Director of College & Career - High School - San Jose

KIPP Forward Director of College & Career Counseling

The KIPP Forward Director of College & Career Counseling (DCC) is responsible for leading a school-based College & Career Counseling Department. The ultimate goal is to support students in choosing the best post secondary pathway aligned to their interests, passions, and highest aspirations. For many, college is the pathway but it may also include pursuing a trade, vocational program, or enlisting in the military.

The DCC builds relationships with the school leadership team, KIPP Forward leadership, the KIPP Foundation, national and local organizations, and colleges/universities to provide resources for students. The DCC ensures the college & career counseling program is woven into all aspects of the school and does not work in isolation from the school’s mission. The DCC leads the department in college & career counseling, curriculum planning, and the postsecondary match process.

The team meets high expectations for student postsecondary program application and matriculation goals and ensures FAFSA/CA Dream Act completion. The DCC serves as the primary liaison between the school and the KIPP Forward Team. Reporting to the High School Leader, the DCC works out of a specific school four days a week and one day from the nearest RSO office (Oakland or SJ).

The DCC receives coaching from the Associate Director of Postsecondary Match and participates in weekly DCC Community of Practice.

• 4+ years of College Match/College Admissions Experience (preferably in CA)
• 2-3 years of teaching experience (preferred)
• Experience in leading high-performance teams and managing a diverse team
• Track record of success working with high school students/families in the college counseling process
• Track record of success in managing and supervising adults
• Previous experience in using data to drive decision making

• Bachelor’s Degree required. Master’s degree preferred.

• Significant knowledge of College Access for first generation, educationally underserved college graduates from historically marginalized communities
• Demonstrated sensitivity to and an understanding of diverse academic, socio-economic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of student populations
• Strong working knowledge of student database systems (preferred)
• Positivity, optimism, and a solutions‑oriented mindset
• Unquestioned integrity and commitment to KIPP Northern California’s mission and values
• Commitment to working with educationally underserved students and families from historically marginalized communities
• Commitment to continuously learning how to lead for equity to ensure students and teammates thrive
• Ability to self‑direct and prioritize among competing goals and to initiate process improvements
• Goal‑oriented, with strong initiative and creative problem‑solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to work with teachers, counselors, parents, students, and administration teams
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills
• Extreme flexibility, strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit to accommodate joining a growing and constantly improving team

Management and Coaching

• People Management
• Student Caseload Management & Counseling Coaching
• Instructional Coaching
• Lead match goal setting process and own progress toward meeting goals
• Consultant/support to SL to ensure school staff is aware of our new College, Career & Beyond focus
• Support implementation of Career Integration plan
• Provide CC department ongoing PD at school site and regional CC convenings
• Lead CKCS Implementation across 9th‑12th grade

Team Management

• Manage a team of high school based College & Career Counselors at the school site; complete weekly One‑on‑One Check‑ins with each direct report (11th and 12th grade counselors)
• Engage in all parts of the performance management process, including 2x2x2, Mid‑year and end‑of‑year performance evaluation using the PDP
• Observe counselors leading student and/or family meetings and provide feedback with a clear action step
• Equip counselors with caseload management tools and strategies to integrate…