood. An individual filling this position can expect to have an impact on Northeast Ohio students and families.

When you work for College Now, you are part of an innovative and visionary team, committed to College Now's mission, vision, and values as we are committed to creating a collaborative workplace for team members. Offering superior benefits, ample opportunities for professional growth and development, and the chance to make an impact on the community, College Now is where careers are made and grown.

Position Title: Manager, Advising Programs and Services

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Standard Hours: 40 hours/week; occasional evening and weekend hours; some flexibility with remote work when possible

Location: Rotating between office location and school or partner sites in the community

Reports To: Senior Director or Director of Access Programs and Services

Assigned To: Access Programs and Services Department

Salary Range: $54,000 - $66,000, increases based on relevant experience

Position Summary:

Manage the day-to-day planning, execution, and evaluation of programs and services. Serves as a liaison between the school or partner organization and College Now. Supports staff in the delivery of programs and services and implementation, as well as regularly communicates with key stakeholders. Participates regularly in department and organization-wide activities including meetings, committees, training, etc. Are highly effective in their communication, facilitation, and project management skills.

Essential Functions:

The Advising Program and Services Manager work consists primarily of seven (7) categories of work. The Manager completes the following essential functions:

Program Design, Planning

• Understand program logic models and theory of change that define the logic of the work College Now does
• Assist with the design of programs and services that support the organizational goals
• Develop strategies with the Director for effective program implementation
• Prepare, support, and manage program management plans for Advising Program and Services locations
• Ensure program design matches funding source and stakeholder requirements

Program Operations, Management, and Monitoring

• Manage projects, programs, and services in schools and partner sites
• Monitor progress toward program goals by being able to interpret reports and adjust operations if necessary to ensure goals are met
• Ensure accurate tracking of services in College Now’s data management system
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality of data
• Develop student recruitment strategies, including materials, in collaboration with the site coordinators and Manager of Advising Programs and Services
• Provide college and career access advising services when needed and in support of advising team members
• Fill in for direct service staff as needed

Program Budgeting

• Track, review, and recommend program expenditures, and communicate regularly with the program team
• Track and record the budget to ensure expenses are on track/within budget and attend regular budget meetings as necessary  

Business Development Support

• Maintain external communication with reputable partners according to stakeholder engagement plan
• Participate in grant process, through support of stories, if applicable
• Advocate for additional or sustained services with external stakeholders
• Maintain awareness of MOU process and content with external stakeholders when services or space are required

Leadership and Development of Staff 

• Develop and facilitate content for internal and external training of organization team members
• Supervise, train, coach, and support staff individually and as a functioning team within assigned program portfolio on college access and career exploration,
• Conduct ongoing performance management processes
• Encourage and model participation in professional development opportunities that foster continuous growth in knowledge of college access areas
• Participate in the selection of team members through interviewing, hiring, and onboarding

Research and Program Evaluation/Compliance

• Ensure accurate and complete records for reporting
• Ensure compliance with program requirements

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate internally with Advising Programs and Services management team members to ensure seamless delivery of programs and projects
• Attend College Now organizational level managers meetings
• Attend community events/meetings/fundraisers on behalf of College Now (as needed)

Must Have Skills:

• Experience working in a team environment with a collaborative focus. 
• Ability to problem solve, troubleshoot complex situations, and manage issues with creative and effective solutions in a professional manner is critical.
• Skilled in active listening with team members as well as internal and external stakeholders.
• Actively able to anticipate both barriers and opportunities to program design and implementation.
• Effective written and verbal communication including being highly competent in group presentations and audience management.
• Knowledgeable of financial aid process, regulations, and compliance preferred (but will also be trained).
• Must have the ability to partner with schools, agencies, and other institutes of higher learning.

Must-Have Technical Skills:  

• Proficient in organization-wide suite of tools and resources (Microsoft Office) as well as the use of Customer Relationship Management Systems to enter, track, and manage data
• Ability to create, read, and analyze data
• Facilitate meetings on various virtual meeting tools such as Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, and GoToMeeting
• Ability to use software for surveys, quizzes, and assessments such as Mentimeter, Poll Everywhere, Jamboard, or others for training material, presentation content

Previous Work Experience:

Generally, 3 to 5 years prior experience working in education, higher education, related non-profit or service organization, or college and career access organization is required with a priority on direct service experience. Knowledge of federally funded programs such as TRiO, GEAR UP, or 21st Century is helpful. Familiarity with the designated communities is highly desirable. Experience working with youth is ideal. Knowledge of career exploration and college access is preferred.

Education Requirement:

Bachelor’s degree in related fields of education, counseling, sociology, psychology, social work, and nonprofit management ideal. A master’s degree in the fields of education, social work, counseling, and public health, is ideal.

DISCLAIMER: “Nothing in this position description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.”