School Counselor

School Counselor (2026-2027 School Year)

New York, NY

Democracy Prep Public Schools is a college prep institution, and it is our mission to educate all scholars to be successful in the college of their choice and a life of active citizenship. We also acknowledge and celebrate multiple post-secondary pathways. We prioritize civic engagement, global citizenship/student travel, arts, and athletics, in addition to excellent academics.

Our School Counselors play a vital role in actualizing this mission by supporting scholars during every step of their high school journey through our comprehensive 4-year advising program for students in grades 9–12.

Our goal is ensuring scholars develop enduring habits of success while they explore and secure meaningful college and career pathways that align with their passions, strengths, and long-term goals. The School Counselor partners closely with scholars, families, school staff, and external partners to guide students through the college application and financial aid process while also advising those pursuing non-college pathways such as military service, vocational training, or employment. This position reports directly to the school's Leadership Team and is integral to each scholar's journey from high school to postsecondary success.

Who You Are

• Mission-Driven Postsecondary Champion: You are passionately committed to Democracy Prep's vision of college success and civic engagement for every scholar, and you believe in expanding access to diverse postsecondary options.
• Experienced Postsecondary Advisor: You bring experience in college counseling and/or college admissions and are well-versed in college application processes, financial aid systems, and alternative postsecondary pathways.
• Skilled Communicator and Writer: You are an excellent writer who provides clear and compelling feedback on scholar essays and produces powerful recommendation letters that elevate scholar narratives.
• Collaborative Connector: You build meaningful relationships with families, staff, and college representatives, and you connect scholars to resources and opportunities that match their goals.
• Detail-Oriented Data Manager: You maintain accurate and timely student records, use data to inform guidance strategies, and continuously evaluate the effectiveness of your work.

What You'll Do

College and Career Readiness

• Guide 12th grade students through the entire postsecondary process, including college list development, application support, personal statement coaching, scholarship applications, and interview preparation
• Provide comprehensive academic counseling for students in grades 9-12 through regular meetings that address both academic planning and social-emotional development
• Assist students and families with financial aid processes (FAFSA, TAP, CSS Profile), interpreting award letters, and making informed college selection decisions
• Provide specialized guidance for non-traditional pathways such as military service, vocational training, apprenticeships, and direct employment
• Explore alternative education options that align with students' interests and career goals
• Coordinate SAT/ACT preparation programs, including school-day testing logistics, fee waiver distribution, and test-taking strategies
• Write official recommendation letters and support faculty in the recommendation process for college admissions

Data-Driven Advising

• Monitor student progress toward postsecondary goals using comprehensive counseling systems
• Analyze data on college outcomes to inform advising strategies and improve support for future cohorts
• Collaborate with teachers to identify students who may benefit from academic interventions or acceleration

Student Development

• Support the development of habits of success through individualized counseling, including time management, self-advocacy, and goal-setting
• Provide ongoing guidance for students facing academic challenges or transitions
• Monitor student progress and identify those who may benefit from targeted interventions

Academic Oversight and Transition Support

• Oversee Credit Audits: Review students' academic records to identify course gaps, ensure alignment with graduation requirements, and develop individualized plans to stay on track for completion.
• Monitor Graduation Eligibility: Track student progress toward all state and district graduation benchmarks, providing targeted guidance to address deficiencies and remain academically eligible for postsecondary opportunities.
• Support Transferring Students: Assess academic transcripts from external schools, identify course equivalencies, and create transition plans that ensure continuity in students' educational paths while building relationships with new peers and staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or counseling certification preferred.
• Master's degree in social work, counseling, or related field is preferred but not required
• Prior experience in high school college counseling, college admissions, or a related advising role.
• Deep knowledge of college admissions and financial aid processes; familiarity with non-college pathways is a strong plus.
• Exceptional writing and communication skills, including experience drafting recommendation letters and supporting scholar writing.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain accurate records.
• Comfort using data systems to track scholar progress and inform decision-making.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with scholars and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Passion for educational equity and belief in the potential of every scholar.

Compensation

Salary is $75,725.00 - $126,374.00 and commensurate with your experience. Democracy Prep employees are provided with a benefits package that includes medical, vision, and dental insurance, 403B matching, parental leave, a smartphone, and a laptop.

Democracy Prep is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. Our mission is to educate responsible citizen-scholars who will change the world. We strongly believe that by building a DREAM team that represents numerous perspectives, backgrounds, and areas of expertise, we can achieve this goal together. This is a value we highly support and strongly encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.