College and Career Counselor

By 2025, KIPP DC will build upon two decades of proven results to develop into a more impactful, innovative, and inclusive school system that provides joyful, identity-affirming learning experiences so that all students and alumni achieve extraordinary outcomes. We are a network of 20 schools educating 7,000 students and employing 1,400 teachers, leaders, and staff members dedicated to our mission. The vision of High Schools at KIPP DC is to have inclusive, identity affirming and learning rich spaces where student voice is elevated and student growth is emphasized. We want our students to feel supported in their growth areas and recognized for all of their strengths, so we strive to develop both their academic and social/emotional skills.

Our work is grounded in a commitment to excellence, equity, and justice. We believe all students have the right to rigorous, relevant, and joyful learning experiences led by exceptionally talented and diverse educators who promote student achievement and a sense of belonging. We pride ourselves on providing unparalleled professional development and leadership opportunities. We acknowledge the demands of the teaching profession and continually seek to improve sustainability, benefits, and supports for teachers. We seek out teachers who are passionate about educational equity, driven by student and family relationships, and constantly seeking to grow.

The College Counselor will serve as a resource for college information for students, parents, faculty and staff at KIPP DC Somerset College Preparatory (SCP). The College Counselor helps facilitate access to post-secondary institutions for students, increase student and family awareness of educational, career, and scholarship opportunities, and guide students through the college application and financial aid process. The College Counselor must be knowledgeable about admission practices and procedures that may affect our students or our advising. In addition to these specific duties, the College Counselor will participate in general school activities and requirements, including teaching a course. The College Counselor is an exempt position.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage caseload of seniors, meet with advisees regularly to guide students and families through college research, application, and financial aid processes to ensure college preparation and matriculation

• Assist students in preparing for career goals in conjunction with their post-secondary plans

• Teach college counseling seminar classes and collaborate in the preparation of curriculum/lesson planning

• Assist families with completion of FAFSA, CSS Profile, DC TAG, and DC CAP Last Dollar Award applications, as well as several national and local scholarship applications

• Help students write and revise college essays and resumes

• Conduct college and career interview preparation

• Manage registration for the SAT test, monitor fee waivers, assist with organization of test prep

• Identify scholarship and summer program opportunities for students and guide them through the application process

• Collaborate on the planning and execution of events like family workshops, financial aid seminars, college fairs, and College Signing Day

• Assist with the coordination and hosting of on-site college rep visits

• Plan and chaperone college tours

• Assist with grade-level community meetings

• Maintain and build positive relationships with school staff, college admission offices, scholarship agencies, and corporate/community partners

• Use a data-driven approach to make informed decisions when advising students and families

• Maintain all records and data on students and complete data entry for ongoing accountability and reports

• Participate in school-wide activities as needed/required

• Bachelor’s degree (required)

• 2-5 years of college access or college admissions experience (required)

• Experience with teaching and/or facilitating large group workshops/public speaking (preferred)

• Experience supporting students/families in completion of FAFSA (preferred)

• Experience teaching in educationally underserved communities (preferred)

• Excellent writing and editing abilities

• Strong work ethic and commitment to producing high-quality work coupled with an enthusiastic and passionate approach to one’s work

• Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced team environment and adept and developing relationships

• Flexibility, tenacity, resourcefulness, and a sense of humor

• Strong cultural competency skills, including ability to communicate and work effectively and cultivate relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders

• Unquestioned integrity and commitment to KIPP DC’s mission and to advancing its anti-racist ambition through their work with staff, students, alumni, and families

• Flexibility to work weekday evenings and on weekends as needed

Compensation & Benefits:

KIPP DC offers an extremely competitive compensation and benefits package for teachers, including:

• Competitive rates for medical, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance. Plans include options for Health Savings Accounts, Flex Spending Accounts, and free access to OneMedical.

• A 403(b) retirement account with employer contributions and matches vesting after three years.

• Tax deductions for public transportation costs through a partnership with WMATA

• Laptop computer for work and access to a discounted cell phone plan for staff/student/parent calls.

• Additional development and enrichment opportunities such as RELAY’s Masters of Arts in Teaching program, Special Education Fellowship, School Culture Champion Grants, Classroom Innovation Grants, and various fellowship and pilot programs launched each year

• Various support programs in place during the pandemic, including extended sick leave and robust health and safety protocols and training programs

How to Apply:

Please apply immediately, as applications are accepted and roles are filled on a rolling basis. All interested applicants should visit https://www.kippdc.org/join-our-team/apply-now/. For questions or issues with your application, please contact careers@kippdc.org.

KIPP DC Public Schools does not discriminate against, or tolerate discrimination against, employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis or protected class including, but not limited to, actual or perceived race; color; national origin; immigration status (except as necessary to comply with federal, DC, state, or local law); religion; sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions); age; physical or mental disability; medical condition; sexual orientation; gender (including gender identity or expression); marital status (including domestic partnership status); genetic information; political affiliation; pregnancy; family responsibilities; personal appearance; veteran status; uniform service member status; status of being unemployed; status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking; matriculation; or any other protected class under federal, state, DC, or local law.

Click here or here to review KIPP DC’s non-discrimination policy and KIPP DC’s Title IX Coordinator’s contact information.

KIPP DC requires all staff to provide proof of receiving a full course of vaccination against COVID-19 or obtain an approval for exemption due to medical or religious reasons by start of employment.