Director of College Counseling - College Bound Initiative (CBI)

At Student Leadership Network, we believe in the potential of all students and are cultivating a generation of young people empowered to lead. We work with every student, developing their abilities to achieve their educational ambitions. Our 25+-year track record demonstrates higher rates of college enrollment and graduation, significantly surpassing national benchmarks.

We are advancing educational equity by increasing access to higher education in under-resourced public schools nationwide. Our Young Women’s Leadership model elevates practices in girls'+ schools that lead to success and change the face of leadership. Our co-ed CollegeBound Initiative develops college-going school cultures — creating high expectations and viable pathways for post-secondary success. To learn more, visit our website at: www.studentleadershipnetwork.org.

Position Summary: Student Leadership Network is seeking a Director of College Counseling (DCC) for assignment to one of our New York City school-based sites. This is a five-day-per-week, school-based position where the DCC serves as the primary college/career counseling professional responsible for all facets of the college and career-going culture at their assigned school. The DCC reports to the Associate Director while collaborating closely with and following the guidelines of the school's principal and administration.

The DCC provides comprehensive services, including early college and career awareness activities, personalized college application support, financial aid guidance, transition to college workshops, and alumni opportunities to support our students in reaching their post-secondary goals. The DCC guides students to overcome personal, cultural, and financial barriers to college success while creating a college-going culture that raises parent and student expectations.

Primary Roles and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

College/Career Counseling and Program Implementation

• Manage the complete college/career application and financial aid process for seniors, providing ongoing support, while adhering to strict deadlines.
• Execute CBI Standard Components with fidelity, including:
  • Presenting early college/career awareness content;
  • Facilitating college application and financial aid workshops/completion events;
  • Hosting parent meetings;
  • Managing college fairs;
  • Hosting college recruiters;
  • Organizing college trips for all grade levels.
• Support students in applying to specialized college admissions/scholarship opportunities including but not limited to:
  • CUNY Macaulay Honors;
  • H/EOP;
  • Posse;
  • Questbridge;
  • Gates Scholarships.
• Foster and maintain a college/career-going culture within the school community by creating high expectations, displaying college messaging, celebrating college acceptances, and embedding college/career readiness throughout school programming.
• Manage CBI College Transition Coach (CTC) throughout the academic year, including through the matriculation process in CollegeBridge.
• Support the Network’s educational programming in collaboration with other teams.
• Write, manage, and track letters of recommendation for students throughout the application process.
• Implement PSAT/SAT preparation and registration support.
• Facilitate comprehensive parent/family engagement programming focused on college/career preparation, application processes, and financial aid guidance, including parent meetings and workshops.
• Other duties as assigned.

School Development, Capacity Building, Partnership

• Maintain strong relationships with the school's principal, admin, counselors, teachers, staff, and present community based organizations (CBOs) within the school community.
• Train school faculty on college application processes and CBI programming.
• Develop and maintain college partnerships to enhance student recruitment opportunities and promote the school's qualities.
• Advocate for students with college representatives throughout the enrollment process.
• Prepare for and assist with Student Leadership stakeholder and donor visits.

Data Management and Analysis

• Manage Salesforce database to ensure accurate and timely record keeping of all standard program components and application milestones.
• Prepare mid-year and year-end reports for principals and Student Leadership Network leadership
• Maintain regular check-ins with school administration and Network’s Associate Director to assess milestone completion progress.
• Support NYCPS Strong Plan Initiative Post-Secondary Plan data entry compliance.

Key Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in education, youth services, social work, or related field preferred.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in college access, secondary education, or educational non-profit required.
• Extensive knowledge of college admissions and financial aid processes, including H/EOP, FAFSA, TAP, Excelsior, and CSS requirements; strong knowledge of CUNY, SUNY, and NYS private college application and enrollment processes.
• Excellent communication skills, including written, verbal, and editing abilities with demonstrated success in building partnerships with schools and external organizations.
• Demonstrates ability to communicate in small groups, one-to-one, and public speaking. Exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Experience navigating and understanding the NYC public school system and culture combined with the ability to collaborate effectively with high school administration, faculty, and staff.
• Familiarity with college application tracking software preferred.
• A demonstrated passion for expanding educational opportunities for students from under-served communities and commitment to Student Leadership’s mission, vision, and core values.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Google Business applications (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive); Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel); experience with Salesforce preferred.
• Ability to work evenings and/or participate in weekend events as necessary.

Compensation: Annual salary range of $62,110 - $83,476, commensurate with skills and experience.