College Counselor

Impact Academy seeks a College Counselor to sustain a college going culture for all students and support seniors' application process and transition to college and careers.

WHO WE ARE

Our mission is to transform the lives of students – especially those who will be the first in their family to attend college – by preparing them for success in college, career, and life. We are committed to becoming an exemplar network of schools with an instructional and cultural vision rooted in an anti-racist and pro-Black framework.  Our approach is designed to increase student engagement, deepen integration and understanding, promote active learning, and ensure college success.

OUR APPROACH
We believe that deeper learning experiences challenge all learners to think critically, solve problems resourcefully, and collaborate productively.  In 8th, 10th and 12th grades, Envision students present a “Portfolio Defense,” demonstrating their growth and learning. See a Portfolio Defense in action here. Envision graduates go on to succeed in college at significantly higher rates than their peers: 100% of our graduates are accepted to two- or four-year colleges, with up to 85% accepted to four-year institutions.

THE POSITION

Reporting to the school Principal, the College Counselor's role is to sustain a college going culture for all students, ensure that all seniors apply to at least one 4-year college, and support students’ successful transition to college and career.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities: College Counseling

• Support and guide all 12th grade students through each step of the college and financial aid application process
• Provide one-on-one college counseling to seniors through the admissions cycle including, but not limited to: creating a college list, writing and revising the personal statement, advising on financial aid, and making final matriculation decisions
• Work closely with parents and guardians of all students on caseload, including evening workshops and meetings for families
• Ensure students take advantage of special opportunities made available to low income students in the college search and application process (i.e. fee waivers, fly-in visits, university partner programs and scholarships)

Responsibilities: Student Academic Case Management

• Develop and implement case management groups and individual support efforts for students outside the sphere of academic success.
• Collaborate with Administration to develop and implement systems to monitor, collect, and analyze data on case management and support efforts for students outside the sphere of success including progress report calls and intervention plans.

Responsibilities: Building Relationships with Students and Families

• Plan and lead workshops for parents and other stakeholders on key topics (financial aid planning, different types of institutions, scholarships, etc) related to the college admissions process
• Ensure parents and students comprehend the different application requirements and deadlines, admissions policies and financial aid applications associated with different colleges
• Write and manage the collection of Letters of Recommendations for all seniors, including providing professional development and coaching for the Letter of Recommendation writing process for all teachers
• Develop and maintain parent/family outreach and engagement systems.

Responsibilities: College/University Relationship Development

• Contact and meet with campus admissions representatives to build positive relationships and market Envision and its college applicants.
• Become familiar with the academic and social environments at the various colleges, seniors are considering in an effort to recommend suitable matches
• Develop and maintain a robust network of college admission professionals through regular communication and high school visits from colleges and universities that best support first generation, low- income college students.
• Ensure that a robust group of colleges are visiting the Envision campus and meeting with students.
• Coordinate On-Site admissions days.

Responsibilities: General

• Collaborate with school staff, administration, and grade level teacher teams to integrate academic and non-academic supports.
• Support the integration of youth leadership, parent engagement, and family support throughout all school efforts.
• Represent the school, its mission and vision, at public events.
• Other duties as assigned.

WHO YOU ARE

• You are equity-focused. You are unapologetic about your deeply held belief that all children can achieve. You believe that anti-racist and pro-Black practices and frameworks are essential to change the status quo for all students.
• You are collaborative. You make decisions in partnership with others, focused on what is best for the students 
• You are invested in our core values. You hold high expectations for the entire school community. You examine your own biases in your pursuit of equity for all. Every opportunity to learn something new excites you.

QUALIFICATIONS

• B.A./B.S. and M.A./M.S. required
• Certificate in College Counseling or PPS Credential required
• Extensive knowledge of the college admissions and financial aid processes
• Experience working successfully with parents and families, especially African American, Latino, and immigrant families
• Commitment to the mission of Envision Education.
• Two years or more of experience in a school setting preferred 
• Receptiveness to feedback and desire to continuously improve instruction in service of student academic outcomes
• Commitment to the mission of Envision Education
• Spanish fluency preferred 

LOCATION

This position is onsite.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

The salary range for this role is $64,700-$98,700 for the 2023-24 school year and is dependent upon years of aligned experience and credentials.

• Paid sick and personal necessity leave.
• Excellent health benefits package with employer contribution to benefits.
• Optional Flexible Benefits Plan including dependent care, medical care, parking, and commuter benefits.
• Retirement system from STRS.
• 403b Plan.
• Life Insurance at no cost to employee.
• Access to ongoing opportunities for learning, professional, and leadership opportunities.

As an equal opportunity employer, we believe deeply in diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all people. Envision Education recruits, employs, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, disability, age, veteran status, and the many other characteristics that make us diverse.