The Guidance Counselor serves as a key member of the student support team, working closely with KIPP Forward and high school leadership to ensure all students are on track for graduation and prepared to successfully transition to a postsecondary pathway (college, career, or workforce). This role leads academic advising, supports postsecondary readiness systems, and recommends Tier 2/3 social-emotional supports. The Guidance Counselor partners with students, families, and staff to develop clear academic and postsecondary plans, address barriers to success, and ensure students have the support needed to achieve their goals.
Position type: Full-time, exempt, 12 Month
Reporting & Collaboration
Reports to: School Leader
Collaborates with:
Registrar (student data + graduation tracking)
KIPP Forward (postsecondary access and persistence)
Teachers and Instructional Leaders
Mental Health Professionals (for clinical support)
Families and community partners
Autonomy & Decision Making
Owns student-facing academic and postsecondary planning decisions
Determines interventions for students who are off-track academically or postsecondary
Designs and implements postsecondary readiness programming
Recommends (but does not finalize) course pathways and schedule needs
Inputs: What will I be doing in my day-to-day work?
Provide individual and group counseling aligned to academic progress and postsecondary readiness
Develop and monitor individualized student academic and postsecondary plans
Analyze student data (grades, credits, attendance) to identify off-track students
Support postsecondary readiness programming (college applications, FAFSA, career exposure)
Co-facilitate workshops for students and families on college, career, and financial aid
Partner with families to support academic and postsecondary planning
Coordinate with KIPP Forward on college match and persistence efforts
Refer students to mental health or external services as needed
Support advisory systems and student goal-setting structures
Outcomes: What will I be evaluated on?
≥95% of students on track for graduation (in partnership with Registrar)
100% of students have a documented postsecondary plan
FAFSA completion and college/career application rates meet regional targets
Increased student enrollment in best-fit postsecondary pathways
Measurable improvement in outcomes for Tier 2/3 supported students
Strong student and family engagement in planning processes
What skills should I already bring, i.e., what should I already have a track record around?
Strong knowledge of college admissions, financial aid, and career pathways
Ability to analyze student data and translate into action plans
Skilled in counseling, relationship-building, and culturally responsive practices
Strong facilitation and communication skills with students and families
Ability to design systems and programming, not just provide 1:1 support
High level of organization and case management