Associate Director Of College Completion – Alternative Post-Secondary Support

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing charter public schools that are closing the academic achievement gap and preparing students from historically underserved communities for success in college and beyond. Uncommon currently manages 55 schools serving more than 20,000 students in six cities: Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, Rochester, and Troy. Uncommon graduates persist in and graduate from college at rates far higher than their peers. We believe that every child deserves an outstanding education, and we are committed to working beyond the walls of our schools to achieve that goal through our professional development workshops, books, and district partnerships.

Summary of Role

Uncommon Schools is committed to ensuring that its graduates both enter in to and graduate from a four-year college or university! This fulfills our mission of seeing students to and through college, thus closing the achievement gap between low-income students and their wealthier peers! Under the supervision of the Senior Associate Director of College Completion, you will direct the operation and development of a re-engagement program for Uncommon alumni who have decided to stop or not pursue a college degree. You will focus on providing counseling and assistance to alumni regarding the college transfer process, re-enrollment in college or enrolling in a vocational training program; lead all aspects of professional partnerships with the goal of helping at least 30 un-enrolled alumni enroll in a partner program (i.e., Propel America); assist at least 20 alumni with the transfer or re-enrollment process; provide resources and opportunities to encourage alumni to remain in or re-enroll in college or pursue vocational training; and identify the changing needs of “persistence-risk” and un-enrolled alumni and potential risk factors to success.

Core Duties & Responsibilities

• Counseling/Programming:

• Counsels alumni through the re-enrollment and financial aid processes (i.e., application completion, form completion, etc.)
• Support alumni in connecting with former college (i.e., retention services office) to identify feasible pathway back to college.
• Counsels alumni about alternative pathway, vocational or certification programs admissions, and general financial aid for alumni who have decided not to pursue a college degree
• Distributes information on alternative pathway, vocational or certification programs; conducts workshops, seminars, and other presentations to alumni regarding various programs.
• Provides assistance through appointments with individuals, online assistance, and regularly scheduled workshops with groups.
• Interpret the best vocational pathways for alumni who aren't attending college.
• Focus on providing counseling and assistance concerning vocational decisions.

(2) Administrative:

• Owns the post-secondary pathway operation to ensure efficient, timely, and effective programs and services to alumni.
• Coordinate annual survey to alumni who are not pursuing a 4-year degree to supervise, analyze, and evaluate current scope of services offered through post-secondary pathway support; implements, and advises new programs in coordination with other alumni support initiatives.
• Coordinates and interprets vocational interest surveys.
• Develops new contacts with external organizations for the purpose of growing post-secondary pathway opportunities for alumni.
• Establishes post-secondary pathway procedures, prepares regular reports, and collects and analyzes research data relevant to the post-secondary placement of alumni
• Participate in professional development activities to ensure professional growth and knowledge needed to provide effective leadership and program development.
• Maintains membership and active involvement in professional organizations, like NASPA: Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, which provide broad opportunities for professional development.
• Maintain up-to-date records of each alumnus’ progress in his/her postsecondary pathway process in Salesforce; ensure accurate contact information is maintained in database

(3) Representing

• Serves as the primary liaison between Uncommon, its alumni, and post-secondary programs or retention services offices.
• Addresses alumni, parents, faculty, and other administrators on post-secondary pathway issues. Makes concerted effort to develop new partnerships with parents and faculty.
• Establishes and maintains effective and collaborative working relationships with alumni, faculty, employers. Initiates contact with and develops strong, ongoing relationships with regional post-secondary pathway programs.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Dedication to the mission of Uncommon Schools
• Experience on a college/university student services staff or HS college counseling team
• Meaningful knowledge and capabilities necessary include transfer counseling techniques, knowledge of post-secondary pathway (vocational, certificate) programs
• Effective public relations and networking abilities
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong prioritization skills
• Strategic problem solver and project manager with proven track record to develop systems that achieve efficiency and scalability
• Excellent organization, time management, and tenacious follow-up skills; ability to prioritize

Preferred Skills & Abilities

• Experience in college admissions and/or vocational training programs is helpful

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required

Experience Requirements

• 2-4 years professional work experience required

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time
• Able to climb up to 4 flights of stairs while carrying items such as boxes, chart paper or computer

Travel Requirements

• Able to travel—primarily in the NYC/NJ region—to build and maintain partnerships, attend professional developments, and attend conferences.

Uncommon Schools offers salaries commensurate with experience and a very generous benefits and vacation package. All staff members receive extensive professional development, and are equipped with a laptop computer and all necessary supplies.

Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building a talented team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. At the same time, we work to ensure an inclusive community through creating a space for meaningful dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.