23-24 Senior Seminar Counselor

Company Description

About KIPP

KIPP Public Schools is a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools committed to partnering with students and families to disrupt systemic educational inequity and create a future without limits. Over 120,000 students attend one of the 280 KIPP schools that operate in 27 regions across the United States. KIPP Philadelphia Schools Public Schools (KPPS) is a part of the national KIPP Public Schools network and currently leads seven schools serving approximately 2,800 students in North and West Philadelphia. By 2030, KPPS will lead ten schools serving approximately 4,000 students. 

Our Mission

Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world. 

Life at KIPP Philly

We know that talented, committed, culturally competent teachers and leaders have the power to amplify our children’s potential by creating a school experience that affirms, values, and challenges them each day. We seek to create a professional environment full of joy, candor, care and community where excellent educators can make a long-term home alongside peers who are equally committed to the work. Educators at KIPP –

• Are committed to anti-racism, equity and inclusion

• Are part of a close-knit, diverse community of educators working together in service of children

• Show up as themselves, inspiring our children to do the same

• Believe school should be a joyful, affirming space for both children and adults

• Believe that strong relationships and precise preparation are critical to increasing learning outcomes

• Want to evolve their craft via 1:1 coaching and high quality professional development

• Have access to leadership pathway programming and opportunities to grow their career

• Enjoy a competitive, comprehensive health benefits package, a 403B retirement matching program, tuition reimbursement to pursue certification, and free access to financial advising services

Job Description

Reporting to the Managing Director of KIPP Through College and the School Leader of KIPP DuBois Collegiate Academy, the Senior Seminar College Counselor is part of the college counseling team at KIPP DuBois and the regional KIPP Forward team. This person is responsible for creating and executing programming aimed at ensuring all KIPP DuBois seniors secure an appropriate post-secondary plan, including matriculating to a match and best-fit college or securing the required credentials for a specified career pathway. This person will accomplish this by: leading multiple sections of senior seminar, employing effective, data-informed college Match practices throughout the placement process, and working collaboratively with key members of KIPP DuBois and the KIPP Forward team to ensure the post-secondary success of each student. Success is measured by assessing the projected Estimated College Completion (ECC) of each senior class. ECC is the average six-year minority college graduation rate of all matriculation choices. 

Key Responsibilities 

Teach multiple sections of senior seminar, a curriculum guided college readiness course focused on guiding and supporting students through the selection of best fit post-secondary plans  

• Implement strategy to drive a rigorous college application submission process 
• Collaborate with 12th grade team to support the academic success and post-secondary transition of all seniors 
• Develop and deliver both parent and student facing workshops on all topics relevant to the college placement process 
• Conduct student one-on-ones throughout the college placement process to ensure completion of all phases 
• Establish and maintain relationships with colleges, universities and scholarship organizations 

Employ effective, data-informed college Match practices throughout the college placement process 

• Manage all student demographic and academic information across multiple platforms: Overgrad, Salesforce, etc. 
• Actively track and monitor progress towards student level goals including application completion and submission, FAFSA submission, and financial aid completion 
• Develop and utilize national KIPP Forward network relationships to learn and share promising practices for positive student outcomes

Work collaboratively with key KIPP DuBois stakeholders and KTC team to influence student outcomes 

• Collaborate with the Director of College Counseling and placement staff in maintaining a strong and visible college culture within KIPP DuBois and a regional college counseling program for KPPS 
• In concert with the KIPP Forward staff, implement a caseload transition process for all seniors across multiple pathways: College, CTE, Military, Workforce
•  Collaborate with 12th grade Advisors and content teachers in supporting Match efforts and influencing student post-secondary outcomes 

Other responsibilities as communicated by Managing Director of KIPP Forward and School Leader of KIPP DuBois 

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
• Experience teaching in an urban, educationally underserved environment preferred
• Experience guiding educationally underserved students and their families through navigating college admission, financial aid, and scholarship application procedures
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to exercise excellent judgment in decision-making; facilitate various size working groups, work collaboratively, and; gather and analyze data, compile information, and prepare reports
• Flexible and able to multi-task within an ambiguous, fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment, while also driving toward clarity and solutions
• Proficient in MS Office, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint, experience utilizing the Google Suite
• Uphold the KPS core values of respect, integrity, directness, grit, joy and commitment to the mission and vision of KPS

Compensation: Salary is competitive with other Charter Management Organizations (CMOs) and commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package included.  

Additional Information

Note To Applicants

KIPP Philadelphia Schools is an equal opportunity employer.  Employees are selected on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.