About this role
The Center for Talented Youth (CTY) at Johns Hopkins University seeks an Educational Advisor to support students participating in the CTY Scholars Program. The Educational Advisor provides comprehensive academic advising, college preparation, and mentorship to high school students throughout their secondary education journey.
The Educational Advisor serves as a trusted partner to students and families, helping students develop academic plans, pursue rigorous coursework, engage in meaningful extracurricular activities, access enrichment opportunities, prepare for standardized testing, and successfully navigate the college admissions and financial aid processes.
Working collaboratively with CTY staff and external partners, the Educational Advisor manages an assigned caseload of students and provides individualized guidance designed to promote high academic achievement, leadership development, college access, and long-term student success. Students are expected to earn full or near-full scholarships to highly selective colleges.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
Student Advising and Mentorship (35%)
- Provide individualized academic and college advising to assigned CTY Scholars students throughout grades 9–12.
- Establish strong mentoring relationships with students by providing guidance, encouragement, accountability, and support.
- Communicate regularly with students through virtual meetings, email, text messaging platforms, and other approved communication methods.
- Monitor student engagement and follow up with students who miss meetings or do not respond to outreach.
- Document student meetings, progress updates, and action plans.
- Maintain confidentiality of student records and follow all applicable university policies related to student privacy.
Academic Advising and Student Success (25%)
- Monitor student academic progress and support students in maintaining strong academic performance.
- Review report cards, transcripts, and academic records each grading period.
- Identify academic challenges early and provide proactive interventions for students experiencing academic difficulties.
- Develop academic improvement strategies with students, including goal setting, study plans, time management strategies, and academic resources.
- Initiate academic escalation procedures when students fall below program academic expectations.
- Maintain accurate records of grades, coursework, academic achievements, and standardized test scores.
- Advise students regarding course selection and encourage enrollment in appropriately rigorous academic opportunities.
- Other duties as assigned
College Readiness and Postsecondary Planning (25%)
- Guide students through all phases of college preparation, including
- College exploration and research.
- College list development.
- Application planning.
- Essay preparation.
- Scholarship research.
- Financial aid processes and appeals.
- Summer bridge programs.
- Support students in creating balanced college lists that include likely, target, and reach institutions.
- Help students identify colleges and programs aligned with their academic interests, career goals, and financial needs.
- Encourage participation in college visits, information sessions, fly-in programs, and summer bridge opportunities.
- Assist students with competitive applications, including reviewing essays, short responses, and application materials.
- Write recommendation letters for college admissions and scholarship opportunities as needed.
- Track student college applications, admissions outcomes, and enrollment decisions.
- Other responsibilities may be assigned, including serving on the committee for selecting new cohorts.
Enrichment, Leadership, and Career Exploration (10%)
- Participate in planning and execution of annual Leadership Conference.
- Support students in identifying extracurricular activities, leadership opportunities, internships, and academic enrichment programs.
- Help students develop sustained engagement in activities aligned with their interests and goals.
- Assist students in developing and maintaining resumes documenting accomplishments and experiences.
- Research and share relevant academic enrichment opportunities.
- Provide feedback and support for summer program and scholarship applications.
Testing and Academic Preparation Support (5%)
- Counsel students regarding PSAT, SAT, ACT, AP, and IB testing timelines and preparation strategies.
- Assist students in developing testing schedules and preparation plans.
- Monitor student participation in CTY-supported test preparation programs.
- Communicate with tutoring providers and CTY staff regarding student progress and concerns.
- Ensure standardized testing information is accurately documented.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of college admissions processes, academic planning, and financial aid resources
- Ability to provide individualized guidance and develop student-centered action plans
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish trust with students and families
- Ability to communicate effectively with students, families, university partners, and external stakeholders
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to identify concerns and implement appropriate interventions
- Commitment to supporting educational access and student success
Working Conditions
- Ability to use personal computer and text messaging to complete tasks and responsibilities.
- This position requires regular communication with high school students and families.
- Evening or weekend availability will be required for student meetings, workshops, or program events.
- Ability to manage student caseload and maintain timely documentation.
- Some travel will be required for program-related events or student engagement activities.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree
- Three years experience in counseling, education and other relevant academic administrative functions.
- Additional education may substitute for experience to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.
- Experience advising, mentoring, counseling, or supporting high school students.
- Experience supporting students through academic planning, goal setting, or college/career preparation.
- Demonstrated ability to build meaningful relationships with students from diverse backgrounds.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain accurate records, and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a team.
- Additional education may substitute for required experience, and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in Education, Counseling, Higher Education, or related field
- Experience working with college access programs, talent development programs, or first-generation college students
Classified Title: Educational Advisor
Job Posting Title (Working Title): Educational Advisor (CTY Strategic Prog. and Partnerships)
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/04/MD
Starting Salary Range: $24,000 per cohort of 8 to 12 students. (Flexible up to 2 cohorts.)
Employee group: Casual / On Call
Schedule: Each cohort will require a weekly commitment of approximately 10-15 hours with evening and weekend hours are required. Advisors are expected to travel for the annual CTY Scholars leadership conference in July.
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Remote. Advisors will telecommute, as this is a nationwide program offered virtually.
Department name: CTY Strategic Prog. and Partnerships
Personnel area: Academic and Business Centers