[2026-2027] College Counselor - High School

KIPP • New York, NY

2d • $70,829 - $142,270 • Onsite

About The Position

The College Counselor works on the Senior College and Career Counseling Team at KIPP NYC College Prep High School. The team guides students through college and career research, applications, and financial aid to help graduates enter best-fit programs and persist through college. The counselor works closely with students, families, school staff, colleges and universities, community partners, and the KIPP Forward Success Team. The position reports to one of the two managers on the College Team.

The counselor co-plans and facilitates senior college and career counseling coursework from September through June and provides direct college advisement to approximately 60–70 students and families. Counseling includes applications, required documents, Opportunity Programs, financial aid and scholarships, comparing financial aid packages, and completing college commitments and deposits. The counselor also supports students’ transitions through the summer, helping prevent summer melt and ensuring they matriculate to their intended college or career pathway.

The role also includes facilitating junior readiness coursework, maintaining student records and attendance, coordinating college counseling events and visits, using Overgrad and financial aid data systems, advising a small group of students through the school-wide advisory program, supporting students with disabilities, integrating career counseling into college guidance, and participating in professional development and team projects. The role is based in New York City and requires travel to KIPP NYC schools; some Saturday work is required for college counseling events.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year educational institution.
• Demonstrated experience with college admissions and financial aid counseling at the secondary school or collegiate level.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline- and goal-driven environment.
• Ability to learn tasks, skills, technology platforms, and databases quickly and to seek and accept feedback.
• Flexibility, strong work ethic, adaptability, and willingness to support teammates in a growing team with significant responsibility for senior matriculation outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience working with traditionally underserved students and families from diverse socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Ability to work some Saturdays for signature College Counseling events.
• Passion for a team-oriented, mission-driven school culture and alignment with KIPP NYC’s mission.
• Personal qualities including zest, grit, hope, love, social intelligence, gratitude, and a sense of humor.

Nice To Haves

• Experience counseling New York high school students or working within SUNY or CUNY.
• At least two years of experience working with groups of students.
• Bilingual Spanish/English speaking and writing skills.
• Specialized training in college counseling or higher education administration.

Responsibilities

• Co-plan and facilitate the Senior College and Career Counseling course from September through June.
• Provide college advisement to 60–70 seniors and their families, including support with applications, required documents, Opportunity Programs, financial aid, scholarships, comparing financial aid packages, and college commitments and deposits.
• Support students’ transitions to college by completing pre-college benchmarks and transition checklists, coordinating with the KIPP Forward Success Team, and addressing barriers to matriculation through the summer.
• Co-plan and facilitate the junior College and Career Readiness course in June, supporting financial aid learning, personal statements, college and CTE program research, and college list revisions.
• Maintain weekly grades and daily attendance in PowerSchool for assigned sections and senior caseload.
• Monitor classrooms, assist students outside the assigned caseload as needed, and participate fully in weekly team meetings.
• Coordinate with college admissions and scholarship representatives to arrange visits, information sessions, interviews, and fly-ins, and encourage student participation.
• Plan, coordinate, and deliver college counseling events, including Senior Brunch, College and Career Fair, parent financial aid workshops, junior college and CTE trips, and the College and Career Commitment Ceremony.
• Learn and use Overgrad for college search and applications and to manage student and college data.
• Use the financial aid database to track aid packages and provide families with clear financial comparisons of college options.
• Advise a small group of students through the school-wide four-year advisory program, supporting academic success, college readiness, career awareness, and self-discovery.
• Attend IEP meetings for students with disabilities and identify colleges able to provide the supports they need.
• Integrate career counseling into college guidance by using YouScience assessments and Career Plans and promoting Career Conversations, the Summer Programs Fair, and other career opportunities.
• Pursue ongoing professional and personal growth by working with the Manager of College Counseling and attending professional development.
• Assess student progress and communicate results to the Director, Manager, families, and colleagues.
• Assist the Manager of College Counseling with projects as they arise.
• Model the school’s values in communications with students, families, staff, and outside organizations.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Five school vacation weeks, sick and personal days, and an extended summer break.
• Up to 12 weeks of 100% paid parental leave.
• Bright Horizons backup child and elder care.
• Employer-paid life insurance and short-term and long-term disability.
• Eight weeks of paid sabbatical after 10 years.
• Annual professional development funds.
• Tuition reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level