Company Description

About KIPP New Jersey

KIPP New Jersey is part of the nationally recognized “Knowledge Is Power Program” network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools dedicated to preparing students for success in college and in life. In 2002, KIPP New Jersey first opened its doors in Newark’s South Ward as a single class of 80 fifth graders and has since grown to educate 7,035 students in grades K-12 across 15 schools in Newark and Camden. More than 90% of KIPP New Jersey students currently qualify for free or reduced meals. 

By 2025, KIPP New Jersey will have fifteen schools in Newark and five in Camden providing a world-class education to over 10,300 students. To learn more, visit www.kippnj.org.

Job Description

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 trusting 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.

METRICS OF SUCCESS     

Outcomes:

• Relationships: counselor builds strong, trusting relationships with students, families, and colleagues
• Strong GPAs: students understand the importance of GPA and are striving to reach GPAs that allow them access to strong postsecondary options
• On-Time Graduation: students are on track to graduate high school on time
• Experiential Learning: eligible students participate in experiential learning opportunities, including dual enrollment, pre-college summer programs, and internships
• College & Career Wishlists: students in 11th grade create college and career wishlists aligned with their desired, quality postsecondary pathway

ESSENTIAL DUTIES &  RESPONSIBILITIES

Advising:

• Conduct ongoing 1:1 check-ins with identified cohorts of students in grades 9 - 11th to assess their passion, purpose, and plan
• Guide 11th-grade students through the process of creating a strong, balanced wishlist that is aligned with their individual interests and takes their academic profile into consideration AND uses it as motivation to positively impact students’ academic profile for the remainder of the year
• Maintain consistent engagement and partnership with families of 11th-grade students

Student & Family Programming:

• Coordinate school-wide college and career exposure events (special programming days, family night, etc) in collaboration with  KF team
• Plan and lead college visits and workshops in collaboration with KF team
• Plan and lead workshops for families on the essential topics related to high school and postsecondary success in collaboration with KF team
• Plan and lead workshops and small group advising sessions for 9th and 10th-grade students focused on building key College and Career knowledge, skills, and beliefs

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
• Present key data trends to school staff and Regional Director of Match

ACT:

• Manage accommodation request process through Learning Specialist Coordinator
• Oversee execution of interim ACT testing in 9th and 10th grade in conjunction with AP/SL
• Oversee execution of ACT prep in 11th grade in conjunction with AP/SL
• Collaborate with ADSO and Assessment coordinator for practice ACT exams

College & Career Prep:

• Coordinate with CCR teachers to ensure key college and career knowledge - including wishlist creation in 11th grade - is occurring in classes
• Manage school - based process of enrolling students in strong, vetted pre-college programs, internships, and dual enrollment courses

Progress to Graduation:

• Maintain transcripts
• Manage schedule request platform on PowerSchool
• Oversee schedule request process in College & Career Readiness classes, in partnership with others
• Create alternate plans for under-credited students (credit recovery, alternate schedules, etc.)
• Support family conversations regarding Progress to Graduation, including in quarterly Report Card Conferences
• Conduct check-ins with identified cohorts of 9th and 10th graders (academic progress, attendance, key skill-building, experiential learning opportunities) and ongoing check-ins with 11th graders
• Help students progress towards HS graduation through proactive advising, tailored interventions, and targeted programming that is responsive to student needs

Qualifications

SKILLS AND ABILITIES   

Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel
• Experience with database management and reporting (such as Salesforce, Overgrad, etc.)
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• 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 

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Demonstrated experience working with traditionally under-served students and their families from diverse socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic background

Additional Information

Compensation & Benefits

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

KIPP New Jersey | KIPP Miami is an equal opportunity employer