Post-Secondary Success Coordinator

Job Description

The Postsecondary Success Coordinator is a member of the Graduate Support team and reports directly to the Director of Graduate Support. They will work closely with the Director Graduate Support to manage a comprehensive program of support for all St. James School graduates and their families.

The Postsecondary Success Coordinator is responsible for shaping and guiding St. James School’s post-secondary programming. They are charged with helping all St. James graduates with life after high school graduation as described below.

Department Responsibilities

• Oversees the daily operations of the Huskies Hangout, ensuring it remains a positive, welcoming, and motivating environment for graduates.
• Provides responsive support to graduates navigating emergencies and unexpected challenges.
• Supervises and facilitates weekly study halls, creating a productive and structured academic space.
• Coordinates scheduling and communication with Graduate Support tutors and mentors to ensure consistent and effective support.
• Manages the distribution of Graduate Support scholarship checks on a monthly and semester basis, maintaining accurate records and timelines.
• Assists graduates in identifying and securing summer employment, internships, and enrichment opportunities.
• Supports the planning and execution of department-wide events for graduates and their families to strengthen long-term relationships with St. James School.
• Maintains an up-to-date database of graduate records, including contact information, high school and post-secondary placements, and employment status.

Post-Secondary Preparation

• Meet with 9th–12th grade alumni and their families both individually and in groups to discuss post-secondary planning, including college and career pathways, applications, standardized testing, financial aid, scholarships, and appeals processes.
• Plan and deliver post-secondary readiness workshops for recent high school graduates during the summer and on an as-needed basis throughout the year.
• Collaborate with high school college counseling departments to advocate for the unique needs of St. James graduates and helps identify best-fit post-secondary options.
• Work with the Director of Graduate Support to curate personalized post-secondary lists for each 11th and 12th grade student, tailored to academic performance, interests, and long-term goals.
• Organize and facilitate Family College Information Nights in partnership with post-secondary access organizations such as Heights Philadelphia.
• Support SAT and ACT preparation efforts for 11th and 12th grade students in coordination with the Director of Graduate Support.
• Provide writing support for college essays, personal statements, and application materials.
• Maintain a comprehensive application tracker with key deadlines for applications, tests, financial aid, scholarships, interviews, and related requirements.
• Coordinate and chaperone college visits during school holidays and breaks.
• Guide students and families through FAFSA, PHEAA, and other financial aid or scholarship applications.
• Build and sustain partnerships with local colleges and access organizations; serve as the primary liaison for college admissions representatives.
• Communicate with college admissions departments to advocate for students and track the progress of their applications.
• Plan and execute alumni events, reunions, and networking opportunities to foster long-term engagement and community.
• Maintain and update a database of post-secondary institutions, including college, trade, certificate, and gap-year programs such as AmeriCorps, City Year, and Year Up.

Support of Post-Secondary Graduates

• Conducts regular check-ins with college-enrolled graduates, at least twice during their first semester and twice per subsequent semester, or more frequently based on individual needs.
• Ensures commuting graduates have reliable and sustainable transportation to and from campus.
• Builds and maintains a strong network of contacts at post-secondary institutions.
• Sends timely reminders for key college milestones and deadlines, including final exams (with care packages), class registration, FAFSA renewal, on-campus housing deposits, and more.
• Participates in school-wide responsibilities and staff coverage duties as assigned.

Characteristics

• Demonstrated awareness of and active participation in post-secondary access and placement programs.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally for college visits, family meetings, and student support.
• Exceptional organizational, planning, and time management skills with a strong ability to implement and follow through.
• Strong communication skills, written, verbal, and interpersonal, with the ability to present to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to manage ambiguity and juggle multiple priorities in a mission-driven, entrepreneurial environment.
• Goal-oriented mindset with the ability to set clear objectives and drive measurable results.
• Self-starter with initiative, persistence, and leadership skills; demonstrates ownership of responsibilities and follow-through.
• Meticulous attention to detail and a collaborative spirit; willing to support the team in any capacity.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced setting that requires adaptability and resilience.
• Strategic thinker who brings creativity and innovation to a new and evolving role.
• Willingness to exceed expectations in order to accomplish goals and support students at every stage

• St. James School offered competitive salaries that are based on experience and qualifications
• Medical/Prescription/Dental/Eye Care Insurance Coverage through a group health maintenance organization (HMO) health insurance plan (PAISBOA HBT); St. James covers 95% of premium, with employee covering remaining 5%
• Defined Contribution Plan through The Church Pension Fund; St. James contributes a minimum of 5% of annual salary and potentially as much as 9%, based on level of employee contribution
• Life Insurance through The Church Life Insurance Corporation valued at 2Xs employees annual salary; St. James covers 100% of premium
• Fertility & Family-Forming Support Benefit through Maven
• Mental Health Supports through PAISBOA HBT
• Available Professional Development and Continuing Education funds
• Available Interest-Free Hardship Loans (after one year of service)
• Available Tuition expense coverage, for qualifying courses of study (with dollar limits and after one year of service)
• Paid breaks and holidays include Labor Day, Thanksgiving (3.5 days), Christmas break and New Year’s Day, Spring Break (1 week), Memorial Day (2 days), June Break (1 week) and August Break (3 weeks)
• Health & Wellness paid time off
• Wellness Benefit covers expenses for gym membership (Kroc Center, Philadelphia or Planet Fitness)
• Spiritual and Religious resources (e.g. spiritual direction, theological study, school and community masses, community building)
• Free Lunch Benefit available daily as part of the School’s school-wide community lunch program