Associate Director of College Access

Associate Director of College Access

Carolina Youth Coalition (CYC) seeks a committed, engaging, and effective professional who shares CYC’s values to serve as the Associate Director of College Access (ADCA). The ideal candidate will have experience with, and a deep passion for, supporting first-generation and low-income students to and through college.

• There are two openings for this position. One role will be primarily located at CYC's current East location (6035 Florence Ave) with occasional travel to our new site (Steele Creek area). The other position will be primarily located at our new site launching Sept 30th with travel one day per week to the East site.

Position Overview

As a member of CYC’s College Access Team, the Associate Director of College Access (ADCA) will report to the Managing Director of College Access and will develop and lead afterschool programs that guide CYC Fellows through the college application process, ensure college readiness, and promote academic success. The ADCA will play a critical role in empowering Fellows to identify, gain acceptance to, and responsibly pay for their best-fit postsecondary institution.

Through CYC’s Torch Fellows Program, the ADCA is primarily responsible for:

Program Development and Management:

• Design and implement comprehensive college access programs for high school juniors and seniors.
• Develop curriculum and workshops focused on college readiness, application processes, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities.
• Oversee the execution of college visits, information sessions, and college fairs.

Individualized Support and Counseling:

• Provide 1:1 case management to a cohort of approximately 50 Fellows regarding college choices, application elements, and financial aid.
• Assist Fellows in developing personalized college admissions plans and timelines.
• Foster relationships with Fellows and parents to understand and address their goals, challenges, and needs.
• Communicate regularly with and serve as the primary point of contact for cohort parents.
• Connect Fellows to quality external opportunities (volunteering, internships, career exploration, etc.)

Partnership and Collaboration:

• Collaborate with school counselors, teachers, and community organizations to support Fellow success.
• Identify and maintain partnerships with colleges, universities, and other educational organizations.
• Engage with volunteers and mentors to enhance program offerings and Fellow support.

Data and Evaluation:

• Track and analyze Fellow progress and outcomes to evaluate program effectiveness.
• Collect and utilize data to inform program improvements and report on key metrics.
• Maintain accurate records of Fellow interactions, achievements, and progress.
• Contribute to strategic planning and organizational growth initiatives.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Assist in the planning and execution of career exploration events, community-building activities, college tours, ACT Boot Camps, College Signing Day, and other special initiatives.
• Support Fellow recruitment and volunteer training and engagement as needed.

Qualifications and Qualities:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum of 3 years of teaching or counseling experience with high school students
• Extensive knowledge of the college application process, especially with respect to issues of access and diversity
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills
• Ability to build strong, trusting relationships with colleagues, students, and community stakeholders
• Experience with lesson planning, curriculum design, and implementing pedagogical strategies to promote a positive learning environment
• Strong track record of promoting students' achievement toward their personal, academic, and career goals
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Willingness to work in an afterschool environment, including some nights and weekends

Compensation and Benefits:

• Starting salary - $60,000
• Comprehensive benefits package including:
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage
• 401K with 3% employer match
• Paid vacation – awarded 100 hours three months after employment start date
• 11 paid holidays plus an extended Winter Break
• Employee and dependent life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Flexible spending accounts (health and dependent care expenses)
• Hybrid work environment

Start Date:

• On or before August 15th

To Apply:

Qualified applicants should:

    1. Complete the online application on Indeed or LinkedIn.

    2. Email a cover letter with availability and three professional references to [email protected]. Subject line should read "ADCA Applicant - [Applicant name]." 

In your email, please indicate if you would like to be considered for one or both open positions (details at the top of listing).

Please do not call our office.

Hiring Process

• The hiring process will entail two rounds of interviews. After submission of all application materials, chosen applicants will have a shorter, more introductory interview via Zoom. If an applicant should advance, the second round will be a longer in-person interview with CYC senior leadership. Applicants advancing to the second round will be required to complete pre-work.

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About Us

Founded in 2018, Carolina Youth Coalition is a Charlotte, NC-based nonprofit that nurtures and propels high-achieving, under-resourced Fellows to and through college. Our ultimate purpose is to transform the life trajectory of CYC Fellows by helping them fulfill their promise through college and beyond.

CYC was founded in February 2018 with seed funding from the Albemarle Foundation and Modeled after the highly successful efforts of the Baton Rouge Youth Coalition (BRYC) in Baton Rouge, LA.

Since 2018, CYC participants, called “Fellows,” have earned over $59 million in scholarships and grants. 74% of Fellows who are attending four-year universities are doing so debt-free. In Fall 2023, CYC Fellows were attending or had graduated from 50 colleges in 20 states such as Berea College, Brown University, Columbia University, Georgetown University, Georgia Tech, Hampton University, Howard University, University of Miami, UNC Chapel Hill, UNC Charlotte, North Carolina A&T, NC State, NYU, University of Pennsylvania, Queens University, Rice University, University of Southern California, Wake Forest University, and many more!

Why CYC?

There are many high-achieving, under-resourced Fellows throughout our city who have the potential to get into and graduate from top universities and return to their community as leaders and innovators. However, many lack the necessary academic, financial, and social support at this pivotal time in their journey to maximize their full potential. Nationally, just 1 in 10 low-income, first-generation Fellows graduate from college in six years. In Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, low-income Fellows enroll in college at 26% while higher-income students enroll at 52%. This disparity is the result of a profound resource gap for under-resourced Fellows that CYC combats by preparing Fellows holistically for college entry and graduation.

Our Values – CYC community members choose to embody:

• GROWTH – Be a work-in-progress. Grow constantly and remain self-reflective in our pursuit of new heights and depths.
• OPENNESS ­– Value difference. Respect and appreciate perspectives and experiences that are different from our own.
• COMMUNITY - Take care of CYC and one another. Represent CYC proudly, keep CYC safe and supportive, and uplift and respect one another.
• EXCELLENCE ­– Invest in your absolute best. Reach for the highest bar as we work to fulfill our mission and purpose.
• EMPOWERMENT – Choose to be powerful. Empower ourselves and others by self-advocating and maximizing resources.

Who We Serve - CYC Fellows are identified through local school and community partners as:

• High-performing – Fellows typically maintain a 3.3 GPA or above
• Under-resourced - Have a family income of <$60,000 (Pell grant-eligible), will be a first-generation college Fellow, or have demonstrated financial need.

Carolina Youth Coalition is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.