What are the responsibilities and job description for the 2025-26 CT College Counselor position at Duluth Area Family YMCA?
School Year: 2025-26
Immediate Opening
The Role of a College Counselor at Achievement First:
The primary responsibility of the College & Career Counselor is to ensure that 100% of seniors apply and are accepted to the best-fit post-secondary path. The College & Career Counselor will work with our scholars and their families beginning in the spring of their junior year to begin their post-secondary planning process. The College & Career Counselor supports seniors through every phase of the college & career application process including but not limited to college & career list creation, application essays (personal statement), supplemental essays, financial aid applications, interviews and advocacy work, and deciding which institution to attend. The ideal candidate will possess an extensive knowledge of the college admissions and financial aid processes, the career and technical education processes in their region, as well as the skills necessary to help students be successful in their post-secondary path. Chief among these are entrepreneurialism, systems-driven, data-focused, organization, relentlessness, creative problem solving, and follow-through. The ideal candidate will also possess research, networking, and communication skills to connect students to unique programs on college & career campuses. In order to meet the ambitious goals, an ideal candidate must also plan carefully in order to ensure strategic use of time and resources. The College & Career Counselor will report directly to the Dean of College & Career.
Responsibilities of Achievement First College Counselors include, but are not limited to:
College & Career Counseling for a Caseload of Students
The ideal candidate for this position will possess the following:
Immediate Opening
The Role of a College Counselor at Achievement First:
The primary responsibility of the College & Career Counselor is to ensure that 100% of seniors apply and are accepted to the best-fit post-secondary path. The College & Career Counselor will work with our scholars and their families beginning in the spring of their junior year to begin their post-secondary planning process. The College & Career Counselor supports seniors through every phase of the college & career application process including but not limited to college & career list creation, application essays (personal statement), supplemental essays, financial aid applications, interviews and advocacy work, and deciding which institution to attend. The ideal candidate will possess an extensive knowledge of the college admissions and financial aid processes, the career and technical education processes in their region, as well as the skills necessary to help students be successful in their post-secondary path. Chief among these are entrepreneurialism, systems-driven, data-focused, organization, relentlessness, creative problem solving, and follow-through. The ideal candidate will also possess research, networking, and communication skills to connect students to unique programs on college & career campuses. In order to meet the ambitious goals, an ideal candidate must also plan carefully in order to ensure strategic use of time and resources. The College & Career Counselor will report directly to the Dean of College & Career.
Responsibilities of Achievement First College Counselors include, but are not limited to:
College & Career Counseling for a Caseload of Students
- Support and guide all 12th grade students through each step of the college and career and financial aid application processes
- Using a data-driven approach, provide one-on-one college counseling to a caseload of 40-50 seniors through the admissions cycle including, but not limited to, creating a college & career list, writing and revising the personal statement, advising on financial aid, and making final matriculation decisions
- Ensure students take advantage of special opportunities made available to low-income students in the college search and application process (i.e. fee waivers, fly-in visits, university partner programs and scholarships)
- Ensure strong "match" and "fit" for each student, inclusive of college, CTE, and military pathways post-high school.
- Support informed decision making and strong transition planning through completion of enrollment/matriculation tasks to ensure a strong start in Fall after senior year
- Teach and/or co-teach the 12th grade college & career course that supports the application readiness, submission, and decision making process
- Plan working sessions via lesson plans in partnership with the 12th grade College & Career course teacher
- Build relationships with families/caregivers and maintain consistent engagement and communication throughout the application process via email, phone or text (ParentSquare)
- Plan and lead workshops for parents on key topics (creating college & career lists, financial aid planning, preparing for the application process, etc. ) related to the college & career admissions process
- Ensure parents and students comprehend the different application requirements and deadlines, admissions policies and financial aid applications associated with different colleges
- Write and manage the collection of letters of recommendations for all seniors, including providing professional development and coaching for the Letter of Recommendation writing process for all teachers
- Contact and meet with campus admissions representatives to build positive relationships and market AF and AF applicants
- Become familiar with the academic and social environments at the various colleges alumni are considering in an effort to recommend suitable matches
- Develop and maintain a robust network of college admission professionals through regular communication and high school visits from colleges and universities that best support first generation, low- income college students
- Understand CTE options regionally and make recommendations based on alumni results
- Assist with the administration of the SAT assessments (PSAT and SAT)
- Attend and/or plan day or overnight college trip for students
- Work with other members of the school-based college & career team to ensure alignment of summer opportunities and collect feedback and respond to alumni data
- Assist with specific projects and areas as determined by the Dean of College & Career(based on expertise and knowledge base of college counselor).
- Additional duties as assigned
- Participate in school-wide professional development, grade-level teams, and school-specific duties
- Support and participate in school-wide activities and programming
The ideal candidate for this position will possess the following:
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year educational institution
- Previous experience in either the high school counseling and/or college admissions field is required
- High School teaching or counseling strongly preferred
- Ability to work urgently in a fast-paced and results-oriented environment
- Ability to juggle multiple tasks and initiatives at once
- Detail-oriented and self-directed, with relentless accountability to deadlines, internal and external
- Strong analytical and written communication skills
- Initiator, problem-solver, and creative thinker
- Ability to maintain emotional control under stress
- Proficiency with all MS Office programs including: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
- An ability to work well with students, their families and the entire Achievement First Staff
- Belief in and commitment to the mission and core values of Achievement First Public Charter Schools
- Openness to giving and receiving frequent feedback
- Demonstrated ability to work on a team
- A dedication to learn, grow, and develop as a professional
- Employees at Achievement First are provided with a competitive salary. Our salaries are set through a lens of equity, and based on an individual's skills, education, and years of experience relevant to the role. College Counselors' salaries range from $59,378-$77,462, based on experience.
- As a regular full time employee of Achievement First, you will be eligible for benefits that include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance as well as a 403(b) retirement benefit package with match and paid Family Leave.
Salary : $59,378 - $77,462
