College Counselor

Perspectives Charter Schools

College Counselor

Chicago, IL
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Job Description

    Job Description

    ** Perspectives Charter Schools Network is seeking a College Counselor for the 2025-2026 school year!**

    About Perspectives Charter Schools

    All Perspectives Charter Schools will provide scholars with a rigorous and relevant education, based on the ethical principles of A Disciplined Life®, preparing them for life in a changing world and helping them further become intellectually reflective, caring and ethical people engaged in a meaningful life. All of Perspectives Charter Schools achieved Level 1 or 2+ this year. As one of the first charter schools in Illinois, Perspectives has a long record of preparing scholars for success in college and beyond. Our five schools across the South Side of Chicago offer an education that combines character development and academic rigor through the A Disciplined Life® education model. Our scholars come from some of the most disadvantaged neighborhoods in the country, but they graduate from high school, enroll in college, and persist in college at a rate above the national average. The keys to our success are our dedicated, hard‐working, creative, and compassionate colleagues.

    Perspectives’ Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement

    We are committed to reducing barriers and fostering an anti-racist, non-discriminatory and inclusive environment by internalizing our core values of A Disciplined Life® and ensuring that our practices allow our diverse population of students and staff to grow, thrive, and excel.

    Job Purpose

    Position Summary: The College Counselor plays a pivotal role in ensuring every student is informed, prepared, and connected to a high-quality postsecondary plan. This role is designed to support all six recognized postsecondary pathways: 4-year college, 2-year college, military, employment, trades, and specialized workforce programs. The ideal candidate is data-informed, equity-driven, and committed to student success, with a passion for helping students explore their interests and access aligned opportunities.

    Essential Responsibilities and Duties

    ● Primary contact for information regarding Perspectives' students college admittance, retention, and career exploration

    ● Displays discretion, confidentiality, honesty and integrity in his/her relationships with the differing sectors of Perspectives and wider community

    ● Maintains and further develops high standards of business efficiency at Perspectives

    ● Demonstrates initiative and responsibility in the role of College Counselor

    ● Exhibits a strong commitment to the ethos of Perspectives Charter Schools

    ● Keeps abreast of all local, State and Federal government policies, regulations and legislation in so far as they affect Perspectives

    ● Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the principal or other school leadership

    Detailed Duties

    The College Counselor must understand that in a rapidly developing school situation a reasonable degree of flexibility is essential. The role often demands after hour involvement at meetings, presentations and attendance at school and associations' conferences. The College Counselor, then, is required to undertake the duties specified in the following areas:

    Key Responsibilities:

    Pathway Exploration & Advising

    ● Guide students and families in understanding and pursuing the six postsecondary pathways.

    ● Conduct regular one-on-one and group advising sessions for students in grades 11-12.

    ● Assist students in identifying their strengths, interests, and goals to inform pathway planning.

    Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment & Early College Support

    ● Support your campus’s Dual Credit program in collaboration with the Director of Postsecondary Planning.

    ● Support student identification, eligibility, and registration for Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment courses.

    ● Communicate requirements and benefits to students, staff, and families.

    Partner Engagement

    ● Serve as the primary campus point of contact for partner-based programming (i.e., Genesys Works, Chicago Builds, etc.).

    ● Maintain regular communication with external partners to ensure student engagement, completion, and success.

    ● Connect students to aligned programs that support their pathway and postsecondary goals.

    Postsecondary Application & Transition Support

    ● Provide support with FAFSA, scholarships, job readiness, personal statements, college essays, applications, and resume building.

    ● Track completion of key milestones including application completion, partner program application completion, Learn.Plan.Succeed. and the SEQ survey.

    ● Coordinate transition support for graduating seniors.

    Event & Programming Leadership

    ● Coordinate and lead postsecondary events including college fair visits, family nights, pathway panels, decision day celebrations and graduation.

    ● Organize college and career visits for students across 11th and 12th grade levels.

    Data Use & Communication

    ● Maintain accurate student records using School Links, a data dashboard and internal trackers.

    ● Monitor key metrics (FAFSA, LPS, pathway plans, scholarship totals, Early College enrollment) and use data to drive student support.

    ● Share regular updates with school leadership on progress toward postsecondary goals.

    Credit Recovery Oversight

    ● Manage campus credit recovery efforts by enrolling 11th and 12th grade students, tracking completion, and communicating regularly with students, families, and school leaders about academic standing and graduation readiness.

    Qualifications:

    ● Bachelor’s degree required

    ● Minimum of 2 years of experience in college counseling, advising, or student support

    ● Strong knowledge of the six postsecondary pathways and related programming

    ● Experience with FAFSA, college applications, and Dual Credit systems

    ● Excellent communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills

    ● Deep belief in educational equity and the potential of every student

    Core Competencies:

    ● Student-Centered Advocacy

    ● Data-Informed Decision-Making

    ● Strategic Planning and Execution

    ● Cultural Responsiveness

    ● Collaborative Leadership

    Benefits Summary
    Perspectives offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package for all full-time employees, including health insurance, dental, vision, paid time off including holidays, short and long term disability, paid life insurance, 403B and the Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund

    PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

    Majority of work will be performed in a general office/school environment. Position requires availability for extended hours plus non-traditional hours required to perform job duties. Also requires participation and attendance at organization sponsored events and meetings. Physical demands include the ability to lift and/or push and pull 15 to 20lbs for a short period of time, walk up and down stairs several times a day, reach, bend, and constantly walk, stand, talk and hear.

    Perspectives Charter Schools works affirmatively to include diversity among its workforce and does not discriminate in the selection of its staff on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, income, marital status, or any other dimension of diversity. We encourage diverse candidates to apply for this position

  • Industry
    Education