Student Success Coach (placed at Noble - Johnson College Prep)

About Hope Chicago

Led by Dr. Janice K. Jackson, Hope Chicago is a two-generation initiative that’s been called one of the boldest and most innovative efforts to remove barriers to opportunity in decades. 

Since its founding in 2021, Dr. Jackson and her team have designed a unique systems-change solution with the ultimate goal of demonstrating what’s possible when everyone has access to opportunities to reach their fullest potential. Hope Chicago partners with 5 high schools and enables students and one parent from every family to complete a post-secondary pathway, completely debt-free. More information about Hope Chicago is available at www.hopechicago.org.

About the Role

Hope Chicago is seeking to hire an additional Student Success Coaches (SSCs) to join our growing program team and the four SSCs already on staff. Under the supervision and support of the assigned Program Manager, and in collaboration with school staff and partners, SSCs are responsible for supporting high school students’ preparation for and navigation of their post-secondary opportunities. Working with students in one-on-one and group settings, SSCs help students develop their plans for after high school graduation, access the available financial support from Hope Chicago and other aid, and make a best-fit decision for their post-secondary future. 

A successful candidate must have a personal and professional commitment to equitable access to learning opportunities for young people and adults alike, with a particular focus on communities that have been underestimated and lacked investment. SSCs must believe that pathways to postsecondary educational attainment can empower people of all ages to create socio-economic mobility for themselves, their families and entire communities, and have an unwavering belief in students, particularly those who may not believe college is attainable for them.  

Key Responsibilities

A Student Success Coach will:

• Serve as an advisor, mentor, and coach to one or more schools, focused on 11th and 12th graders, with more infrequent support for 9th and 10th graders, as assigned; 
• Closely collaborate with the high school’s administration, school counselor(s) and post-secondary team, as well as other student support organizations within the school; 
• Participate in Hope Chicago school site,CPS network and district led professional learning activities/sessions that are associated with postsecondary leadership teams, the Learn,Plan.Succeed. initiative and other postsecondary education spaces..  
• Lead one-on-one and small group sessions with students to help them overcome barriers, access available academic, social emotional and financial resources; 
• Assist students in the completion of necessary financial documents (including but not limited to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid/FAFSA, the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid formally known as the RISE Act Application), scholarship applications and Hope Chicago registration requirements; 
• Guide students through available postsecondary opportunities and associated application processes, and career exploration and planning; 
• Connect students with test preparation and college application workshops and resources; 
• Deliver curriculum to parents/guardians of students on how they can support their students’ pursuit of post-secondary education, regardless of their own educational experience; 
• Provide intentional support to students and their families with navigating the transition from high school to postsecondary education; 
• Plan and conduct college visits, career workshops, and summer programs for students; 
• Coordinate with other SSCs to develop, document, and implement best practices; 
• Contribute to Hope Chicago’s growth and evolution as an organization through participation in regular team meetings, professional development and planning; and
• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications and Competencies

Exceptional candidates will: 

• Hold a bachelor’s degree; at least 2-3 years of experience with HS or college students; 
• Have experience building and maintaining trusting relationships with students, families, and school staff, and/or coaching students toward goals;
• Bilingual preferred (Spanish), but not required;
• Demonstrate meticulous organizational and time management skills;
• Be relentless and creative when confronted with obstacles in the way of student success;
• Possess exceptional professional judgment and discretion, with unquestioned responsibility, persistence and diligence; 
• Seek feedback and learning opportunities whenever possible; and 
• Enjoy a dynamic, fast-paced, and collaborative team environment. 

Public or private transportation to schools will be required. Some nights and weekends will be required. All offers contingent on completion of the Chicago Public School background check process.