Director of College Counseling & Alumni Programs

REVISION DATE:October 28, 2016

JOB TITLE:Director of College Counseling & Alumni Programs

REPORTS TO:School Director

JOB GOAL:The Director of College Counseling & Alumni Programs is responsible for leading the campus-based College Initiatives team that ensures YES Prep students have ample and viable college matriculation options and that alumni are on track to graduate from a 4-year college or university within 6 years of graduation from YES Prep. This position will provide ongoing student support to and through college by means of comprehensive alumni support programming and will ensure strong collaboration and alignment between the College Initiatives team and other key home office and campus leaders.

ILLUSTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

  • Plan, implement and evaluate a comprehensive college matriculation and alumni support programs that will fulfill the YES mission;
  • Drive collaboration between on-campus departments and teams and district college initiatives departments;
  • Directly manage and coach a campus-based college counseling team that includes college counselors, a student opportunities coordinator and multiple seminar teachers – a total of,on average, five other staff members;
  • Research, establish and maintain long-term relationships within the college admissions arena;
  • Work with appropriate YES grade level chairs, as well as entire college counseling department, to ensure that every student in every high school grade level is participating in available college-related activities when possible;
  • Manage registration, supervision and other related issues regarding standardized tests;
  • Manage campus processes for student completion of Personal Graduation Plans (PGP). Audit student transcripts and assist with student scheduling;
  • Coordinate and host high school visits and college fairs by college admissions representatives;
  • Coordinate the advising and counseling of the current classes that will grow to serve 100+ seniors and 100+ juniors each year, as well as alumni who have graduated from their respective YES campus;
  • Advise a caseload of seniors and/or juniors to ensure they have ample and viable college matriculation options;
  • Manage college counseling staff members in the following areas and others as they arise (to be determined based on prior levels of experiences): Financial Aid and Scholarships, Texas House Bill 1403/Senate Bill 1528 (working with undocumented students), Testing and Preparation and College Visitations Program;
  • Work closely with college counseling department, as well as appropriate YES grade level chairs, selected course leaders and/or seminar teachers, and campus-based instructional support leaders, to plan, coordinate, and facilitate the Seminar Program across the 9th-12th grade levels;
  • When applicable, teach and lead classes through the Seminar program focused on the preparation for the college admissions/readiness process;
  • Ensure students are matched with summer programs that meet their interests and long-range goals, including academic courses at universities, outdoor leadership excursions, or study abroad experiences;
  • Additional projects and areas as determined by the School Director and/or the Senior Director of College Initiatives (based on expertise and knowledge base of specific subject areas);
  • Additional duties as assigned.

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS:

  • Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible;
  • Participate in workshops, seminars, and conferences to enhance knowledge and skills;
  • Demonstrate knowledge, and support of YES Prep Schools’ mission, values, standards, policies and procedures, confidentiality standards, Employee Field Guide expectations, and code of ethical behavior as stated in the Field Guide;
  • Ensure compliance with all state and federal laws, local board policies, administrative guidelines, and the Texas Educators’ Code of Ethics;
  • Serve as appropriate role model for YES Prep colleagues, students, staff, and parents;
  • Conduct self in a professional manner at all times;
  • Ability to perform a variety of tasks, often changing assignments on short notice, with little to no direction;
  • Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with others.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The ideal candidate for this position will possess the following:

Education/Certification:

  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year educational institution
  • Master’s Degree, preferred

Experience:

  • Previous experience in either the high school counseling and/or college admissions field, as well as managerial and/or supervisory experience in this capacity, is required.

Skills and Mindsets:

  • Belief in and commitment to the mission and core value of YES Prep Public Schools;
  • Openness to giving and receiving frequent feedback;
  • Belief in a strong team being a key lever in accomplishing goals and metrics;
  • Demonstrated ability to lead a team;
  • A dedication to learn, grow, and develop as a professional;
  • Belief that every student can and will achieve;
  • Ability to work urgently in a fast-paced and results-oriented environment;
  • Strong written communication skills;
  • Ability to navigate and manage multiple, sometimes competing, tasks and initiatives at once;
  • Detail-oriented and self-directed;
  • Initiator, problem-solver, and creative thinker;
  • Ability to maintain emotional control under stress.
  • Fluency in Spanish, preferred, but not required.

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

  • Frequent prolonged and irregular hours of duty;
  • Some light manual labor;
  • Endure inclement weather conditions to provide for student safety.

COMMITMENT AND COMPENSATION:

Length of Work Year:

Year-round position; evening and weekend commitments also will be required

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation commensurate with experience; YES Prep - Houston offers a friendly and committed team of colleagues, and a comprehensive benefits plan including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability, plus supplemental policies, and retirement programs, including the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) and a 401(k) plan.

* The forgoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required. YES Prep Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, pregnancy, or veteran status.

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