Post Secondary Counselor at KIPP Denver Northeast Leadership Academy (25/26)

KIPP Colorado Public Schools; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 61,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established educational institution is seeking a dedicated Post-Secondary Counselor to empower high school students in their journey toward higher education and career paths. This full-time role involves guiding juniors and seniors through the complexities of college applications, financial aid, and career planning. The Counselor will teach seminars, provide one-on-one counseling, and actively engage with families to support students' aspirations. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, this position offers a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact in students' lives while enjoying competitive compensation and benefits. Join a mission-driven team that believes in the potential of every student to succeed.

Benefits

100% Employee Healthcare Premium

Over 6 Weeks of Annual Vacation

Mental Health Support

Relocation Reimbursement

Technology Provided: Laptop & Phone

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required with prior experience in education.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Guide students through post-secondary applications and decisions.
• Teach junior and senior seminar courses focused on college readiness.
• Maintain student data and track progress using management platforms.

Skills

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Problem Solving

Analytical Skills

Spanish Fluency

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Google Suite

Microsoft Suite

Alumni Database

Job description

This role is for the 25/26 School Year!

About the Post-Secondary Counselor KIPP Forward Role:

The KIPP Forward Postsecondary Counselor will serve as a resource and guide for our 11th and 12th grade students at KIPP Northeast Denver Leadership Academy (KNDLA) and as an integral member of our KIPP Forward Team. The Postsecondary Counselor is directly responsible for guiding a cohort of Junior and Senior students through the application, selection and financing of their preferred post-secondary pathway. The Postsecondary Counselor teaches a junior and senior seminar course during the school day, in which they empower KIPPsters and their families with the knowledge, resources, and support to select the right college, CTE program, military, and/or career based on their interests and passions and provides 1:1 counseling to students. This individual will uphold the KIPP Colorado Schools mission that 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.

This is a full-time 12 month admin position (Coordinator Scale), based at KNDLA, with occasional off-site responsibilities. The Post-Secondary Counselor reports to the Assistant Principal of College and Career.

Role Responsibilities and More About How You’ll Spend Your Time in this Role

Professional Responsibilities

• Believe deeply in the mission, values, and Race, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (RIDE) commitments of KIPP Colorado Schools and that all children can and will learn.
• Assume personal responsibility for student achievement.
• Read, internalize, and adhere to the KIPP Colorado Policies and Procedures manual and guidelines.
• Provide an active presence, strategic supervision, and intentional monitoring to ensure student safety and engagement in rigorous learning.
• Take ownership for the development of your craft and engage actively in coaching sessions.
• Commit to being prepared for lessons, meetings, coaching, and professional development.
• Meet professional obligations including deadlines and schedules.
• Consistently leverage existing professional tools, including Google Suite and Microsoft Suite.
• Maintain strong attendance each day and be on time to all responsibilities.
• Collaborate with colleagues and seek feedback in the spirit of continuous improvement.
• Reflect on professional practices to meet individual professional development goals.
• Actively participate in professional development and department meetings.
• Serve as a positive, contributing member of a grade team or functional team.
• Assist with both student and staff recruitment and engagement.
• Know that your role may require travel around Denver to other KIPP Campuses or events.
• Assist with other duties as assigned.

One KIPP Requirements for Post-Secondary Counselor

• Ensures that every graduate earns admission into a best-fit postsecondary program.
• Oversees and guides students through aspiration setting, applications, financial aid processes, and post-secondary decisions.
• Facilitates seminar and other key programs to support student selection and matriculation.
• Facilitates family engagement in students’ Match process.

College and Career Knowledge and Skills

• Actively research all aspects of college placement.
• Be knowledgeable to advise and coach all students, including all postsecondary pathways.
• Participate in and effectively prepare for weekly one-on-one check-ins.

Postsecondary Counseling

• Serve as a Postsecondary Counselor for a caseload of juniors and seniors.
• Develop positive, appropriate relationships with students, families, teachers, and staff.
• Guide students through aptitude and achievement assessments.
• Partner with families to provide information and support in guiding post-secondary plans.
• Write counselor recommendations for juniors and seniors applying to colleges.
• Actively promote and assist juniors and seniors with applications.
• Counsel students on college, CTE and career pathways.
• Keep students and families apprised of college & CTE admission requirements.
• Provide guidance on writing effective college and scholarship essays.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with key stakeholders.
• Support seniors in their transition from high school to their postsecondary plans.

Instruction

• Teach up to 6 sections of junior and/or senior seminar, college and career readiness courses.
• Develop and deliver College Knowledge & Career Curriculum.
• Maintain positive classroom environment aligned with school-wide expectations.

Data Management

• Maintain constant communication on the data progress of students.
• Utilize various student management platforms to track and submit student data.
• Track, input and verify student data using the Alumni Database.
• Assist in developing profiles of high schools based on performance.
• Assist with data collection for annual report and program evaluation.
• Maintain documentation for program files and evaluation of program activities.

Programmatic Support

• Support college and career counseling department’s special programming.
• Support dissemination of student opportunities.
• Assist the APCC and the High School with projects as they arise.
• Work effectively with KIPP Forward regional staff.

About a Successful Candidate

• Bachelor’s degree (required).
• Prior experience teaching and working with high school or college students.
• Commitment to an Exceptional Student Experience (required).
• Relentless drive to follow up and stay connected with students.
• Three years’ experience in working in education or related fields.
• Strong record of helping students achieve academic success.
• Knowledge of higher education financing and postsecondary education entrance processes.
• Strong oral communication and writing skills.
• Strong organization skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage ambiguity and multiple priorities.
• Ability to problem solve and work well both individually and within a team structure.
• Strong work ethic and a passionate approach to work.
• Commitment to the belief that all students can learn.
• Effective use of a variety of technology tools.
• A sense of humor and tolerance for change.
• Comfort with working in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to facilitate group workshops for students and families.
• Excellent analytical, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Spanish fluency (oral and written) preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive Market Salary: Starting salary for this role begins at $61,200.
• Excellent Healthcare Plan: 100% of employee-only monthly premium paid by KIPP Colorado.
• Time Off: More than 6 weeks of annual vacation and Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Career Trajectory: Access to opportunity to move up, across schools, and grow your career.
• Mental Health Care: Immediate access to mental health support.
• Technology & Access: Equipment provided: laptop & phone.
• Retirement Planning: Participation in the Colorado PERA retirement program.
• Move to Join Us: Relocation reimbursement (when applicable).
• Additional Pay: Various stipend opportunities.
• Other Insurance Options: Wellness reimbursement and voluntary insurance options.

KIPP Colorado Schools is dedicated to equal employment opportunities and fair labor practices.