Pathways Adviser (AdvisePA)

About Franklin & Marshall College:

AdvisePennsylvania (AdvisePA) places recent college graduates in partner school districts to serve as full-time Pathways Advisers. These advisers support high school students as they navigate a wide range of postsecondary options, including college, trade or technical training, military service, and direct entry into the workforce. In addition to their work with high school students, Pathways Advisers will work with school staff to develop and deliver career exploration programming for K-8 students quarterly, helping younger students begin to discover future opportunities and realize their full potential. The goal is to ensure that all students have access to individualized guidance and resources that align with their interests, strengths, and long-term goals.

Advisers work one-on-one and in group settings with students and families to guide them through the postsecondary planning process. A core focus of the role is career exploration, helping students understand the full spectrum of educational and professional opportunities available to them. Advisers collaborate closely with school counselors, teachers, administrators, and community partners to coordinate college and career programming, such as FAFSA completion events, application workshops, military and trade school info sessions, career fairs, campus visits, and senior Decision Day celebrations, ensuring all students are equipped to make informed and confident choices about their futures.

Job Description:

AdvisePA Pathways Advisers are expected to tailor services and programming to meet the specific needs of their assigned high schools, supporting students in exploring and pursuing a range of postsecondary pathways, including college, career, military, and trade options. Advisers will perform the following duties:

Provide mentorship and guidance to students or families seeking assistance in postsecondary planning.

Through individualized, holistic advising, interact daily with students to offer relevant information about career pathways, military opportunities, trade and technical education, college admissions, and financial aid processes.

Assist students in completing FAFSA and financial aid forms, scholarship materials, military enlistment paperwork, and other relevant documents.

Organize and promote events that expose students and families to a variety of postsecondary opportunities.

Host classroom presentations, workshops, and assemblies that focus on college and career readiness, military pathways, and vocational options.

Help plan field trips to colleges, trade schools, and local employers to expand student exposure to real-world opportunities.

Coordinate and support college and job application completion activities.

Plan and implement a senior Decision Day celebration to honor students' postsecondary commitments across all pathways.

Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with school staff, including school administrators, counselors, and teachers.

In collaboration with the AdvisePA administrative team, assess the specific needs of each school site and design strategies to meet those needs effectively.

Maintain regular communication with the on-site supervisor and other key school personnel to ensure alignment of efforts.

Become an integrated member of the school community to build trust and foster a strong college and career-going culture.

Demonstrate strong administrative, organizational, and data management skills.

Collaborate with the AdvisePA administrative team and fellow advisers to implement statewide goals and best practices.

Submit biweekly progress reports documenting key performance indicators, challenges, and student impact.

Collect and analyze data to inform program development and decision-making at both the school and program level.

Represent AdvisePA in outreach to external stakeholders, including donors, higher education institutions, community partners, and education organizations.

Take initiative in designing and executing programming to support a robust postsecondary planning culture.

Demonstrate effective time management and organizational skills to balance advising duties, events, and administrative tasks.

Maintain current knowledge of trends in college access, career planning, military enlistment, and vocational training.

Participate in a required virtual and in-person training prior to starting at your school site(s).

Attend monthly professional development sessions (virtual and in-person) and regular check-ins with AdvisePA supervisor.

Based on experience, advisers may be asked to assist in leading training for the adviser cohort at the discretion of the Program Director.

Complete other duties as assigned by the school that align with the goals of AdvisePA and the broader mission. Compensation/Benefits Information:

Advisers in the AdvisePA program receive a $40,000 annual salary

Advisers are full-time members of the Franklin & Marshall College professional staff and receive a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health, dental, and vision coverage.

They also enjoy access to campus facilities, including dining venues, recreation and fitness centers, libraries, and College-sponsored performances, lectures, and events.

AdvisePA provides advisers with robust training, career exploration coaching, and access to a growing network of alumni and educational professionals.

Advisers gain valuable experience supporting students as they navigate multiple postsecondary pathways, including college, career, military, and trade options, while building the foundation for their own long-term goals.

Adviser contracts begin with required training and end two weeks after the close of the school year, based on the calendar of their assigned district. Requirements:

Who We're Looking For:

You don't need prior advising experience to apply. AdvisePA provides comprehensive training and ongoing professional development. Ideal candidates are recent college graduates who are passionate about educational equity, committed to service, and eager to make a difference in the lives of young people.

Requirements:

We are currently hiring advisers for schools located in Delaware, Lancaster, Cumberland, Franklin, Luzerne, Clearfield, and Centre counties.

In alignment with AdvisePA's near-peer advising model, applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree between 2010 and 2025.

Based on expectations of our partner high schools, advisers must work in person when school is in session.

A demonstrated passion for supporting students in exploring multiple postsecondary pathways, including college, career, military, and trade opportunities.

Strong communication and organizational skills, including the ability to maintain a proactive relationship with AdvisePA administration and the school-based team.

A commitment to equity, public service, and working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Ability to build trust and mentor high school students while maintaining professionalism in school environments.

Spanish or other language fluency is a plus for some partner school placements.

Advisers are expected to live and work in their assigned region, work full-time, in-person in their assigned school(s), and work effectively with those from diverse backgrounds.

Because this role involves working with minors, advisers must complete mandatory training and clearances related to the protection of minors prior to beginning service.

By joining AdvisePA, you'll be part of a statewide movement working to close opportunity gaps and ensure all students, regardless of background, have a clear, supported path toward a successful future.

Additional Information:

Offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of reference checks, a criminal background verification, and verification of credentials. The College will coordinate these verifications.

Full-time members of the Franklin & Marshall College professional staff receive competitive starting pay and a comprehensive benefits package that includes health coverage, dental, vision, generous retirement savings plan contributions, education benefits for employees, spouses and dependent children, and enjoy access to all College facilities including dining venues to suit all tastes, recreation and fitness facilities, and libraries, plus access to College performances, lectures, and events. To learn more about our Benefits, please visit our Benefits Page.

Franklin & Marshall College is committed to having an inclusive campus community where all members are treated with dignity and respect. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, the College does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of gender/gender-identity, sex, race or ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran's status, genetic information, family or marital status, sexual orientation, or any other protected class.