Postsecondary Advisor

Company Overview

KIPP Memphis Public Schools is part of KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program), a national network of tuition-free, open-enrollment, public schools that are successful in helping students from educationally underserved communities develop the knowledge, skills, character, and habits needed to succeed in college and the competitive world beyond. There are currently 275 KIPP schools across the nation serving nearly 120,000 students. Founded in 2002, KIPP Memphis serves over 1,200 K-12 students in our three North Memphis schools and almost 900 alumni on their journeys to-and-through college with our KIPP Forward Program.

As a leader in providing high quality education for students who need us most, the KIPP Memphis team and family serves as a model of excellence and collaborates with other community organizations to raise the overall quality of education in Memphis. The mission of KIPP Memphis is to create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose - college, career, and beyond - so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.

Position Overview

The Postsecondary Advisor position is located on the school support team. This person will be directly managed by the KIPP Forward Director. This role will support KIPP high school seniors beginning in the spring of their senior year. The Postsecondary Advisor will work with students 1:1 and in small groups to help them make college decisions and successfully transition to the campus of their choice in the fall. The Postsecondary Advisor will stick with the newly graduated students throughout their first year in college, in support of a smooth transition to their sophomore year. The Postsecondary Advisor will complete their journey with their caseload the fall of the student’s freshmen year, where they will help them acclimate to campus and will serve as a contact as needed for the remainder of their college career.

Key Responsibilities:

Responsibilities of the Postsecondary Advisor include but are not limited to:

• Drive programming to support middle and elementary school staff and students with monthly college and career awareness and activities
• Serve as the point of contact for Sophomore college students that need persistence and graduation support
• Assist students in making a college decision by:
  • Helping students determine their careers of highest aspiration and best potential pathways to those careers
  • Determining the affordability of their options
  • Weighing the pros/cons of their options based on their fit factors
  • Working with caregivers to determine a best fit college/program
• Assist students in completing the following matriculation steps:
  • Securing housing
  • Securing transportation
  • Completing financial aid verification
  • Registering for classes each semester
  • Securing textbooks and other course materials
  • Connecting with the appropriate on campus resources: tutoring, mental health, social clubs etc.
• Assist freshmen in acclimating to college by:
  • Assisting with move-in (travel may be required)
  • Helping students learn and navigate their college campus
  • Introducing students to important campus contacts
• Create and maintain key relationships with campus contacts for local and partner colleges.
• Maintain impeccable data and organizational skills.
• Maintain consistent bi-weekly contact with caseload and families.
• Become the expert in the college matriculation process at all local schools.
• Build trusting relationships with students and caregivers from diverse backgrounds including Black, Latina/o, Immigrant, Asian, Low Income, and Exceptional Learners.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 2+ years of experience counseling/advising HS students or college-aged alumni.
• 2+ years of college access or collegiate academic advising experience.
• Willingness and availability to travel multiple times a month, including overnight trips
• Open to making a multi-year commitment.
• Proven success in relationship building and maintenance.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to meet deadlines with fidelity.
• Experience working with racially, ethnically, socioeconomically underserved students and families.
• Awareness of holistic college student experiences.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, work independently, and handle ambiguity.
• Ability to accept and implement professional feedback.

Preferred:

• Spanish proficiency is a plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft (MS) Office, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint with strong preference for candidates with Naviance and Salesforce experience
• Humility and Self-Awareness
• The ability to receive and act upon feedback
• Has prior experience working with students and their families from low-income communities with demonstrable results, preferably as a college advisor, college admissions counselor, or at an institution of higher education support office
• Is committed to developing himself/herself professionally through development opportunities, participation in organizations that support college access, and staying current in college access literature
• Committed to the mission of preparing educationally underserved children for college and beyond

Additional Information

Salary for this position is competitive and depends on prior experience, degree attainment, and credentials. A competitive benefits package will also be offered.

ADA Requirements:

• Prolonged periods standing and actively monitoring student behavior while teaching
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times
• Must be able to traverse classroom and adjust height, by bending or leaning, in order to teach each child
• Must be able to facilitate classroom transitions by walking through hallways and up and down stairs with students

KIPP Memphis is committed to a policy of equal treatment for all individuals applying to the school. KIPP Memphis does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. All application information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines