Job Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

The KIPP Forward Team supports KIPP Chicago alumni in developing the tools and knowledge needed to attain a college degree. By offering a mix of programs and services designed to reach every student and family — from one-on-one student meetings, to financial aid counseling, academic advising, life skills training, mentoring, college guidance, and more — KIPP Forward provides KIPP Chicago Schools alumni with the tools for success in high school, college, and the competitive world beyond.

Our KIPP Forward team is hiring a High School Transition Advisor to support our current 6th - 8th grade students through the high school placement process and our 9th grade alumni through the high school transition process. This is a mid-level position for an experienced professional. The High School Transition Advisor is an integral part of the KIPP Forward team; working with our families as the first point of contact on their postsecondary journey. Therefore, the High School Transition Advisor will be an individual who embraces innovation, structures, meaningful relationships, improvement, and goes above and beyond to ensure our middle school students are supported through the high school transition process. The High School Transition Advisor will report to the Director of High School Transition and will join a growing KIPP Forward team of High School Transition & Alumni Advisors.

The role of the High School Transition Advisor includes, but is not limited to the following responsibilities:

• Caseload Management: Our KIPP Forward team’s goal is to maintain continual contact with our KIPP students, families and alumni to ensure we are supporting them to and through college, career and beyond. The High School Transition Advisor meets with students and families to ensure timely submission of all high school applications and financial aid. Accurately provides weekly data reports and monitors progress towards prioritized goals in high school placement and student advising.
• Student Advising : Backwards plans outreach efforts to support student secondary planning, academics, social-emotional and financial challenges. Executes high school campus visits while also leveraging resources to support KIPP alumni in high school. Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to support the needs of students.
• Relationship Building: Build positive and lasting relationships with students and families as well with high schools, scholarship organizations and enrichment programs. Maintains consistent communication with students & families regarding high school and financial aid options.
• High School Placement and Transition : Supports 8th grade students and families through the high school application and financial aid process, and accurately reports progress towards high school matriculation and high school placement goals. Teach KIPP Forward curriculum to 6th, 7th and 8th grade KIPP students to foster a college, career and beyond culture within the school community.
• Project Management : Completes annual event planning for middle school students and alumni. Manages special projects to support students with high school exposure, scholarship opportunities, and any enrichment opportunities.

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS

• A bachelor’s degree or higher (required)
• Demonstrated success working with communities historically underrepresented in higher education and commitment to KIPP Chicago’s mission (required)
• At least two years of professional experience in student advising, academic advising, school counseling, or working with families in a middle school or high school setting (required)
• Knowledge of Chicago-area high schools (required)
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities (required)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and evidence of strong follow-through, initiative taking, and interpersonal skills
• Evidence meeting/exceeding goals and ability to work under pressure
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and build relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Drive Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides), Salesforce, and able to quickly learn how to use new programs/systems
• Flexibility to work some nights and weekends to connect with KIPP alumni/families and ability to travel around the Chicago-land area to support alumni at various high school campuses
• Cleared CPS Background check before first date of employment.

Additional Information

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

KIPP Chicago Schools offers a competitive compensation and benefits package:

• Salaries based on experience
• Competitive rates for medical insurance and short-term disability insurance
• Dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, and long-term disability insurance are offered at no cost
• Contributions to the Chicago Teachers Pension Fund in accordance with Illinois state law
• An additional, optional 403(b) retirement account
• Robust professional development

STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

KIPP Chicago Public Schools is committed to a policy of equal treatment for all individuals applying for employment. KIPP Chicago does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic background. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.