KIPP Forward High School Enrollment Counselor

KIPP • Paterson, NJ

5d • $60,000 - $78,236

About The Position

At KIPP Paterson, our promises to students and families are sacred. The KIPP Forward High School Enrollment Counselor plays a critical role in delivering on that promise by ensuring all students enroll in and successfully transition to high-quality high schools.
This role combines individualized advising, family engagement, partnership-building, and data-driven planning to ensure every student has equitable access to strong high school options and early preparation opportunities.

Requirements

• Bilingual in Spanish and English
• Deep commitment to student success and belief that strong high school placement is a critical first step to college success for all students
• Experience working in and a deep commitment to the Paterson community
• Strong relationship-builder with excellent communication, organization, and customer service skills
• Data-driven and detail-oriented; comfortable using spreadsheets and student data systems
• Able to manage multiple priorities, solve problems proactively, and stay calm under pressure
• Experience with or comfort in student advising
• Availability to work some evenings and weekends

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting high school placement or access
• Background in education or nonprofit settings (including teaching)
• Experience with systems like Salesforce or Dean’s List

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a high school quality framework (academics, culture, outcomes, fit)
• Develop partnerships with high school leaders and admissions teams to expand access and advocate for students
• Provide exposure opportunities (e.g., High School Fair, Signing Day)
• Guide 100% of 8th grade students and families through school selection, applications, enrollment, and financial aid
• Deliver individualized advising and ensure timely submission of all materials and student records
• Design and lead family workshops, information sessions, and 1:1 meetings
• Support 7th–8th grade students in meeting admissions requirements for high-quality schools
• Lead high school readiness curriculum in 7th–8th grade advisory (academics, goal-setting, self-advocacy, pathways)
• Partner with school staff to build early exposure and readiness across grades
• Support 7th graders with preparation and application to NJ SEEDS
• Connect students to enrichment opportunities (e.g., summer programs, internships)
• Develop individualized “Strong Start” plans for students transitioning to 9th grade
• Lead comprehensive 8th-to-9th grade transition planning, including academic, social-emotional, and logistical readiness (transportation, uniforms, summer work, orientation)
• Provide targeted support through the transition to ensure a strong start in 9th grade
• Track progress toward enrollment goals using real-time data to drive action planning
• Maintain accurate advising records and analyze data to differentiate support
• Collect and manage acceptance and enrollment data from partner schools
• Contribute to the success of the overall school, including carrying out responsibilities such as supporting student arrival and dismissal, etc.
• As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the position holder may be required to undertake other duties that are broadly in line with the above essential duties and responsibilities.

Benefits

• Robust benefits that include medical, dental, and vision
• KIPP 403b retirement plan, including matching contributions
• A school-issued laptop
• Generous Time-Off Policy
• Up to 12 weeks 100% parental leave for primary caregivers
• Employer paid life insurance
• Extensive optional ancillary benefits including, short term and long term disability and accident and hospital indemnity

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees