About KIPP Colorado:

KIPP Colorado Schools is part of the national KIPP network of tuition-free, open enrollment college-preparatory public charter schools dedicated to preparing students from underserved communities for success in college and life. We are a network of six high-performing, college-preparatory public charter schools that educate students from ECE through 12th grade. We currently serve two communities within Denver; the Northeast and Southwest. Both communities serve students in elementary, middle and high school. 

Our Vision:

Every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities.

Our Mission:

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.

About the Academic Counselor Position:

The Academic Counselor provides a range of services to address the academic needs of all KIPPsters, especially to impact, influence, and drive GPA health for 9th/10th grades. The essential functions may vary in intensity and demand. This is a school-based role with direct oversight by the principal, with additional collaboration with KTCC. 

About KIPP Through College & Career: 

KIPP Through College & Career (KTC²) is part of the broader KIPP approach that helps eliminate the opportunity gap between students from high- and low-income communities. KTC² counselors and advisors in KIPP schools across the country do whatever it takes to support students and families as they navigate high school, college entry, and persisting through college graduation & beyond. Support from KTC² empowers Colorado KIPPsters and their families with the knowledge, resources, and support to select the right college and career based on their interests and passions. 

KTC² programs in Colorado are supported by national initiatives and services that help provide access to high school, college, and career preparation resources across the KIPP network.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

Oversee GPA Health 

• Work with operations teams to create and systemize regular data reports outlining GPA health and progress monitoring 

• Plan for systems that build student literacy around GPA health and graduation readiness through ICAP 

• Work with the Principal to analyze and respond to GPA data 

• Work with instructional coaches to respond to classes not meeting annual targets for passing rates 

• Provide PD to staff to build readiness and investment in GPA systems and grading systems 

Oversee Graduation Readiness 

• Conduct regular audits of transcripts 9-12 

• Meet with and counsel students in 9-12 who are off track for securing their credits, running Progress to Graduation meeting biannually (fall and spring) + additionally as needed. 

• Monitor progress against DPS + KIPPCO graduation requirements, and work to implement next steps for student cohorts. 

• Ensure clear, regular communication with students and families on progress to graduation

Scheduling and Course Selection 

• Understand student preference and pathways towards post-secondary goals and counsel students around course selection 

• Work with operations team to actualize schedules based on course selection

Manage Credit Recovery Systems 

• Maintain robust tracking systems that identify student credit gaps 

• Identify, lead, and plan for student opportunities for credit maintenance (i.e. Saturday School, Senior School, Summer School) 

Oversee + Manage Grading Systems 

• Work with DPS to coordinate infinite campus/gradebooks/to support grading systems 

• Monitor Gradebook health + work with Instructional coaches to respond to gaps in assignment frequency

• Provide PD to staff to build readiness and investment in GPA systems and grading systems  

9/10 Post-Secondary Readiness and Success 

• Provide PD to staff to build readiness and investment in GPA systems and grading systems  

• Support onboarding of Freshmen during 8/9 transition, with specific attention to students coming from non-KIPP middle schools (in other grades as well) 

• Work with counseling team to plan and implement strategies for increasing literacy with academic health (GPA/credits) and post-secondary readiness in preparation for junior/senior year 

• Work with KTCC to identify internships, summer programs, + enrichment opportunities  for students as they align enrichment to post-secondary goals. 

• Oversee planning, progress, and implementation of ICAP. 

Research and Data

• Tracks data using Salesforce and Naviance

• Researches and stays current on higher education programs, trends, and issues with student impact and makes recommendations based on best practices and research

• Assists in the utilization of an effective early-alert system for at-risk students and analyze attrition and student success outcomes and take action to improve retention

This is a full-time position and is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act. 

• Bachelor’s degree required

• Spanish bilingual preferred

• At least 4 years of teaching experience and a strong record of helping underserved students achieve academic success

• Past experience leading adults in a school environment

• Outstanding organizational skills and high attention to detail; outstanding written and oral communication skills

• Ability to manage the ambiguity and multiple priorities inherent in an entrepreneurial environment

• Proactive problem solver who demonstrates initiative and teamwork

• Strong work ethic coupled with an enthusiastic and passionate approach to one’s work

• Multi-faceted, multi-skilled, resourceful and willing to do whatever it takes to help the school reach a level of academic excellence

• High level of detail orientation and sound excellent organizational skills

• Strong communication, feedback and facilitation skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Articulate, professional demeanor with strong self-confidence and initiative.

• Entrepreneurial mindset, with the creativity and versatility to work productively in a fast-paced environment

• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, high-energy environment with a proven ability to meet and complete multiple deadlines and tasks with meticulous attention to detail.

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop productive working relationships with stakeholders across functional and organizational lines

• Passionate commitment to KIPP Colorado mission and to high standards of excellence

• Salary will begin at $52,000 and is commensurate with experience.

• Benefits package including medical, dental, and vision

• Employee Assistance Program

• Participation in PERA

• Paid family or medical leave of absence

• Paid time off

• Relocation reimbursement (when applicable)

• Stipend opportunities

• Wellness reimbursement

• Voluntary employee, spousal, and child life insurance

• Voluntary long term disability insurance

• Voluntary short term disability insurance

• Optional 401(k)

• Optional Basic Life and AD&D Insurance

• All staff members are issued a laptop computer and cell phone.

• Numerous professional growth and leadership opportunities within KIPP Colorado Schools.

KIPP Colorado Schools is dedicated to equal employment opportunities and fair labor practices. KIPP Colorado Schools, KIPP Denver Collegiate High School, KIPP Northeast Denver Middle School, KIPP Northeast Elementary, KIPP Northeast Denver Leadership Academy, KIPP Sunshine Peak Academy and KIPP Sunshine Peak Elementary provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on job-related qualifications, and the ability to perform a job without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religious creed, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, legally protected medical condition, veteran status, sexual orientation, or on any other basis made unlawful by federal, state or local laws. It is our policy to maintain a non-discriminatory environment free from intimidation, harassment or bias based upon these grounds.