Program Advisor (Central Kansas)

The O’Brate Foundation (www.obratefoundation.org) is hiring a Central Kansas Program Advisor—a role we sometimes describe as part college advisor, part life coach, part trusted mentor. We’re looking for someone with life experience, perspective, and a genuine interest in helping young adults find their way. Experience working in or adjacent to higher education is strongly preferred. We’re especially interested in someone who understands that college success is about much more than academics. Our advisors help students navigate the college experience, manage a budget, work through challenges, explore career options, and adjust when plans change. Position Summary The Central Kansas Program Advisor works directly with approximately 50–55 O’Brate Scholars each year. Most of our Central Kansas scholars attend schools in the Wichita area and along the I-35 corridor, with a few outliers. This is a year-round, primarily work-from-home position, with regular day travel to meet with students at their colleges and universities. A Foundation vehicle is provided for all work-related travel. Because the O’Brate Foundation is a small team of three advisors, this is a position with a great deal of independence, self-management, and flexibility. At the same time, you’re never working in isolation. We collaborate closely, share ideas and resources, and support one another. The heart of the position is building relationships with students and helping them successfully navigate higher education and the transition into adulthood. The work can look different from student to student—and that’s part of what makes the role rewarding. Qualifications · Experience working in or adjacent to higher education, such as advising, admissions/recruiting, financial aid, student support services, or other relevant areas, is strongly preferred. · Bachelor’s degree required. · Excellent problem-solving, troubleshooting, communication, and interpersonal relationship-building skills. · The maturity and perspective that comes with meaningful life experience. · A genuine interest in helping college students navigate both higher education and the transition into adulthood. · Ability to work independently and self-manage while also being a collaborative member of a small team. · Valid driver’s license with a driving record that meets the organization’s standards for authorized business travel. · Reside within 75 miles of Wichita, Kansas, to support the travel requirements of the position. Essential Job Functions · Help students navigate college, academic challenges, career decisions, and changes in their plans. · Connect students with campus, community, and other resources that support their academic, personal, and professional success. · Maintain the Foundation’s existing social media presence and monitor trends and emerging platforms to assess for expansion. · Build and keep relationships with high school counselors, college and university staff and faculty, and community partners. · Teach budgeting and financial responsibility to scholarship students. · Support and assist in the administration of the Foundation’s Dual-Credit Scholarship and Immediate Needs programs. · Maintain accurate and detailed written records of student interactions, progress, and needs. · Track student engagement and progress and provide individualized support when students need additional assistance. · Assist with the planning and execution of the Foundation’s annual summer workshop. · Support the evolving needs of our scholars through special projects, meetings, events, and other duties as assigned. Position Details Location: Central Kansas / Work from Home Geographic Requirement: Applicants must reside within 75 miles of Wichita, Kansas, to support the travel requirements of the position. Travel: Regular day travel; Foundation vehicle provided for work-related travel. Schedule: Year-round, primarily Monday–Friday; occasional evenings or weekends for student events and workshops. Target Start: Ideally before October, although there is some flexibility in the hiring timeline. Additional Requirements: A background check will be required following a conditional offer of employment. Employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the background check. Express Interest There’s a lot about our students, the travel, the flexibility, and the day-to-day experience of this job that is difficult to capture in a job description. If this opportunity sparks your interest, we’d welcome the opportunity to talk with you and share more about the position and our students. We welcome you to reach out to Jayre Zimmerman, Western Kansas Program Advisor/Executive Director, at [email protected].