High School Placement Counselor (NY)

Excellence Community Schools•New York, NY

2d•$65,000•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Director of High School Placement, the High School Placement Counselor is responsible for providing program support to educate scholars and families on the high school placement process. The successful candidate will be responsible for programming in service and support of middle school scholars within our network. The High School Placement Counselor establishes close partnerships with Excellence Community Schools’ school leadership, teaching staff, parents, and guardians.

Requirements

Dedicated to our mission. Committed to ensuring that each scholar is placed in the best fit high school.
Willingness to make things happen with a sense of urgency to ensure that each scholar is provided with optimal opportunities.
Experience in high school admissions, education, or nonprofit industry.
Prior teaching experience preferred and/or working with 5th through 8th grade students.
Knowledge of independent, selective public, specialized, charter, or catholic school admissions, academic advising, and financial aid.
Ability to work collaboratively and be a proactive team player.
Demonstrated commitment to educational opportunities and equity for underrepresented youth.
Excellent attention to detail, good judgment, a high level of integrity, adhering to deadlines.
Familiarity with MySchools, Ravenna, the SAO, and Gateway, preferred.
Possess strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to communicate and work with multiple stakeholders within and outside the organization.
Enthusiasm to support new projects and see them through.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products such as Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
Maintain a high level of sensitivity to different family cultures and dynamics.
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
Fluency in Spanish or Bengali is a plus.

Nice To Haves

Prior teaching experience preferred and/or working with 5th through 8th grade students.
Familiarity with MySchools, Ravenna, the SAO, and Gateway, preferred.
Fluency in Spanish or Bengali is a plus.
Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Support in all aspects of the high school admissions process, including scholar essays and portfolios, test preparation, interviews, financial aid support, and school selection.
Collaborate with the Director of High School Placement to ensure a comprehensive and integrated high school placement process for all scholars.
Teach and assist with middle school (5th-8th grade) high school prep curriculum, preparing scholars for competitive independent day and boarding schools, Catholic, Specialized, and selective public schools.
Develop relationships with middle school parents through group and individual meetings regarding the high school placement process, which includes high school options, test prep, the application process, financial aid, etc.
Prepare scholars for various high school admission exams (SHSAT, ISEE, SSAT, and TACHS), essays, and portfolios.
Support, coordinate and proctor practice exams and mock interviews for scholars.
Record meeting notes for each scholar and parent interaction.
Create and maintain scholar profiles.
Nominate scholars for academic enrichment, performing and visual arts, and competitive athletic programs.
Prepare scholars and families for open houses, visitation days, and registration for entrance exams.
Communicate closely and regularly with parents regarding the high school application process via phone, email, text, and in-person meetings.
Support with network High School Placement office hours for application support on occasional Saturdays or after school.
Process admissions documents and ensure timely submission of applications.
Support in the execution of High School Placement departmental summer programming.
Attend education fairs with scholars and families.
Provide support to the Director of High School Placement as needed.
Perform other associated duties and projects as assigned by the Director of High School Placement.