Director of College Counseling

Company Description

About KIPP

KIPP Public Schools is a national network of tuition-free public charter schools preparing students with the skills and confidence needed to create the futures they want for themselves, their communities, and us all. We are a network of 279 schools, nearly 16,500 educators, and 210,000 students and alumni. KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools (KPPS) is part of the national KIPP Public Schools network and currently leads nine schools serving 3,400 students in North and West Philadelphia. By 2030, KPPS will be serving approximately 4,000 students.

KPPS Mission

Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.

Life at KPPS

At KPPS, we believe that talented, committed, and culturally competent educators and staff are the foundation of our students' success. We work to create a professional community grounded in joy, candor, care, and connection – where every team member can bring their authentic self, grow in their craft, and contribute to meaningful work. Here is what you can expect:

• Commitment to Anti-Racism & Equity: Join a team dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers and creating inclusive, culturally responsive schools where all students and staff can thrive.
• Joyful, Inclusive Community: Work in a collaborative, identity-affirming environment that values relationships, celebrates individuality, and supports the well-being of adults and children alike.
• Competitive & Equitable Compensation: Benefit from transparent compensation structures, including performance-based bonuses that recognize meaningful contributions.
• Professional Growth & Leadership Pathways: Access high-quality development – including coaching, workshops, and tailored leadership opportunities – designed to support your long-term career trajectory.
• Authenticity & Belonging: Be part of a culture that encourages you to show up as your full self and contribute to a community rooted in trust and respect.
• People-Centered Excellence: Join colleagues who believe strong relationships and thoughtful preparation drive excellent outcomes—for students and for staff.
• Comprehensive Well-Being Support: Receive whole-person support through coaching, mental health resources, wellness initiatives, and team-building experiences that prioritize your professional and personal growth.

Job Description

Role Overview:

Reporting to the Managing Director of KIPP Forward, the Director of College Counseling (DCC) leads the college counseling team and College Match strategy at KIPP DuBois Collegiate Academy. The DCC develops programming for students in grades 9–12 and supports counselors through management, professional development, and feedback. The role is accountable for the region’s annual college match and matriculation goals and for ensuring every senior has an appropriate postsecondary plan: matriculation to a match and best-fit college or the credentials needed for a defined career pathway.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead college match strategy and results:

• Lead the grades 9–12 college and career strategy and manage progress toward annual college match and matriculation goals.
• Oversee the accuracy and use of student data across Salesforce, Overgrad, KIPP Match Tools, and other platforms.
• Lead monthly match meetings with school and regional leaders to review progress, identify gaps, and adjust plans.
• Build partnerships with colleges, universities, scholarship organizations, summer programs, and community organizations that expand student opportunities.

Manage and develop the college counseling team:

• Manage junior and senior seminar counselors through coaching, professional development, and regular feedback.
• Support counselors with lesson planning and delivery, classroom management, and individualized student guidance.
• Lead the development and refinement of junior and senior seminar curriculum and programming aligned with the grades 9–12 strategy.
• Draw on KIPP network and local partners to identify and share effective practices.

Oversee student and family programming:

• Plan college visits, family workshops, guest speakers, career exploration trips, and other postsecondary access programs.
• Ensure students and families receive individualized guidance on college, career pathways, applications, financial aid, and scholarships.
• Stay current on policies and resources affecting postsecondary access, including those relevant to undocumented students and students with disabilities, and help counselors apply that knowledge.
• Identify gaps in students’ and families’ postsecondary knowledge and develop programming and resources to address them.

Perform other duties as assigned by the Managing Director of KIPP Forward.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree preferred.
• Experience guiding high school students and families through college selection, admissions, financial aid, and scholarship applications required.
• Experience managing or coaching staff and leading a team toward measurable goals.
• Experience teaching or working in a school serving historically underserved students preferred.
• Strong knowledge of college access and postsecondary pathways, including how to support students with varied circumstances and goals.
• Ability to analyze student data, identify gaps, communicate findings, and adjust plans.
• Strong communication, facilitation, relationship-building, and judgment skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and bring clarity to work in a changing environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace; experience with college counseling or student data platforms preferred.
• Commitment to the KPPS mission and vision.
• Complete all required criminal and child abuse background checks:
  • PA State Police Clearance
  • PA Child Abuse Clearance
  • Cogent Federal Fingerprinting

Additional Information

Compensation:

• Starting salary range for this position is $95,000-100,000 commensurate with experience.
• All full-time team members at KPPS enjoy a comprehensive health benefits package (including vision and dental, a telehealth option, and flexible spending accounts) for themselves and their families as well as a 403B matching program for retirement savings and free access to financial advising services.

Note To Applicants:

• KIPP Philadelphia Schools is an equal opportunity employer. Employees are selected on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.