COLLEGE AND CAREER COUNSELORS

KIPP•Indianapolis, IN

About The Position

The Postsecondary Match Counselor plays a critical role in ensuring that every student graduates with a clear, well-matched postsecondary plan and successfully matriculates to that pathway. This role provides individualized and group-based advising to juniors and seniors, guiding them through college and career exploration, application processes, financial aid, and the transition to postsecondary life. Counselors manage a caseload of approximately 160 juniors and seniors and work closely with families, school staff, and external partners to ensure students access and enroll in postsecondary opportunities aligned with their academic profile, financial needs, and long-term career goals. This position reports to the Director of College and Career Counseling.

Requirements

Master’s Degree, preferred
Bachelor Degree required or 5+ years of experience in college access, college counseling, or related fields
Demonstrated success working with students and families from historically underrepresented backgrounds
Experience supporting postsecondary advising, admissions, or financial aid processes
Strong data analysis and systems management skills (experience with platforms such as Overgrad, Salesforce, or similar preferred)
Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends (<10%)
Commitment to KIPP’s mission, values, and belief in educational equity
Willingness to engage in ongoing professional learning and development
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, outcomes-driven environment

Nice To Haves

Bilingual Spanish speakers are highly encouraged to apply

Responsibilities

Counsel and guide 11th & 12th grade students on the postsecondary admissions process (wishlist development, applications, personal statements, letters of recommendation, transcript submission, financial aid, and matriculation) through regular one-on-one sessions
Support students in developing balanced, high-quality college and career wishlists aligned with their academic profile and long-term goals
Support students in developing individualized “passion and purpose” college and career plans aligned with their interests, strengths, and long-term goals
Meet with each student and their family at least twice per year to support postsecondary planning and decision-making
Keep students and families informed of admissions requirements, deadlines, and key milestones
Support students through postsecondary decision-making and matriculation steps (e.g., deposits, orientation, financial aid verification, loan counseling)
Create access to college and career resources and opportunities for historically underrepresented populations
Support SAT/ACT registration, preparation, and score reporting in partnership with the school team
Build relationships with college admissions representatives and coordinate student participation in visits, info sessions, interviews, and fly-in opportunities
Provide small-group and classroom-based instruction (push-in or pull-out) focused on college and career readiness, including postsecondary planning and application processes
Build strong relationships with families through consistent communication and partnership
Conduct individual family meetings to support postsecondary planning and decision-making
Lead workshops on topics including college admissions, financial aid, career pathways, and postsecondary transitions
Support families in completing FAFSA and other financial aid applications
Manage a caseload of approximately 160 juniors and seniors, providing consistent progress monitoring and support
Track and maintain accurate student data across systems (e.g., Overgrad and other platforms)
Meet all internal data reporting deadlines and contribute to a data-driven team culture
Analyze student data to identify trends, monitor progress, and inform targeted interventions
Monitor student progress toward key milestones and proactively intervene when students are off track
Participate in monthly Match meetings and ensure all data reporting requirements are met
Identify gaps in student access or outcomes and contribute to the development of targeted supports, programming or intervention
Support implementation of KIPP Forward programming, including college workshops, financial aid nights, career exploration events, and family engagement opportunities
Implement KIPP Foundation initiatives such as Match Matters, Early Decision, KIPP Scholarship nominations, and Strong Transition
Participate in Match Matters meetings and other required team meetings.
Collaborate bi-weekly with 11th/12th grade seminar teacher, DCC, to ensure alignment of curriculum and individual student progress.
Attend IEP exit meetings for seniors, contributing to students’ transition planning and postsecondary goals
Participate in grade-level meetings and professional development to align college and career readiness efforts across the school
Collaborate to design programming and pathways for students pursuing non–four-year options, including CTE and workforce opportunities
Build and maintain partnerships with colleges, CTE programs, and community-based organizations