KIPP Massachusetts
Job Title: College Counselor
Reports to: Director of KIPP Through College
Who we are.
KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) is a national network of 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
183 KIPP schools in 20 states and the District of Columbia serving 70,000 students. Today, KIPP
Massachusetts serves over 1400 students in our five schools in Boston and Lynn and almost 400 alumni on
their journeys to and through college with our KIPP Through College Program.
What we do & why it matters.
Nation-wide, only 10% of students from low income communities like Lynn and Boston graduate from
college, compared to 84% of their more affluent peers. Preparing our students for successful lives of
independence and impact drives the work of all KIPP school leaders, teachers, and staff. Nationally, KIPP
alumni graduate from college at 4 times the national average, which is good, but not good enough. We
project our Class of 2015, the first to benefit from a 5-12 KIPP education, will graduate from college at 5
times the national average. Our goal is for 75% of our alumni to graduate from college.
Our Schools.
KIPP MA serves over 1,400 students at five schools in 2015-16. KIPP MA will serve over 1,600 students at five
schools in 2016-17.
In Lynn, MA, we are building a K-12 education system across three schools. We currently serve students in
grade K at KIPP Academy Lynn Elementary School, in grades 5-8 at KIPP Academy Lynn Middle School, and in
grades 9-12 at KIPP Academy Lynn Collegiate High School. We are excited to build our Lynn elementary
school to serve grades K-1 in 2016-2017 and grades K-4 by 2019-2020.
In Boston, MA, we are building a K-8 education system across three schools. We currently serve students in
grades K-1 at KIPP Academy Boston Elementary and in 5-8 at KIPP Academy Boston We are excited to build
our Boston elementary school to serve grades K-2 in 2016-2017 and grades K-4 by 2018-2019.
Across all our schools, 84% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, 14% receive Special Education
services, and 20% are identified as English Language Learners. At KIPP, we believe that all kids can and will
learn, and our staff members are dedicated to ensuring we serve the needs of all our learners. We are at our
best when we are engaging students’ joy and curiosity through rigorous curriculum that will put them on the
paths toward lives of independence and impact.
By 2020, KIPP will serve 10% or more of Lynn public school students and join our charter peers in Boston to
serve 20% of Boston’s public school students. We will also scale our KIPP through College (KTC) program to
serve 857 alumni by 2020, effectively tripling the total number of students served by KIPP Massachusetts.
Work Hard. Be Nice.
College Counselor
College Counselors are dedicated to fostering growth in student academic knowledge, interpersonal skills,
college readiness skills, and character. The ultimate goal of a college counselor is to ensure that each
graduate has applied, is accepted and matriculates into the college that is the right fit for their needs, socially,
academically and financially.
Duties and Responsibilities:
In order to be successful in this mission, the College Counselor holds the following duties and
responsibilities:
 Teach college counseling and life skills classes that support the college counseling process.
 Serve as the College Counselor directly to 9th – 12th grade students, guiding them through the college
search, application, financial aid and matriculation process and all related issues.
 Assist students with development of and updating of their educational plan.
 Write 70-80 college and/or summer enrichment program letters of recommendations.
 Complete and ensure submission of all necessary documentation in support of their students’ college
and/or summer enrichment applications.
 Establish and maintain relationships/partnerships with colleges, universities, outreach programs,
scholarship programs and organizations and corporate sponsors.
 Actively research all aspects of college counseling, financial aid, scholarships, applications and
standards.
 Establish and work closely with grade level chairs to ensure that all KALC students are given
opportunities to participate in college counseling activities and program initiatives.
 Regularly communicate with students and parents.
 Assist in coordination, facilitation and presentation of student and parent nights.
 Facilitate and teach SAT/ACT test preparation.
 Assist in the registration plan for standardized tests and all related issues.
 Assist in the coordination of college visits.
General responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
At KIPP, we believe that an excellent staff member does the following:
 Believes that all of us can and will learn and creates a positive learning environment with high
expectations for all students and staff throughout the school;
 Thrives as part of a team-oriented, mission-driven culture;
 Exudes joy and a love of learning every single day;
 Demonstrates a growth mindset and a desire to continually improve through feedback, coaching, and
professional development;
 Constantly assesses progress, communicates results clearly, and uses data to inform decisions and set
ambitious goals.
 Has a strong work ethic and commits to doing whatever it takes for students to excel, including
committing to an extended work day and remaining available to colleagues, students, and families
outside of school hours
Qualified candidates have the following:
Experience:
 Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year educational institution, Master’s Degree preferred but
not required.
Work Hard. Be Nice.
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Skills:
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Prior experience working with high school students/families in the college counseling process
preferred, not required
Prior experience teaching high school students
Prior experience in project management
Previous experience in using data to drive decision making
Previous experience working with all Microsoft Office programs: Word, Excel, Power point, and
Outlook.
Concise and effective verbal and written communication skills
Ability to work with faculty, families students and corporate leaders
Ability to problem solve
Comfort with ambiguity
Ability to proactively recognize and address hurdles
Strong analytical and communication skills
Strong attention to detail
Fast learner with the ability to inquire and be open to feedback
Shows good judgment, prioritizes
Organized and planned but also open to revising plans as necessary
Ability to work independently in a fast paced, results-oriented environment, subject to interruptions
Manages time and resources effectively, prioritizing efforts in order to meet all deadlines
To apply:
Internal candidates: If you are currently a member of the KIPP MA team, please apply by emailing your
resume to the Recruitment Team at Talent@kippma.org. Be sure to indicate to which position you wish to
apply.
External candidates: If you do not currently work for the KIPP:MA team, please visit our job board at
http://kippcareers.force.com/jobboard?site=Massachusetts and complete an online application.
Compensation
Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes a comprehensive benefits package.
KIPP MA is an employment at-will organization.
KIPP Massachusetts, KIPP Academy Lynn, and KIPP Academy Boston are equal opportunity employers. We do
not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, gender identity, religion, creed, ethnicity,
sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age, ancestry, special need, proficiency in the English
language, or a foreign language. We are committed to hiring a diverse and multicultural staff and encourage
applications from traditionally under-represented backgrounds.
Work Hard. Be Nice.