College Counselor & Advisor | Quest Forward High School Omaha

Quest Forward High School Omaha•Omaha, NE

7h•Onsite

About The Position

The College Counselor & Advisor is a mission-critical role at Quest Forward Omaha, responsible for leading all aspects of post-secondary readiness. This position is uniquely focused on guiding students and families through the entire post-secondary decision-making process with clarity, ambition, and effective execution. The goal is to ensure every student graduates with multiple high-quality post-secondary options and the knowledge to make an informed choice. The role functions as both an instructor and an advisor, developing students' readiness through structured coursework, personalized guidance, and strong collaboration with families. Reporting directly to the Principal, this individual is also crucial in establishing external partnerships with colleges and universities, enhancing the school's reputation, and broadening opportunities for students.

Requirements

Strong prior experience in college advising, admissions, or post-secondary counseling
Deep knowledge of the college application process, financial aid systems, and post-secondary pathways
Proven ability to build trust with students and families and guide high-stakes decision-making
Highly organized with exceptional follow-through and attention to detail
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to simplify complex information
Ability to teach and engage students in a classroom setting
Alignment with the belief that all students are capable of high-level post-secondary success
Entrepreneurial mindset with a willingness to build, refine, and improve systems over time

Nice To Haves

Nebraska counseling and/or teaching credential

Responsibilities

Serve as the lead advisor for all students and families on post-secondary planning, ensuring clarity, confidence, and strong outcomes
Build trusting, credible relationships with students and families, serving as a knowledgeable and steady guide through complex decisions
Ensure every student applies to a robust set of post-secondary options, with a clear expectation of at least two strong “best-fit” choices
Partner closely with families to navigate admissions strategy, financial aid, scholarships, and decision-making
Track student progress toward post-secondary readiness benchmarks and proactively intervene when students fall off track
Communicate regularly and clearly with families about timelines, expectations, and key milestones
Teach daily classes focused on post-secondary readiness across all grade levels
Lead the senior College Seminar course, ensuring dedicated time for essays, applications, recommendations, financial aid, and final decision-making
Design and deliver curriculum for underclassmen that builds foundational knowledge of college, careers, and post-secondary pathways
Ensure students develop the skills, knowledge, and self-awareness needed to make informed post-secondary decisions by senior year
Integrate real-world application, reflection, and planning into all coursework
Plan and execute a high-quality, annual college fair that brings a diverse range of institutions to campus
Build and maintain relationships with college admissions representatives to expand opportunities and visibility for students
Coordinate and lead college visits and exposure opportunities, both on-campus and off-campus
Partner with colleges and universities to strengthen placement outcomes and create pathways for student success
Stay current on admissions trends, financial aid changes, and evolving post-secondary options
Contribute to the broader life of the school, supporting events, systems, and student experiences beyond the core role
Collaborate closely with teachers and school leadership to ensure alignment between academic preparation and post-secondary goals
Serve as a visible, engaged member of the school community, building strong relationships with students across all grades
Step in to support school needs as they arise; this role, like all at Quest Forward, extends beyond a narrow job description