College Transition Specialist

College Transition Specialist – Regular, Exempt – Recruiting open until filled.

Integral member of the Kamehameha Schools ʻohana, working with counselors, external partners, students, and their 'ohana to pursue post‑secondary opportunities. Serves as the primary resource for financial aid and transitional programs to empower alumni to continue their education. Maintains communication with alumni enrolled in regional colleges to ensure they are supported on their journey to continue their education. Works both independently and as part of a team that utilizes evidence‑based best practices to equip and empower current high school students and alumni with the skills and knowledge, through matriculation workshops, summer and bridge programs, scholarships, life skills, career, networking, enrichment and other resources to overcome educational barriers and graduate from college in a timely fashion with minimal debt.

• Program development – Build an understanding of campus‑level educational support services and collaborate with staff, faculty, students, and university offices to make necessary referrals and coordinate services. Develop and deliver informational programs and workshops to raise awareness of post‑secondary enrollment, financial resources, academic, social, supplemental support services, and career development. Plan, design, and deliver new student, parent, and alumni engagement programs aligned with KS goals.
• Stakeholder guidance – Manage alumni enrolled in two‑ and four‑year colleges, providing advising on persistence, completion, career readiness, academic and social integration, and transfer options. Serve as a resource for scholarships and financial aid, assisting students and families through the application process. Maintain relationships to further alumni education and career plans, including campus visits and evaluations. Motivate students to explore post‑secondary opportunities aligned with their passions.
  
  Support persistence, including transfers and equity initiatives, and provide advocacy where appropriate. Document students in non‑college pathways and plan co‑curricular initiatives such as matriculation life‑skill workshops, summer bridge, mentorship, job shadowing, and internship programs.
• Market research and data analysis – Stay current on higher education trends and student‑impact issues, making recommendations based on best practices. Collect and assess student data (contact information, grades, financial aid packages, scholarships, etc.) to support persistence, retention, and program improvement.
• Partner relationship management – Develop and nurture positive relations with colleges and community representatives to build a strong support network. Partner with university offices and agencies to coordinate services for alumni.

• Equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for the listed requirements.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, education, student personnel administration, counseling, higher education, social work, or a related field.
• Minimum 2 years of program management experience or experience providing direct advising support and career coaching to high school and college‑aged students.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills adaptable to diverse stakeholders.
• Capacity to plan, create, and deliver dynamic and motivational presentations.
• Willingness to learn and exhibit a commitment to an improved, high‑quality education system for Native Hawaiian learners.

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Demonstrated event‑planning skills.

Frequently sits, performs desk‑based computer tasks, and may have to stand, walk, write, lift up to 10 pounds, occasionally twist or reach. Rarely involves bending, stooping, or kneeling.

May involve travel to various locations. Typically conducted Monday through Friday during normal business hours, but evening and weekend hours are often required.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents assigned to this…