What are the responsibilities and job description for the Founding Student Counselor | Des Moines Prep position at Opportunity Education?
Founding Counselor | Des Moines Prep
www.desmoinesprep.org
About Des Moines Prep
Des Moines Prep is a new public charter high school opening in August 2025 to serve 150 ninth-grade students in its inaugural class. The school will add an additional grade level each year, building out a full comprehensive high school that offers academic excellence, a wide array of extracurriculars, and hyper-focused college and career preparation. As one of the flagship schools for Opportunity Education (www.opportunityeducation.org), Des Moines Prep aims to set a model for schools nationwide.
About the Role: Student Counselor
The Founding Counselor will play a crucial role in maintaining a culture of excellence and joy for our students. Reporting to the Dean of Culture and Principal, the Founding Counselor will provide social-emotional support, foster strong student relationships, and help create a nurturing environment rooted in high-expectations. As a key member of the student support team, they will work closely with students and families to celebrate successes and address challenges proactively. Additionally, they will collaborate with school leadership to design and implement advisory programming focused on leadership and communication skills, as well as develop community service initiatives that align with our school’s core values.
This role is ideal for an experienced and mission-driven school counselor who is passionate about student well-being, committed to fostering a positive school culture, and eager to build strong support systems that ensure every student thrives at Des Moines Prep.
Responsibilities
As a dynamic and growing organization, responsibilities may evolve; however, core areas of focus include:
Social-Emotional Support & School Culture (50%)
Interested applicants should apply here .
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates advancing through the process should expect multiple rounds of interviews with various stakeholders, a performance task, thorough reference checks, and a blend of in-person and virtual interviews. The goal is to identify the ideal candidate by .
Compensation
Salary is currently budgeted in a range of , commensurate with experience. This role is eligible for IPERS (Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System).
Start Date & Additional Questions
The expected start date for the position is August 1, 2025, with onboarding and professional development before the school year begins to ensure a successful founding year.
Statement of Non-Discrimination
Opportunity Education is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where all individuals are valued and respected.
www.desmoinesprep.org
About Des Moines Prep
Des Moines Prep is a new public charter high school opening in August 2025 to serve 150 ninth-grade students in its inaugural class. The school will add an additional grade level each year, building out a full comprehensive high school that offers academic excellence, a wide array of extracurriculars, and hyper-focused college and career preparation. As one of the flagship schools for Opportunity Education (www.opportunityeducation.org), Des Moines Prep aims to set a model for schools nationwide.
About the Role: Student Counselor
The Founding Counselor will play a crucial role in maintaining a culture of excellence and joy for our students. Reporting to the Dean of Culture and Principal, the Founding Counselor will provide social-emotional support, foster strong student relationships, and help create a nurturing environment rooted in high-expectations. As a key member of the student support team, they will work closely with students and families to celebrate successes and address challenges proactively. Additionally, they will collaborate with school leadership to design and implement advisory programming focused on leadership and communication skills, as well as develop community service initiatives that align with our school’s core values.
This role is ideal for an experienced and mission-driven school counselor who is passionate about student well-being, committed to fostering a positive school culture, and eager to build strong support systems that ensure every student thrives at Des Moines Prep.
Responsibilities
As a dynamic and growing organization, responsibilities may evolve; however, core areas of focus include:
Social-Emotional Support & School Culture (50%)
- Serve as a primary advocate for students' social-emotional well-being, providing counseling services and proactive interventions.
- Support student success by working closely with families and teachers to address behavioral or emotional challenges.
- Attend and contribute to student support team and attendance meetings, working collaboratively to celebrate student achievements and problem-solve barriers.
- Assist with planning and implementing advisory lessons centered on leadership, communication skills, and character development.
- Lead and cultivate community service projects that align with the school’s mission and core values.
- Assist the Dean of Academics in managing the school’s Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework.
- Monitor student academic progress and ensure students have access to appropriate interventions and resources.
- Collaborate with teachers and administrators to implement academic support for students who need additional assistance.
- Work with students individually or in small groups to develop strategies for academic success and personal growth.
- Build strong relationships with students, families, and staff to create a supportive and inclusive school environment.
- Communicate regularly with families to celebrate student achievements and address challenges.
- Serve as a key resource for students in navigating personal and academic challenges.
- Develop partnerships with local organizations to provide students with additional support services and enrichment opportunities.
- 3 years of experience as a school counselor or in a related student support role.
- Experience working in a high school setting, supporting students through social-emotional development, academic planning, and postsecondary preparation.
- Knowledge of and experience implementing MTSS frameworks and student intervention strategies.
- Strong background in restorative practices, PBIS, or other student-centered behavioral supports.
- Experience designing and facilitating advisory programs and/or community service initiatives.
- Commitment to Des Moines Prep’s mission to cultivate an experience of excellence and joy for our students, staff, and families.
- Consistently embodies our core values: Connect, Aspire, Persevere, and Achieve.
- A student-centered mindset with a deep belief in every student’s potential.
- Ability to build trust and strong relationships with students, families, and staff.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to navigate complex situations with empathy and professionalism.
- A collaborative and team-oriented leadership style that values input and shared decision-making.
Interested applicants should apply here .
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates advancing through the process should expect multiple rounds of interviews with various stakeholders, a performance task, thorough reference checks, and a blend of in-person and virtual interviews. The goal is to identify the ideal candidate by .
Compensation
Salary is currently budgeted in a range of , commensurate with experience. This role is eligible for IPERS (Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System).
Start Date & Additional Questions
The expected start date for the position is August 1, 2025, with onboarding and professional development before the school year begins to ensure a successful founding year.
Statement of Non-Discrimination
Opportunity Education is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where all individuals are valued and respected.
