College Access Manager

About C5LA

C5LA is a youth leadership organization dedicated to transforming the lives of high school students from under-resourced communities in Los Angeles. Through rigorous outdoor expeditions, leadership development programming, and college access support, we equip young people with the skills, confidence, and network to succeed in college and beyond.We are a mission-driven team where every role carries direct, visible impact on the students we serve.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a College Access Manager who brings deep expertise in college advising and an equally deep commitment to the students who need it most. Reporting to the Director of College Access, you will manage college access programming from end to end - serving as a case manager, facilitator, summer experience leader, and partner to a team that cares intensely about outcomes.

Your students will be first-generation college-goers navigating complex systems - applications, financial aid, postsecondary choices - often without a roadmap. You will be that roadmap. You will also help design and run signature summer residential experiences that sit at the heart of C5LA's college access work.

The right person for this role is both a systems thinker and a people person: someone who can manage a budget and a Salesforce database, and then turn around and coach a student through their college essay with genuine care.

What You'll Do

Student Advising & Case Management

• Carry a caseload of high school students, providing ongoing 1:1 coaching and advising sessions
• Guide students through the full college application process - UC, CSU, Common App, and community college pathways
• Support students through financial aid applications, including FAFSA, California Dream Act, and CSS Profile
• Manage all aspects of student engagement: communication, attendance tracking, and completion of program requirements
• Build and sustain high-support, mutually accountable relationships with every student on your roster

Programming & Summer Experiences

• Plan and facilitate year-round college access programming, including mandatory weekend events
• Design and execute the Road to College Tour, a residential summer experience for rising high school juniors
• Design and execute the ACTNow Summit - a residential summer experience for rising high school seniors
• Manage student-led groups including summer planning committees and high school crews
• Support all C5LA summer programs as part of the broader program team

Operations & Team

• Maintain the Salesforce database with accurate records of student engagement, academic progress, and postsecondary interests
• Manage a yearly college access programming budget
• Recruit, train, and manage seasonal staff during summer experiences
• Support the College Access Persistence and Success (CAPS) Team
• Maintain relationships with partner organizations and represent C5LA at external events, networks, and conferences
• Collaborate with the program team on project-based work in support of the organization's overall mission

What You Bring

Required

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience; Master's degree preferred
• Meaningful experience in college access programming, preferably with first-generation and/or BIPOC students
• Hands-on experience guiding students through UC, CSU, Common App, and community college applications
• Experience supporting students through FAFSA, California Dream Act, and CSS Profile
• Demonstrated ability to build trusting, lasting relationships with students from diverse backgrounds
• Strong facilitation skills and experience in experiential learning
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Zoom, and Salesforce
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Valid California driver's license and ability to travel throughout Los Angeles
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed, including an occasional Tuesday–Saturday schedule
• Willingness to be on duty up to 24 hours per day during summer experiences

The salary range for this role is $70,000 – $75,000 annually, commensurate with experience. C5LA offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• A mission-driven, collaborative work culture
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employer-matching 401(k)
• Hybrid work schedule
• Year-round professional development opportunities

Fluency in Spanish is highly desired