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.

Here is what you need to know:

The Statewide Senior Director of College & Career Match’s job is to support the region in driving outcomes for students across KIPP NJ high schools and to develop expertise in the AP of CCP, Associate Director of Match, and Placement Counselors so that all parties are working together to support a college and career-ready trajectory for our students. At KIPP NJ, our mission states that we prepare our students for college and to change the world.  We believe it is our responsibility to prepare all students for college so all students have true choice when they graduate from high school and because we know Bachelor’s degrees are still the surest pathway to financial freedom and a fulfilling life. We know that truly preparing students for college and career requires an intense focus on student GPAs and ACT results, a thoughtfully designed CCR curriculum that allows student voice and interest to shape their experience, excellent college and career counseling, and opportunities for career & self-identity exploration for all students.  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. It is the role of the Statewide Senior Director of College & Career Match to ensure this is true in all high schools across the state.

Here's what you'll be doing:

Found KTC&C Department at Newark Lab High School

*20% of this role (1 day per week) will be spent at Newark Lab High School

• Manage & conduct weekly one-on-ones with the 11th grade KTC&C counselor at Newark Lab High School
• Conduct bi-weekly check-ins with School Leader and AP to ensure a strong KTC&C department launch and to ensure there’s alignment between KTC&C  and the leadership team
• Co-observe CCR class at least monthly with School Leader and AP to ensure content and quality of instruction meet the bar
• Ensure that 1:1 student meetings, ACT logistics, and KTC&C family nights are well-planned and organized by the 11th grade counselor
• In collaboration with Associate Director of Data & Operations, engage in weekly data tracking and data management for KTC&C data at NLHS and make data a standing agenda topic with counselor, AP/School Leaders, and MD

Leadership Development

• Facilitate bi-weekly college & career match content team meetings 
• Manage new Match leads and coach them to run effective one-on-ones and team meetings
• Conduct bi-weekly observations of Associate Directors to provide feedback on how they are executing on the skills learned in bi-weekly content team meetings

Curriculum Design & Execution

• Develop a vision for the 9th-12th grade College & Career Readiness Seminar Curriculum that complements the HS design plan
• Hire College & Career Readiness Seminar Curriculum writer(s) for 9th-12th CCR curriculum (to be complete by 12/31/2021)
• Oversee the execution of the CCR scope and sequence across KIPP New Jersey high schools
• Conduct observations with APs to ensure FY22 CCR components are being met and to ensure quality of instruction; help problem-solve where targets are not being met

Management of College Counseling and Match Initiatives

• Provide direct guidance to AD of Match and College & Career Placement Counselor (Lab) and drive all college match targets
• Outline all 9th-12th grade activities associated with college match initiatives and ensure all stakeholders have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities
• Provide high-quality, ongoing professional development for AP and AD of Match and ensure quality of counseling
• Design meeting structure that facilitates collaboration and alignment between NCA and NLHS match teams
• Oversee strong transition from high school to alumni team and collaborate with leadership team to create systems that ensure all students successfully transition
• Stay up to date with and communicate the latest trends research, and policy changes related to college access to ensure KIPP NJ has the right policy and approach to meet both the needs of our students and our goals

Data Reporting & Management

• In collaboration with APs and T&L, set up systems to aggressively progress monitor GPA & ACT progress and effectively collaborate and intervene when they are off track
• In collaboration with the Associate Director of Data & Operations, ensure both Match teams have the tools and necessary data to fully support all students
• In collaboration with the Associate Director of Data & Operations, ensure that KTC&C data (ACT, GPA, application submissions, acceptances, etc.) is consistently monitored to ensure accuracy and timeliness and is reported out in a clean and transparent matter
• In collaboration with Camden’s Director of College & Career Match, co-lead KIPP New Jersey monthly Match meetings providing relevant and timely data to update ED, MD, and School Leaders on progress to Match goals

Partnership Management

• Maintain strategic college partnerships (2 and 4 year) to ensure that KIPP New Jersey alumni apply to and enroll in colleges where they are likely to graduate from within 4-6 years
• Develop strategy for relationship maintenance with college and career admissions teams and add to KNJ College Match Playbook
• Work with Director of Career Services and External Partnerships to find and develop relationships with innovative partners to support multiple pathways and career outcomes for our students and alumni

As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the position holder may be required to undertake other duties that are broadly in line with the above essential duties and responsibilities.

Must Haves:

• Bachelor's degree
• 3-5 years of experience leading and managing a high-performing team

Nice to Have:

• Previous experience in an educational or non-profit setting
• A car for travel to KIPP schools as well as college campuses as needed (mileage reimbursement provided for schools that aren’t local)
• Work Demands
• Occasional nights and weekends
• Ability to travel between Newark and Camden regularly
• Ability to travel to colleges and occasional professional development opportunities both in and out-of-state

Skills:

• Comfortable using Microsoft Office and Google Suite
• Experience with Salesforce, PowerSchool, Naviance, Overgrad or similar-type student database systems
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong organization skills and meticulous attention to detail
• Superb customer service skills showing up as love and support for families and students
• 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:

• 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
• Commitment to do whatever it takes to ensure our teachers and students have what they need to be successful
• Demonstrated ability to create inclusive environments that honors and supports a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives 
• Ability to proactively problem solve; anticipate challenges before they occur
• Ability to identify inefficiencies and generate creative solutions
• Ability to develop and manage multiple projects simultaneously and comfortably with ambiguity
• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain focus
• Ability to troubleshoot and manage high-stress situations with a calm and positive demeanor
• Achievement Orientation: Demonstrated student achievement results in own work and from counselors that he/she manages 

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