College Counselor

College Counselor Position

Reports to School Principal or Director of College Counseling

Collaborates Directly with Students, Parents, Faculty, and College Admissions Representatives

The College Counselor plays an essential role in ensuring all Cristo Rey students are on track to enroll and succeed in college. The position requires an extraordinary commitment to serving urban, low-income youth – most of whom will be the first in their family to pursue a degree – through the implementation of a comprehensive, four-year college counseling program. The position requires extensive experience with the college admissions process, a strong sense of low-income students' and family needs in preparing for college, and the ability to manage key relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. In addition, candidates should be prepared to work closely with Naviance Succeed and integrate it into the workflow of the college counseling office.

Primary Responsibilities

• Guiding and assisting students through the entire college and financial aid application process through an intrusive counseling approach
• Planning and leading workshops for parents and students on key topics (financial aid planning, different types of institutions, scholarships, essay writing) related to the college admissions process
• Building and celebrating a school-wide college-going culture (e.g. publicly posting college acceptances, on-site admissions days, planning and leading senior acceptance assemblies, and other school-wide traditions)
• Ensuring parents and students comprehend the different application requirements, admissions policies, financial aid applications associated with different colleges
• Ensuring students take advantage of special opportunities made available to low-income students in the college search and application process (i.e. fee waivers, fly-in visits, university partner programs and scholarships)
• Participating in professional development opportunities offered by the Cristo Rey Network's national office
• Maintaining a comprehensive list of scholarships and summer enrichment opportunities on Naviance Succeed or another database
• Assisting with the coordination of the ACT/SAT assessments (EXPLORE, PLAN, ACT, PSAT)
• Writing and managing the collection of letters of recommendations for all seniors
• Developing and maintaining a robust network of college admission professionals through regular communication and visits
• Visiting / touring college campuses with students
• Ensuring students participate in a College Fair each year
• Establishing, pursuing, and tracking clear school goals for college admissions, enrollment, persistence, and completion

Additional Responsibilities

• Participating in information programs hosted by colleges and universities in the region
• Representing your school at local, state and national college admissions conferences (ACT/College Board, NACAC), college fairs, and college tours
• Participating in professional development opportunities offered by local college access / admissions organizations (i.e. Association of College Admissions Counselors)
• Serving as an expert to students, parents and staff on the on the entire college search and selection process

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's Degree required
• At least two years of experience in college advising with with economically disadvantaged, racially diverse students and their families
• Strong understanding of the academic, financial, and social barriers to college access for underrepresented, first-generation students
• Highly collaborative, dynamic leader with the ability to manage a large number professional relationships with a variety of stakeholders
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required; Bilingual preferred
• Relentless focus on results, high level of accountability, and willingness to do "whatever it takes"
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission of the Cristo Rey Network and model
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial school environment
• A belief that all students can succeed in college and career