Organizational Overview

KIPP NC is a network of eight high-performing, college-preparatory public charter schools providing an academically rigorous and joyous school experience to more than 3,500 students in grades K-12 in Charlotte, Durham, Gaston, and Halifax. KIPP NC supports several thousand alumni on their journey to and through high school, college, and career.   

KIPP NC is building on a rich tradition of academic excellence and relentless fight for social justice present from the founding of both KIPP ENC and KIPP Charlotte. KIPP ENC is the second oldest KIPP region in the nation. In its 20 years of operation, KIPP ENC has been a cornerstone for students and families in rural Gaston and Halifax, operating two primary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. Over the past five years, it grew to serve even more students by opening up a middle school in Durham, an urban center in the center part of the state. KIPP Charlotte, which grew out of the strong traditions and academics of KIPP ENC, has supported students and families for the past 13 years, operating one primary school and one middle school in the largest city in North Carolina.

KIPP North Carolina is building upon the successes and experiences of KIPP ENC and KIPP Charlotte to provide inclusive school environments and an educational program that will enable our students to lead full lives and equip graduates to be future leaders and agents of change in North Carolina and beyond. KIPP NC is engaging in direct, anti-racist work, and contributes meaningfully to the dismantling of structures of inequality within our organization, schools, and classrooms. We’re committed to expanding our efforts to embed anti-racism in all of our activities and engagements within our classrooms and schools, across our organization, and throughout the State of North Carolina. All of this will be in a tireless effort to create classrooms that are homeplaces for our students, places where they feel safe, loved, validated, seen, and heard, places where all their beautiful identities will be affirmed and celebrated, and places where they will learn the academic knowledge and skills needed for college, career, and beyond.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Counseling services can transform the college and career dreams into a reality. Evidence has shown that the lack of access to information and guidance on college admissions and financial aid is a prohibitive barrier for many low-income families. In the absence of good information, many families develop critical misconceptions about what it takes to get into and stay in college. By employing a diverse range of outreach efforts – from individualized, one-on-one meetings to large-group workshops to a rigorous, personalized Senior Seminar course – the College & Career Counseling Team closes the information divide for KIPP Pride High School students and families, breaking down the barriers to college access. 

We believe that, for most of our students, a Bachelor’s degree is the stepping stone for students to pursue professional and personal success and therefore will ensure that ALL our students have the skills, knowledge, and character to earn at least one acceptance to a four-year university. We also believe that this is not the only path to professional and personal success, and are committed to supporting 100% of our students, including those who choose a non-college post-secondary pathway. 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. We know that truly preparing students for college and career requires an intense focus on student GPAs and ACT results, experiential learning opportunities such as summer programs and dual enrollment courses, excellent college & career counseling, and strong relationships with and programming for students and their families.  

The College & Career Counselor’s job is to support a college and career-ready trajectory for our students. We expect the College & Career Counselor to build strong and trusting relationships with students, and use effective advising skills to support students in taking all necessary steps to graduate from high school and ultimately matriculate to a post-secondary program of highest aspiration.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES &  RESPONSIBILITIES

Advising:

• Teach and facilitate college and career readiness seminar classes, with emphasis on Senior Seminar

• Conduct ongoing 1:1 check-ins with identified cohorts of students to assess their passion, purpose, and plan

• Guide 9th-11th grade students through the process of creating a strong, balanced college wishlist that is aligned with their individual interests and takes their academic profile into consideration AND uses it as motivation to positively impact students’ academic profile for the remainder of the year

• Guide each 12th grade student through the process of applying to “right fit” colleges and/or career programs using students’ balanced wishlists from 11th grade

• Support students and families in filling out financial aid applications, scholarship paperwork, and applications to special programs

• Complete Letters of Recommendations for students, and train teachers on writing quality recommendations

• Support students in preparing for and completing key application steps, including interviews and document submission

• Hold College & Career Decision meetings with students and families, sharing key information and guiding students and families in making decisions that are aligned with students’ passion/purpose/plan

 Student & Family Programming:

• Coordinate school-wide college and career exposure events (special programming days, family night, etc) in collaboration with KIPP Forward Team

• Plan and lead college visits and workshops in collaboration with KIPP Forward Team

• Plan and lead workshops for families on the essential topics related to high school and postsecondary success in collaboration with KIPP Forward Team

• Plan and lead workshops and small group advising sessions for students focused on building key College and Career knowledge, skills, and beliefs

• Support students in learning about career and college options, including participating in fly-in programs, attending open houses and information sessions, and touring campuses

• Support and co-plan school-wide match events for 12th grade students (College & Career Fair, College & Career program representative visits, Instant Decision Days, family nights, senior activities, ACT testing days, etc)

 Data Management:

• Track meeting notes and student data - both qualitative and quantitative - consistently and accurately

• Analyze student academic data to drive action planning and support plans

• Present key data trends to school staff and Director of College & Career Counseling 

  Progress to Graduation:

• Maintain transcripts

• Manage schedule request platform on PowerSchool

• Create alternate plans for under-credited students (credit recovery, alternate schedules, etc.)

• Support family conversations regarding Progress to Graduation, including in quarterly Report Card Conferences

• Conduct check-ins with identified cohorts of 9th and 10th graders (academic progress, attendance, key skill-building, experiential learning opportunities) and ongoing check-ins with 11th graders

• Help students progress towards HS graduation through proactive advising, tailored interventions, and targeted programming that is responsive to student needs

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited 4-year college.

• Prior experience working with high school students (especially first-generation) and their families in the college counseling field

• Ability to work well both individually and within a team structure

• Strong record of helping students achieve academic success, primarily with minority and low-income students

• Ability to facilitate group workshops for teenagers and parents

• Proven ability to collaborate and build relationships with stakeholders across functional and organizational lines

• Comfort with working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

• Excellent analytical, written, and interpersonal communication skills

• Fast learner with the ability to inquire and be open to feedback

• Strong work ethic, leadership acuity, and entrepreneurial spirit

• Detail and results-oriented team player who is dedicated to getting the job done

• Demonstrates a high proficiency with Microsoft Office and has previous experience utilizing a database, i.e. Salesforce

• Relentless drive to follow up and stay connected with students in order to help them succeed, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to help our students apply and gain admission to colleges or universities

Compensation

We currently offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Healthcare (medical, vision, and dental) with a generous discount for dependents
• Retirement benefits
• KIPP NC technology equipment, including a laptop and phone
• Generous time off:
  • PTO starting accrual 
  • Teacher work days after long breaks
  • 26 holidays a year including a week off at Thanksgiving and all major national holidays

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.