Job Description
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
Qualifications
What You Bring to the Table
Required
Bachelor’s degree required
Experience working with high school students in academic advising or counseling
Demonstrated success supporting students toward graduation and postsecondary outcomes
Strong commitment to educational equity and student success
Ability to manage a caseload and multiple priorities effectively
Preferred
Additional Information
What we bring to the table:
KIPP St. Louis is committed to pay equity and to ensuring that we do not unintentionally perpetuate historic wage gaps that persist due to individual negotiations. As a result, salaries are not negotiated. We are transparent about salaries in our job postings so that candidates can make an informed decision before beginning the hiring process. The salary range is $45,000 to $65,000.
We are a fast-paced, energetic team and family with passionate people who are leading a movement, and to cultivate their best working environment, we provide the following:
$0 deductible healthcare plan option, including medical, vision, and dental.
Employer Paid Short-Term Disability.
$50,000 life insurance policy at no cost to the employee.
Retirement plan through PSSRSSL with an employer match up to 14% and an optional 403b as a supplement to our pension program
Employee Recognition: When we succeed together, we celebrate together with our annual gala award ceremony, holiday party, and more!
Public Service student loan forgiveness program qualified employer.
Ongoing professional development.
Generous time off:
Paid leave for illness, personal days, bereavement, jury duty, and military-related leave
Paid parental leave for new families
Paid holidays, as well as a one-week Thanksgiving break, a two-week winter break, a week-long spring break
Wellness days provided throughout the year