Director Of College Counseling - Buffalo, NY

Director of College Counseling - College Access Services

Buffalo, NY

Student Leadership Network supports young people growing up in diverse underserved communities to gain access to educational opportunities that help prepare them to lead successful lives. In 1996, Student Leadership Network (SL Network) opened the United States’ first all-girls public school in 30 years – The Young Women’s Leadership School of East Harlem. The organization has grown to a network of 41 public schools, including 21 all-girls schools nationwide. Over the last 25 years, SL Network has impacted more than 50,000 students through three life-changing programs: The Young Women's Leadership Schools (TYWLS), CollegeBound Initiative (CBI), and Young Women's Leadership Network (YWLN). In 2022, the College Access Services team was created to provide new full-service opportunities outside of NYC. To learn more, visit www. student leadership network.org.

As part of our expansion efforts, Student Leadership Network seeks two school-based Directors of College Counseling (DCC) in Buffalo, NY. Each DCC's school location will be determined through the interview process and aligned with the two school leaders. Each DCC will provide comprehensive services: early college and career awareness activities, personalized college application support to achieve the best acceptances for students, guidance with the financial aid process to secure financial aid packages that make college success possible, transition to college workshops and alumni opportunities. The DCC guides students to overcome personal, cultural, and economic barriers to college success and works closely with principals and teachers to create a college-going culture that raises parent and student expectations. The DCC will report to the Director for College Access Services.

• Manage the college application and financial aid process for all graduating seniors while adhering to deadlines
• Network with college admissions professionals to improve school visibility and reputation, leading to the active recruitment of our students by colleges and universities
• Execute Student Leadership Networks Standard Components with fidelity, including classroom presentations, student workshops, parent meetings, college fairs, and college trips for each grade level
• Manage the College Transition Coach throughout the academic year, including the summer implementation of the Bridge to College Program
• Support the school’s administration, staff, and faculty to implement early college and career awareness that provides each grade level with appropriate college guidance and learning via a distributed counseling model
• Plan student activities and workshops to maximize educational impact and collaborate with teachers to create curricular pieces for school use pre-and post-events to enhance student learning (e.g. Senior Retreat, Bridge Programs for incoming 6th and 9th graders, etc.).
• Prepare for and assist with tours and visits from various stakeholders and high-level donors who request information about our schools and/or network
• Support student recruitment for maximum participation in partner colleges and other third party enrichment programs
• Manage database to ensure accurate and timely record-keeping of all standard program components
• Participate in monthly staff meetings and professional development

Key Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination as mandated by the Student Leadership Network
• BA/S required and Master’s degree a plus in Education, Youth Services, Social Work or related fields
• Three years of experience in college access, secondary education, or an educational non-profit is required

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated experience with college admissions/counseling at the secondary school or collegiate level
• Strong strategic thinking and program management skills
• Ability to produce significant and sustained programmatic results and improvements
• Ability to perform simple to complex data analyses
• Experience with understanding Buffalo public school culture
• Experience working with students in low-income communities
• Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills
• Exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to communicate one-to-one, in small groups, and in public speaking contexts
• Strong computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google G-Suite applications
• Ability to interact well with a high-performing, mission-driven SL Network staff
• Ability to collaborate effectively with the high school’s administration, faculty, and staff
• Willingness to travel and host evening events periodically

Personal Commitment:

• Understanding and commitment toward the program's mission with determined delivery of service
• Experience working with Buffalo, New York students from diverse socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds
• Knowledge of barriers faced by low-income, first-generation, college-bound students
• Entrepreneurial, creative, and ambitious, with a love for creating new programs and realizing the full potential of existing efforts

Compensation: Competitive/commensurate with experience. FLSA Status: Exempt. Student Leadership Network is an equal opportunity employer.

Benefits: Paid time off, Medical, Dental, Vision, and 401K matching

Application Instructions: Submit cover letter and resume via URL or website career page https://www.studentleadershipnetwork.org/whoweare/career-listings/