College and Career Advisor (2 positions)

Waukee Community School District•Waukee, IA

About The Position

The College and Career Transition Counselor and Advisor supports students in grades 8 through 12 with postsecondary planning, career exploration, academic and course planning aligned to future goals, and successful transitions after graduation. This role provides direct services to students, families, and staff through individual advising, small group support, and schoolwide programming focused on college, career, military, apprenticeship, and workforce pathways. The position strengthens partnerships with community colleges, employers, and community based organizations to remove barriers and increase postsecondary enrollment, persistence, and success. This role also provides oversight and effective use of the district’s career information system to strengthen student planning, documentation of career readiness, and alignment to student four-year plans.

Requirements

Valid Iowa Teaching license with any endorsement will be considered
Experience in secondary and or postsecondary education, advising, counseling, college access, or career development
Strong communication skills, written and oral, and comfortable presenting to groups
Strong organization, follow-through, and ability to manage multiple timelines and student caseloads
Technology competency for daily tasks and student advising platforms
Demonstrated commitment to equitable access and success for all students, including students who are first-generation, low-income, multilingual learners, and students from historically underserved backgrounds
Ability to maintain a flexible schedule with occasional evenings or weekends

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree in School Counseling, highly preferrd

Responsibilities

Student Advising, Collaborative Counseling, and Four-Year Planning
Assist students individually and in groups with academic, college, and career goal setting and postsecondary planning
Support every student in developing, updating, and using a four-year academic and career plan aligned to graduation requirements and postsecondary goals
Guide students and families in course sequencing and decision making across grades 9–12, including rigorous coursework, concurrent enrollment, AP, CTE pathways, and credential opportunities tied to the student plan
Collaborates with students’ counselors to support student progress related to graduation requirements, attendance, academic performance, credits, and goal progress
Postsecondary Planning, Applications, and Financial Aid
Guide students and/or student groups through college and training searches, applications, decision-making, and enrollment steps
Support students with essays, resumes, recommendation logistics, timelines, and organization of application materials via individual support or workshops
Provide financial aid literacy, scholarship support, and family education
Partner with district and DMACC staff to advance FAFSA completion efforts, including awareness initiatives, family engagement, follow-up support, award letter review, verification assistance, and guidance through the financial aid process.
Provide information on admissions, educational offerings, assessment testing, course placement, registration, and related district and partner processes
Assist students with registration steps and transfer planning as needed
Career Exploration, Pathways, and Work-Based Learning
Facilitate career interest inventories and career exploration activities
Collaborate with the Post-Secondary Readiness (PSR) team to connect students to pathway experiences such as job shadows, internships, apprenticeships, industry credentials, and work-based learning
Career Information System (CIS) Oversight
Provide oversight of the district’s CIS and ensure consistent implementation within the high school setting
Train and support staff and students in the effective use of the platform for career exploration, goal setting, four-year planning, resumes, assessments, and postsecondary planning tasks
Develop and maintain common expectations and workflows for platform use, including required student milestones by grade level
Monitor platform usage among students and families, including student completion rates, using data to improve participation and ensure equitable access for all student groups
Coordinate with district leaders, counselors, PSR team, and technology staff to troubleshoot issues, maintain data quality, and align system features to district priorities and reporting needs
Program Development, Events, and Communication
Collaborate with District Career Academic Planning (DCAP) teams to set goals, establish action plans, and seek continual growth opportunities.
Provide classroom lessons, advisory sessions, and workshops on postsecondary readiness, employability skills, and planning milestones
Coordinate events such as college and career fairs, application days, financial aid nights, campus visits, and career panels
Maintain clear communication with students and families through newsletters, presentations, website content, and individualized outreach
Data, Continuous Improvement, and Partnerships
Track metrics such as establishing four-year plans in 8th grade including annual review through graduation leading to postsecondary plans, applications, FAFSA completion, scholarship outcomes, pathway participation, and postsecondary enrollment after graduation
Use career information system reports alongside district and postsecondary data, including intent, enrollment, persistence, remedial rates, and demographics, to identify gaps and set annual improvement goals
Maintain accurate records in student information systems and advising platforms while following confidentiality and ethical standards
Collaborate with community college service teams such as admissions, advising, financial aid, registration, student activities, and housing