Persistence Advisor

Organizational Overview:

KIPP Atlanta Schools is part of the KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) national network of free, open enrollment, college preparatory schools dedicated to ensuring that every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities. There are 280 KIPP schools in 21 states and the District of Columbia serving more than 175,000 scholars and alumni.

KIPP Atlanta currently operates 11 schools, including five primary schools, six middle schools and one high school, as well as KIPP Forward which supports scholars on their journey to a choice-filled life. We are a social justice organization and our vision and mission require the work of dedicated, bold and skilled leaders, educators, and support staff who are committed to serving as the catalyst for joyful, academically excellent schools and the foundation for building a more just and equitable world for our scholars.

Job Overview:

Persistence Advisor is a year-round position on the KIPP Forward team. The Persistence Advisor serves as the primary point of contact for a targeted caseload of KIPP Metro Atlanta Alumni pursuing Associate degrees, certificate programs, and CTE pathways. In addition to providing specialized retention and transfer support to students enrolled in technical and community colleges, the Persistence Advisor assists alumni pursuing Bachelor’s degrees across various post-secondary pathways to ensure program completion.

Candidates should have experience in the technical college system, be well-versed in the enrollment process of the CTE field, and demonstrate flexibility to meet the needs of the target demographic. The ideal candidate is an empathetic, highly organized relationship builder and a great communicator.

Persistence Advisors report to the Director of Persistence. This is a year-round, hybrid position based out of KIPP Atlanta Collegiate High School.

Job Responsibilities:

Bucket 1 Alumni Support and Advising
55%
Manage a caseload of KIPP alumni enrolled in Associate degree, CTE, certificate, and four-year college pathways, providing targeted advising focused on program completion, career readiness, academic and social integration, resource and campus navigation, and transfer options.

Establish initiatives to promote college persistence via matriculation workshops, summer programs, life skills and networking opportunities, and connecting students to other resources available at post-secondary institutions.

Build positive relationships with students to serve as a person of impact and influence throughout their post-secondary journey.

Complete pre-college benchmark surveys for all seniors, and college benchmarks for all targeted caseloads after the start of new academic year and winter/spring semester.

Develop intervention plans and action steps for at-risk students.

Communicate FAFSA deadlines and conduct semester financial pulse checks for students.

Maintain comprehensive knowledge of financial policies, grant programs, and financial aid procedures. Navigate enrollment, financial aid, and credit transfer processes specific to the Technical College System and vocational programs.

Maintain knowledge of transfer policies and requirements between 2-year and 4-year institutions.

Plan and execute programming around preventing summer melt.

Research and promote student’s involvement in internship, apprenticeship, and hands-on career training opportunities. Schedule weekly and monthly visits to college students in and out of state.

Maintain a schedule of regular outreach to students on caseload via phone, text, email, and in-person communication.

Plan at least 2 educational or celebratory events each semester for college students.

Bucket 2 Stakeholders Relations
35%
Maintain contacts…