Company Description

About KIPP Public Schools Northern California

We are a thriving nonprofit network of 18 free, public charter schools open to all students. Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.

We value the dedication, hard work, and passion that our teachers bring each day. KIPP Northern California supports you with professional development, coaching, and collaboration. We offer competitive pay and benefits that reflect the appreciation we have for our teachers and their dedication to students

Our student community consists of over 7,000 elementary, middle, and high school students in East Palo Alto, Oakland, San Francisco, San Lorenzo, San Jose, and Redwood City, and Stockton. 79% qualify for free or reduced price lunch, 23% are multilingual learners, and 10% have special needs. We strive to cultivate a representative team of teachers and leaders that reflect our students’ diversity

Job Description

The KIPP Through College (KTC) Senior Counselor at our KIPP High Schools is focused on providing one-on-one college and career advising to all 12th grade students in effort to ensure a strong and strategic postsecondary program match for all students. This role has ultimate accountability over the postsecondary matriculation of the school’s 12th grade students. S/he will report to the Senior Manager of College and Career Counseling at the school site.

The ideal candidate for this position has a background in California college admissions and working with young people from low-income communities. This individual must possess strategic planning skills, as well as outstanding written and verbal communication skills. S/he must have a demonstrated interest in serving low-income students and is dedicated to doing whatever it takes to support our students to and through college & career. 

College and Career Access Knowledge and Skills

• Advise and oversee all 12th grade students on the postsecondary program admissions process (wishlist, applications, letters of recommendations, transcript submission, financial aid, etc.) through classroom instruction and regular one-on-one advising sessions, focusing on strong and strategic postsecondary program match and plans
• Meet with each 12th grade student and their family two times a year to support post secondary program planning and matriculation 
• Create access to college & career resources and opportunities available to support underrepresented populations
• Knowledge of SAT/ACT registration processes and the impact on college access.
• Lead family engagement workshops focused on college admissions, financial aid, career and post-secondary options.
• Conduct graduation eligibility audit with all 12th grade students and support with Course Advising process to ensure students are on-track to meet graduation requirements
• Provide training to 12th grade teachers and advisors on how to support students in the college application process including writing a letter of recommendation
• Provide regular updates to the school’s faculty and staff on college applications and acceptances, as well as professional development on Match Matters 
• Attend all 12th Grade College Counseling meetings and professional development workshops
• Lead the planning and facilitation of the annual College Signing Day event 

Data Management

• Maintain constant and consistent communication on the data progress of students with key stakeholders including: KIPP Foundation, College personnel, CBO’s, School and regional leadership, along with students and families
• Utilize various student management platforms to track, progress monitor and submit student data, including, but not limited to Naviance, Google suite, Excel, KIPP Foundation approved tools, etc.
• Progress monitor all KIPP Through College postsecondary access goals including (but not limited to) completion of: YouScience assessment, FAFSA4Caster, balanced wishlists, Summer of Learning/Fly-In applications, Personal Statements, Letters of Recommendation collection, and student and family one-on-ones.

Classroom Responsibilities

• Responsible for supporting KIPP seniors through rigorous and thoughtful lesson planning, lesson execution and classroom management 
• Plan, organize and implement an appropriate college knowledge and career success program in a high school learning environment, both in an in-person classroom setting and virtually, that guides and encourages students to develop and fulfill their academic and socio-emotional potential. 
• Participate on the grade level leadership team
• Other duties as assigned by the School Leader
• Support college counseling department special programming including college visits (overnight or day), financial aid nights, college fairs, college knowledge 101 workshops, and wish list approval nights.
• Fostering a supportive and inclusive culture within the classroom.
• Meeting all deadlines as required by the high school, KTC regional team, and KIPP Foundation.

Team Player

• Participate in weekly College Counseling department meetings
• Support the successful implementation of regional initiatives at the school (college, career & beyond, college partnerships and financial literacy)
• Work effectively with KTC regional staff including Director, Associate Director of College Match, Associate Director of College Success, and Associate Director of Career Success 
• Maintain a collaborative team with consistent communication flow to all key stakeholders and teammates
• Maintain effective relationship with KIPP NorCal external partners including (but not limited to) Accenture, Nepris, and KIPP Foundation
• Participate in and effectively prepare for weekly one-on-one check-ins with your Senior Manager of College and Career Counseling
• Participate in monthly college match meetings, ensuring that all 12th grade Match Matters data requests are met by deadlines 
• Participate in bimonthly sub-regional meetings with KTC Persistence and Career Teams
• Actively collaborate with other counselors at KIPP NorCal
• Attend IEP-Exit meetings for all seniors, providing insight into student’s transition plan and post-secondary goals
• Support the planning and execution of the school’s graduation ceremony
• Attend all school site staff/grade level meetings and professional development workshops

• Participate in school-wide supervision as a member of the staff and facilitate a daily student advisory class

Qualifications

• Experience as an educator teaching Black and Brown students for one or more years
• 2+ years of College Match/College Admissions Experience (preferably in CA) 
• Spanish, Arabic, Vietnamese or Mandarin speaking proficiency
• Project management experience

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.