Job Description

Here's what you need to know:

At KIPP NJ, our mission states that we prepare our students to change the world. We believe that, for most of our students, a Bachelor’s degree is the stepping stone for students to pursue professional and personal success. We also believe that this is not the only path to professional and personal success, and are committed to supporting 100% of our students, including those who choose a non-college post-secondary pathway. We believe in career exploration and exposure throughout high school so all students leave with a strong sense of their passion, purpose, and plan for a strong start in college or a progressive professional pathway of their choosing. We know that truly preparing students for college and career requires an intense focus on student GPAs and ACT results, experiential learning opportunities such as summer programs and dual enrollment courses, excellent college & career counseling, and strong relationships with and programming for students and their families.

The College & Career Match Counselor’s job is to support a college and career ready trajectory for our students. We expect our Match Counselor to build strong and trust relationships with students, and use effective advising skills to support students in taking all necessary steps to graduate from high school and ultimately matriculate to a post-secondary program of highest aspiration.

Here's what you'll be doing:

Outcomes

• College & Career matriculation and enrollment: students matriculate to and enroll in quality post-secondary programs, aligned with their long-term career goals
• Avoiding Undermatch: students matriculating to college matriculate to schools with high graduation rates, maximizing their likelihood of college completion
• Strong relationships: counselor has strong relationships with students
• Avoiding College & Career melt: students who matriculate to quality post-secondary receive the support necessary to avoid barriers to enrollment
• Early Applications: students with strong academic profiles apply early to selective colleges with quality applications, maximizing their likelihood of admission
• Financial Aid: students complete financial aid applications and steps necessary for matriculation to quality post-secondary programs

Match

• Conduct ongoing 1:1 check-ins (at least 2-3 per quarter) with caseload of 12th grade students (~80 students) to support them through the application process and to help them maintain momentum for a strong finish to their senior year
• Provide feedback on students’ writing and applications, levering strong editing skills to ensure students ultimately have quality applications
• Guide each student through the process of applying to “right fit” colleges and/or career programs using students’ balanced wishlists from 11th grade
• Maintain consistent engagement and partnership with families of 12th grade students
• Support students and families in filling out financial aid applications, scholarship paperwork, and applications to special programs such as EOF
• Complete Letters of Recommendation for students, and train teachers on writing quality recommendations
• Support students in preparing for and completing key application steps, including interviews and document submission
• Hold College & Career Decision meetings with students and families, sharing key information and guiding students and families in making decisions that are aligned with students’ passion/purpose/plan
• Support each student’s transition to college or their post-secondary pathway through the completion of pre-college & career benchmarks as well as matriculation checklist tasks (such as making their tuition deposit, engaging in loan counseling (if applicable), etc.)
• Support HS juniors in May and June with learning more about the college financial aid process, writing personal statements, and researching colleges and Career Technical Education (CTE) programs to finalize their balanced wishlists

Student & Family Programming

• Support students in learning about career and college options, including participating in fly-in programs, attending open houses and information sessions, and touring campuses
• Support and co-plan school-wide match events (College & Career Fair, College & Career program representative visits, Instant Decision Days, family nights, senior activities, ACT testing days, etc)
• Plan and lead workshops for families on the essential topics related to financial aid, high school, and postsecondary success

Data Management

• Track meeting notes and student data - both qualitative and quantitative - consistently and accurately
• Analyze student academic data to drive action planning and support plans
• Utilize financial aid tracker to track all financial aid packages and provide families with a clear comparison of options from a financial perspective
• Constantly assess student progress and consistently communicate results to the Associate Director, families, and teammates

School Support

• Push into 11th and 12th grade College & Career Readiness classes as needed
• Attend grade-level meetings and support 12th grade team and school functions as needed

Qualifications

Skills

• Strong written and oral communication skills, including ability to coach students to edit and improve writing
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel
• Experience with database management and reporting (such as Salesforce, Overgrad, etc.)
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong organization skills and meticulous attention to detail
• Superb customer service skills and love and support for families and children
• Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Adept at data analysis and strong content knowledge; ability to extract meaningful insights and actions from data

Abilities

• Commitment to do whatever it takes to ensure our teachers and students have what they need to be successful
• Ability to build strong relationships with students and families
• Ability to proactively problem solve; anticipate challenges before they occur
• Ability to develop and manage multiple projects simultaneously and comfortably with ambiguity
• Ability to troubleshoot and manage high stress situations with a calm and positive demeanor
• Ability to work evenings and weekends
• Student Focus: Belief that all students, regardless of background, have the ability to go to and through college; demonstrated commitment to the school’s unique community
• Cultural Competence: Demonstrated ability to create inclusive environments that honors and supports a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives

Must Haves:

• Demonstrated experience working with traditionally under-served students and their families from diverse socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds
• Previous experience with Postsecondary Access or Postsecondary Success Counseling or Previous High School Teaching Experience

Additional Information

Compensation & Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, KIPP NJ offers a full comprehensive benefits plan, including health care, retirement, a school laptop, and transportation benefits for TEAMmates commuting into New Jersey from the New York City area.