College Transition Coach (Fall 2026)

College Transition Coach (Fall 2026)

Department: College & Career

Employment Type: Seasonal - Part Time

Location: New York, NY

Compensation: $22.00 / hour

Description

Breakthrough New York partners with ambitious, academically motivated, low-income students who aspire to be first generation college graduates. We make a long-term commitment to students on their journey to and through college, unlocking the power of education and a lifetime of opportunity. Our ten-year, tuition-free program arms students with the resources, relationships, and resolve necessary to succeed in high school, in college, and beyond. Our tuition-free program supports over 500 students and their families from 7th grade through college. We accept middle school students who are furthest from high-quality educational opportunities yet show promise and potential: 99% of students identify as persons of color; 76% qualify for free or reduced lunch; and 66% will be the first in their families to graduate college.
As a ten-year program, Breakthrough New York supports students and their families through key transition points in their academic journeys. We provide academic enrichment through summer and after-school opportunities; coach students to gain admissions into selective high schools and colleges, and expose students to diverse interests and careers so they can shape their own trajectories.
In addition to nurturing individual talent, we cultivate a thriving community of like-minded peers and mentors who encourage each other’s ambitions and passions. Personalized mentorship and holistic support are signature elements of our model, with over 200 near-peer seasonal staff and volunteers who work with students at each stage of our continuum. The Breakthrough model works: over 98% of Breakthrough students graduate from college preparatory high schools, and 100% are on track to graduate from college. Learn more at Breakthrough NY's website.

ABOUT THE POSITION
As a College Transition Coach, you will provide holistic mentorship to a caseload of 10-12 first- or second- year college students throughout the upcoming academic year. Working closely with the Director of College and Career, you will meet (virtually or in-person) with each student on your caseload on a bimonthly basis to check-in on student progress towards key college transition milestones (such as major exploration, FAFSA completion, affording each semester) and to ensure student access to resources and guidance helping them navigate their new college environments. 

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE

Student Advising and Support (55%):

• Building a positive, authentic relationship with your students that centers student goals & interests and cultivates trust. 
• Proactively communicates with students (via text/email) to schedule coaching check-in sessions (virtually or in-person).
• Reviewing bimonthly coach guides in preparation for coaching conversations.

Caseload Management and Case Note Submission (45%):

• Submitting case notes in a timely manner.
• Communicating high-level concerns to the Director of College and Career.

SCHEDULE AND TIME COMMITMENT 

• This role is hired on a semester basis. The initial appointment covers the Fall semester only (July 7, 2026 - December 22, 2026). Continuation into the Spring semester is not guaranteed; however, staff who meet performance expectations and where program needs remain may be invited to return under a separate Spring contract. Conversations about potential Spring renewal typically begin in October, with potential Spring contracts signed before the end of November.
• Meet with each student on their caseload for coach talks during the following months: July, September, & November, for a total of at least THREE coach talks per student.
• Meet with each student (up to 12 students) for at least 30 minutes (or up to one hour) on a bimonthly or quarterly basis
• Attend mandatory virtual College Transition Coach Orientation (July 7, 2026 from 6PM to 7:30PM), as well as at least one session of each of the following MANDATORY virtual coach training sessions:
  • Fall Training (September 8 and 9, 2026 from 6PM to 7:30PM)
  • Winter Training (December 8 and 9, 2026 from 6PM to 7:30PM)
• Attend 1:1 check-in meetings with the Director of College and Career, regarding the students on your caseload and their progress so far on a bimonthly basis (August, October, and December), including one MANDATORY evaluation meeting in October 2026 (1 hour in length).

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree is required
• Previous experience in education-related fields or working directly to support youth (such as college counseling, teaching, social work, etc.) across diverse backgrounds is required
• Relative flexibility in weekly schedule to accommodate coach talks with students
• Can commit for the Fall semester (July 7, 2026 to December 22, 2026) with possibility of extending into Spring based on performance and need of the role. 
• Demonstrates commitment to in BTNY’s Core Values
• All majors are welcome, and those with academic or professional experience in computer science, healthcare, business, and engineering are strongly encouraged to apply. Near-peer preferred; NYC-based preferred. In-depth understanding of the current postsecondary education landscape preferred.

Breakthrough New York is an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage applicants who represent the communities we serve.

COMPENSATION

BTNY strongly believes in selecting the top, qualified candidates. As a part of your offer, you can expect to receive the following as compensation: hourly wage of $22/hour.