RISE Academy 2026-2027 Guidance and College Counselor

RISE Education System•San Jose, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

RISE Academy is seeking an experienced and compassionate Guidance and College Counselor to join our team for the 2026–2027 school year. This role is pivotal in supporting upper school students’ academic planning, social-emotional wellbeing, and college readiness. The ideal candidate is student-centered, highly organized, and knowledgeable about college admissions, with a strong ability to build trust with students and families and collaborate closely with faculty and school leadership.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Counseling, Education, or a related field
Minimum of 2 years of experience in academic and college counseling, preferably in a high school setting
Strong understanding of college admissions processes, timelines, and requirements
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to build trust with students and families
Strong organizational systems and ability to manage multiple timelines and student caseloads
Ability to work collaboratively with students, parents/guardians, and staff
Commitment to fostering a supportive, culturally responsive environment for all students
Alignment with RISE Academy’s mission and comfort working in a faith-based school environment

Nice To Haves

School counseling credential and/or experience working in a K–12 private school setting
Experience supporting scholarship and financial aid advising processes
Experience coordinating college counseling events, workshops, and partnerships
Familiarity with common counseling and college application platforms and tools (e.g., Google Workspace, student information systems, Common App, Naviance/MAIA Learning or similar tools, as applicable)

Responsibilities

Assist students with course selection, graduation planning, and academic goal-setting
Monitor academic progress and collaborate with teachers and leadership to support students who need intervention or additional planning
Develop individualized academic plans that reflect student strengths, needs, and postsecondary goals
Support students and families in understanding academic policies, timelines, and requirements
Guide students through the full college application process, including college research and selection, application completion, essays, and interview preparation
Advise students on building balanced college lists and meeting deadlines across application platforms
Support students with scholarship planning, recommendation letter processes, and application organization systems
Coordinate and maintain college/career readiness resources, including timelines, checklists, and student-facing guidance
Facilitate career exploration and help students connect interests to potential college majors and pathways
Organize and lead workshops for students and families on topics such as study skills, time management, digital organization, stress management, career exploration, and college readiness
Coordinate events such as college nights, financial aid information sessions, application work sessions, and visits from college representatives (as applicable)
Develop clear communication and resources for families on key milestones and counseling services
Work closely with faculty, administration, and support staff to create a strong student support network
Collaborate with external organizations and community partners to expand opportunities for students (mentorships, summer programs, enrichment, scholarships)
Participate in relevant meetings, student support team discussions, and schoolwide events
Maintain accurate records of counseling sessions, student plans, academic progress, and college application support
Manage confidential student information ethically and in accordance with school policies and applicable requirements
Support transcript processes, documentation requests, and reporting as needed