Director of Post Secondary Success & Alumni Support

Director of Post Secondary Success & Alumni Support

Girard College is a full-scholarship college preparatory boarding school for academically capable students from qualified families of limited financial resources. Girard College’s mission is to prepare scholarship students for advanced education and life as informed, ethical and productive citizens through a rigorous education program that promotes intellectual, social and emotional growth. Girard College students will be prepared to complete a bachelor’s degree in order to maximize their ability to pursue productive careers and be engaged citizens.

Position Overview:

The Director of Postsecondary Success and Alumni Support is responsible for overseeing all aspects of college counseling, internships and Senior Project, community service, dual enrollment programs, college credit monitoring, and ongoing college support through an alumnus’ last year of college. This role includes the development and management of student-to-community engagement initiatives, the design and execution of a career readiness curriculum, and alumni persistence support. The Director ensures that students are well-prepared for both academic and professional success, while providing ongoing support to alumni and managing the school's scholarship programs.

Key Responsibilities:

College Counseling:

• Provide personalized college counseling to students and families, guiding them through the college application process, including college selection, application submissions, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities.
• Serve as an internal consultant on financial aid resources for students and families, helping them navigate the FAFSA, state grants including but not limited to Pennsylvania, and other financial resources.
• Oversee the successful submission of transcripts to postsecondary institutions and ensure students are prepared for standardized testing (PSAT, SAT, ACT).
• Develop and maintain relationships with college admissions representatives, financial aid officers, and diversity officers.

Internships:

• Develop and manage a robust internship program that provides students with opportunities to gain practical experience in their fields of interest.
• Cultivate relationships with businesses, non-profits, and community organizations to create a network of internship opportunities.
• Supervise and support students in securing and completing internships and ensuring alignment with career aspirations.
• Ensure successful completion of our high school’s Senior Project graduation requirement which includes an internship & presentation of learning.

Community Service:

• Oversee the school’s community service programs, ensuring students engage in meaningful service projects and meet required service hours.
• Collaborate with local organizations to create service opportunities aligned with the school's mission.

Student-to-Community Engagement:

• Design and implement programs that foster student engagement with local and global communities.
• Partner with community leaders, local businesses, and nonprofits to create student involvement opportunities.
• Promote a culture of civic responsibility and leadership through events, workshops, and initiatives.

Curriculum Development and Seminar Lessons on Career Readiness:

• Design and implement a comprehensive curriculum focused on career readiness, including resume building, interview skills, and professional communication.
• Lead seminar lessons and workshops on career readiness and prepare students for the transition from high school to college and the workforce.
• Invite industry professionals and alumni as guest speakers.

Dual Enrollment Programs:

• Oversee the recruitment and enrollment of students in dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges and universities.
• Assist students in selecting dual enrollment courses and track their progress for high school and college credit.

College Credit Monitoring:

• Track and manage students’ college credits earned through dual enrollment, AP courses, and other qualifying programs.
• Ensure students understand credit transfer policies.

College Support through Last Year of College:

• Provide ongoing support to alumni through their last year of college, assisting with academic advising, financial aid issues, and transfer applications.
• Build and maintain relationships with alumni, offering individual and group support sessions.

Alumni Support:

• Coordinate and run individual and group support sessions for alumni facing academic, financial, and personal challenges in postsecondary education.
• Maintain regular contact with alumni through various channels and monitor their enrollment and transfer rates.
• Organize events like Summer Send-offs for alumni pursuing postsecondary education.

Scholarship Management:

• Oversee the allocation of scholarship funds for alumni pursuing higher education, working closely with the CFO to ensure compliance with fund requirements.
• Manage the collection of student documents and ensure high school seniors and eligible alumni apply for scholarships.

Program Development and Evaluation:

• Continuously assess and improve college and career programs, including community engagement and career readiness initiatives.
• Use data management and tracking systems to monitor trends in alumni enrollment, retention, and graduation rates, and generate reports for the school administration.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Collaborate with faculty, administration, and the Residential Life team to integrate college readiness and community engagement into the school’s broader curriculum.
• Coordinate workshops for families on financial aid and postsecondary readiness.
• Serve as the liaison for special programs, such as partnerships with external schools or organizations.

School Administrator Duties:

• Greet students, monitor hallways, and visit classes as needed.
• Support students during standardized testing.
• Serve on the school’s Leadership Team.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree with at least 5 years of experience in college counseling, career counseling, or educational administration.
• Experience working with first-generation, low-income students and a strong understanding of the unique challenges they face in pursuing higher education.
• Expertise in college admissions processes, financial aid resources, and the organizational structure of higher education institutions.
• Strong skills in data analysis, program management, and database maintenance.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and data management tools.
• Active driver’s license and willingness to travel for college visits and off-campus events.

Working Conditions:

• Full-time, year-round position.
• Occasional evening and weekend work required for college fairs, workshops, and events.
• Some travel required for off-campus tours and partnership development.