College and Career Counselor

POSITION OVERVIEWThe Postsecondary Match Counselor plays a critical role in ensuring that every student graduates with a clear, well-matched postsecondary plan and successfully matriculates to that pathway. This role provides individualized and group-based advising to juniors and seniors, guiding them through college and career exploration, application processes, financial aid, and the transition to postsecondary life.Counselors manage a caseload of approximately 160 juniors and seniors and work closely with families, school staff, and external partners to ensure students access and enroll in postsecondary opportunities aligned with their academic profile, financial needs, and long-term career goals. This position reports to the Director of College and Career Counseling.KEY OUTCOMESSuccess in this role is defined by the following outcomes:Students matriculate to best-fit postsecondary programs aligned with their academic profile, interests, and long-term career goalsStudents develop clear, actionable college and career plans grounded in purpose and opportunityStudents avoid undermatch by enrolling in institutions that maximize their likelihood of persistence and completionStudents and families complete all financial aid and scholarship requirementsStudents successfully complete all application and matriculation milestonesStudents persist through the summer transition and avoid summer meltRESPONSIBILITIESCounseling ResponsibilitiesCounsel and guide 11th & 12th grade students on the postsecondary admissions process (wishlist development, applications, personal statements, letters of recommendation, transcript submission, financial aid, and matriculation) through regular one-on-one sessionsSupport students in developing balanced, high-quality college and career wishlists aligned with their academic profile and long-term goalsSupport students in developing individualized “passion and purpose” college and career plans aligned with their interests, strengths, and long-term goalsMeet with each student and their family at least twice per year to support postsecondary planning and decision-makingKeep students and families informed of admissions requirements, deadlines, and key milestonesSupport students through postsecondary decision-making and matriculation steps (e.g., deposits, orientation, financial aid verification, loan counseling)Create access to college and career resources and opportunities for historically underrepresented populationsSupport SAT/ACT registration, preparation, and score reporting in partnership with the school teamBuild relationships with college admissions representatives and coordinate student participation in visits, info sessions, interviews, and fly-in opportunitiesProvide small-group and classroom-based instruction (push-in or pull-out) focused on college and career readiness, including postsecondary planning and application processesFamily EngagementBuild strong relationships with families through consistent communication and partnershipConduct individual family meetings to support postsecondary planning and decision-makingLead workshops on topics including college admissions, financial aid, career pathways, and postsecondary transitionsSupport families in completing FAFSA and other financial aid applications Data Management & AccountabilityManage a caseload of approximately 160 juniors and seniors, providing consistent progress monitoring and supportTrack and maintain accurate student data across systems (e.g., Overgrad and other platforms)Meet all internal data reporting deadlines and contribute to a data-driven team cultureAnalyze student data to identify trends, monitor progress, and inform targeted interventionsMonitor student progress toward key milestones and proactively intervene when students are off trackParticipate in monthly Match meetings and ensure all data reporting requirements are metIdentify gaps in student access or outcomes and contribute to the development of targeted supports, programming or interventionAdditional ResponsibilitiesSupport implementation of KIPP Forward programming, including college workshops, financial aid nights, career exploration events, and family engagement opportunitiesImplement KIPP Foundation initiatives such as Match Matters, Early Decision, KIPP Scholarship nominations, and Strong TransitionParticipate in Match Matters meetings and other required team meetings.Collaborate bi-weekly with 11th/12th grade seminar teacher, DCC, to ensure alignment of curriculum and individual student progress.Attend IEP exit meetings for seniors, contributing to students’ transition planning and postsecondary goalsParticipate in grade-level meetings and professional development to align college and career readiness efforts across the schoolCollaborate to design programming and pathways for students pursuing non–four-year options, including CTE and workforce opportunitiesBuild and maintain partnerships with colleges, CTE programs, and community-based organizations