{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"4bba5399befae203d2d02a64","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/4bba5399befae203d2d02a64","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/4bba5399befae203d2d02a64","title":"Certification Program Counselor - CT/RI","description":"About Achievement First\n\nAchievement First (AF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization supporting 39 public charter schools across New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. For more than 25 years, AF has been recognized as one of the top tuition-free public charter school networks in the country. We are committed to creating schools of academic excellence within nurturing environments — schools that prepare students to be college-ready and to pursue and succeed in whatever paths they choose in life.\n\nThe majority of AF students are Black and Latinx children from low-income families, many of whom will be the first in their families to graduate from college. Across our network, we employ more than 2,200 staff members — 64% of whom identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color — who collectively educate nearly 15,000 students in Brooklyn and Queens, NY; New Haven, Bridgeport, and Hartford, CT; and Providence and Cranston, RI.\n\nOur mission is to prepare every student to excel in college, career, and life; deepen their understanding of self and community; and lead lives of purpose. We believe in the limitless potential within our students and their power to shape a more just society. That belief drives our deep commitment to student achievement: we aim to set a high bar for learning and create warm, demanding classrooms where rigorous instruction is paired with the care, encouragement, and consistency every student deserves.\n\nWe are looking for a strategic and dynamic Certification Program Counselor to join our Talent team.\n\nYour Impact\n\nReporting to the Senior Director of Teacher and Leader Certification, the Certification Program Counselor ensures Achievement First meets state certification compliance requirements while supporting educators in successfully obtaining full certification. This role combines certification expertise, employee advising, and state compliance management to strengthen the educator workforce and ensure all staff are progressing toward certification benchmarks.\n\nThe Certification Program Counselor provides direct support to approximately 200 educators annually who are pursuing full certification and ensures employees remain on track with required milestones, including testing, preparation program enrollment, and college-level coursework.\n\nCertification Pathway Counseling & Progress Monitoring\n\nFacilitate regular meetings with school leaders to support certification compliance and employee progress.\nDevelop individualized certification plans for employees based on their role, credentials, and state requirements in collaboration with school leaders, with clear benchmarks.\nFacilitate educator certification support meetings to provide pathway information, program support, and technical assistance; document meetings with action-oriented recaps.\nMaintain regular office hours for employees and the school leaders.\nMaintain a dashboard to track employee progress.\nCollect employee credentials and maintain employee certification files.\n\nCertification Expertise and State Engagement\n\nServe as the regional expert on educator certification requirements, pathways, and educator preparation programs.\nProduce and maintain certification guidance materials for teachers, leaders, and teaching assistants.\nServe as the liaison between Achievement First and the State Department of Education certification offices.\nAttend regular state meetings to support certification priorities.\n\nCertification Program Partnership Coordination\n\nBuild and maintain the regional educator preparation program calendar, including admissions, academic, and enrollment deadlines.\nCoordinate partnerships with certification programs and preparation providers.\nReview tuition support applications and manage the approval process.\nGenerate required program documentation, including role verification forms.\nServe as the regional liaison for Rhode Island's Credential Review Certification Pathway Program.\n\nCompliance Monitoring & Employee Accountability\n\nMonitor certification trackers for data accuracy and create regional reports to provide progress updates on compliance.\nConduct outreach to facilitate the collection of credentials.\nPartner with the ER Director to support the issuance of employee accountability communications.\n\nCertification Onboarding, Application Support\n\nOversee regional application workflow to ensure on-time submission of applications; generate district letters and supporting materials.\nReview and submit district applications to the state.\n\nTranscript & Pathway Evaluation\n\nReview college transcripts and identify certification pathways following organizational benchmarks.\nReview credentials for teaching assistants and determine position eligibility.\n\nSkills You'll Have\n\nAll candidates for this position will support AF core values, lead innovation, and manage projects to ensure our team, like our schools, are setting a high bar in all areas and pursuing it relentlessly. Bachelor's degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience in a similarly, fast-paced work environment.\n\nAn ideal candidate will have the following experience and qualification:\n\nBachelor's degree in education, non-profit management, business, human resources or related field, required.\nTeacher and/or Coaching Certification and/or previous Charter School experience, preferred.\nPrevious experience, minimum 3 years, in one or more of the following: program coordination; employment/career counseling; community organization; education, non-profit or government work experience, required.\n Fluency in data management & analysis and/or data tracking, required.\nExperience with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, required.\nFluency in ADP or other compliance systems, preferred.\nPrevious experience in Project Management, a plus.\nTranscript evaluation skills, preferred.\n\nIn addition, the following characteristics are required to be successful on this team:\n\nResults-oriented individual who can independently troubleshoot as obstacles arise.\nDetail-orientation – one who takes pride in planning and execution.\nExcellent oral and written communication skills.\nStrong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with school staff.\nAbility to work independently and as a member of a broader team in a fast- paced environment.\nHighly organized, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize multiple tasks, effectively.\nAbility to manage a project from start to finish.\nBelief in the Achievement First mission and educational model\nMaturity, humility, strong work ethic, sense of humor, and \"roll-up-my-sleeves\" attitude.\nStrong ethics and ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.\nConfident in interacting with and influencing individuals at all levels within the organization. Must be able to professionally coach and guide, as necessary.\n\nTravel Expectations\n\nThis is a hybrid role. The expectation is that the person in the role would be able to come into the Network Support office or schools in the region (NYC, CT, or RI) at least 3 days a week. There may be additional travel to regions outside of your own on a monthly basis or as needed. Candidates must reside within the region for which they are applying (Connecticut, New York, or Rhode Island) or plan to relocate at their own expense prior to the start date.\n\nCompensation\n\nAchievement First sets salaries are set through a lens of equity, and based on the requisite skills, education, and experience relevant to the role. The salary for this position is $85,295.28. In order to uphold our commitment to equity, Achievement First does not negotiate pay. Additionally, Achievement First offers to all regular, full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid time off, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, a 403(b) retirement benefit package with match, and paid Family Leave.\n\nAchievement First is an equal opportunity employer and an organization that values diversity. People from all diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Spanish language proficiency is a plus. You can learn more about diversity at Achievement First here: http://achievementfirst.org/about-us/diversity/","company":"Achievement First Network Support","rawCompany":"achievement first network support","city":"Cranston","state":"RI","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-09-06T13:29:06.512Z","occupations":[{"code":"21-1012.00","title":"Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors","slug":"educational-guidance-and-career-counselors-and-advisors"},{"code":"21-1019.00","title":"Counselors, All Other","slug":"counselors-all-other"},{"code":"11-9039.00","title":"Education Administrators, All Other","slug":"education-administrators-all-other"}],"industries":[{"code":"611710","title":"Educational Support Services","slug":"educational-support-services"},{"code":"923110","title":"Administration of Education Programs","slug":"administration-of-education-programs"},{"code":"611110","title":"Elementary and Secondary Schools","slug":"elementary-and-secondary-schools"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Certification Program Counselor - CT/RI","description":"About Achievement First\n\nAchievement First (AF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization supporting 39 public charter schools across New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. For more than 25 years, AF has been recognized as one of the top tuition-free public charter school networks in the country. We are committed to creating schools of academic excellence within nurturing environments — schools that prepare students to be college-ready and to pursue and succeed in whatever paths they choose in life.\n\nThe majority of AF students are Black and Latinx children from low-income families, many of whom will be the first in their families to graduate from college. Across our network, we employ more than 2,200 staff members — 64% of whom identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color — who collectively educate nearly 15,000 students in Brooklyn and Queens, NY; New Haven, Bridgeport, and Hartford, CT; and Providence and Cranston, RI.\n\nOur mission is to prepare every student to excel in college, career, and life; deepen their understanding of self and community; and lead lives of purpose. We believe in the limitless potential within our students and their power to shape a more just society. That belief drives our deep commitment to student achievement: we aim to set a high bar for learning and create warm, demanding classrooms where rigorous instruction is paired with the care, encouragement, and consistency every student deserves.\n\nWe are looking for a strategic and dynamic Certification Program Counselor to join our Talent team.\n\nYour Impact\n\nReporting to the Senior Director of Teacher and Leader Certification, the Certification Program Counselor ensures Achievement First meets state certification compliance requirements while supporting educators in successfully obtaining full certification. This role combines certification expertise, employee advising, and state compliance management to strengthen the educator workforce and ensure all staff are progressing toward certification benchmarks.\n\nThe Certification Program Counselor provides direct support to approximately 200 educators annually who are pursuing full certification and ensures employees remain on track with required milestones, including testing, preparation program enrollment, and college-level coursework.\n\nCertification Pathway Counseling & Progress Monitoring\n\nFacilitate regular meetings with school leaders to support certification compliance and employee progress.\nDevelop individualized certification plans for employees based on their role, credentials, and state requirements in collaboration with school leaders, with clear benchmarks.\nFacilitate educator certification support meetings to provide pathway information, program support, and technical assistance; document meetings with action-oriented recaps.\nMaintain regular office hours for employees and the school leaders.\nMaintain a dashboard to track employee progress.\nCollect employee credentials and maintain employee certification files.\n\nCertification Expertise and State Engagement\n\nServe as the regional expert on educator certification requirements, pathways, and educator preparation programs.\nProduce and maintain certification guidance materials for teachers, leaders, and teaching assistants.\nServe as the liaison between Achievement First and the State Department of Education certification offices.\nAttend regular state meetings to support certification priorities.\n\nCertification Program Partnership Coordination\n\nBuild and maintain the regional educator preparation program calendar, including admissions, academic, and enrollment deadlines.\nCoordinate partnerships with certification programs and preparation providers.\nReview tuition support applications and manage the approval process.\nGenerate required program documentation, including role verification forms.\nServe as the regional liaison for Rhode Island's Credential Review Certification Pathway Program.\n\nCompliance Monitoring & Employee Accountability\n\nMonitor certification trackers for data accuracy and create regional reports to provide progress updates on compliance.\nConduct outreach to facilitate the collection of credentials.\nPartner with the ER Director to support the issuance of employee accountability communications.\n\nCertification Onboarding, Application Support\n\nOversee regional application workflow to ensure on-time submission of applications; generate district letters and supporting materials.\nReview and submit district applications to the state.\n\nTranscript & Pathway Evaluation\n\nReview college transcripts and identify certification pathways following organizational benchmarks.\nReview credentials for teaching assistants and determine position eligibility.\n\nSkills You'll Have\n\nAll candidates for this position will support AF core values, lead innovation, and manage projects to ensure our team, like our schools, are setting a high bar in all areas and pursuing it relentlessly. Bachelor's degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience in a similarly, fast-paced work environment.\n\nAn ideal candidate will have the following experience and qualification:\n\nBachelor's degree in education, non-profit management, business, human resources or related field, required.\nTeacher and/or Coaching Certification and/or previous Charter School experience, preferred.\nPrevious experience, minimum 3 years, in one or more of the following: program coordination; employment/career counseling; community organization; education, non-profit or government work experience, required.\n Fluency in data management & analysis and/or data tracking, required.\nExperience with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, required.\nFluency in ADP or other compliance systems, preferred.\nPrevious experience in Project Management, a plus.\nTranscript evaluation skills, preferred.\n\nIn addition, the following characteristics are required to be successful on this team:\n\nResults-oriented individual who can independently troubleshoot as obstacles arise.\nDetail-orientation – one who takes pride in planning and execution.\nExcellent oral and written communication skills.\nStrong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with school staff.\nAbility to work independently and as a member of a broader team in a fast- paced environment.\nHighly organized, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize multiple tasks, effectively.\nAbility to manage a project from start to finish.\nBelief in the Achievement First mission and educational model\nMaturity, humility, strong work ethic, sense of humor, and \"roll-up-my-sleeves\" attitude.\nStrong ethics and ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.\nConfident in interacting with and influencing individuals at all levels within the organization. Must be able to professionally coach and guide, as necessary.\n\nTravel Expectations\n\nThis is a hybrid role. The expectation is that the person in the role would be able to come into the Network Support office or schools in the region (NYC, CT, or RI) at least 3 days a week. There may be additional travel to regions outside of your own on a monthly basis or as needed. Candidates must reside within the region for which they are applying (Connecticut, New York, or Rhode Island) or plan to relocate at their own expense prior to the start date.\n\nCompensation\n\nAchievement First sets salaries are set through a lens of equity, and based on the requisite skills, education, and experience relevant to the role. The salary for this position is $85,295.28. In order to uphold our commitment to equity, Achievement First does not negotiate pay. Additionally, Achievement First offers to all regular, full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid time off, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, a 403(b) retirement benefit package with match, and paid Family Leave.\n\nAchievement First is an equal opportunity employer and an organization that values diversity. People from all diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Spanish language proficiency is a plus. You can learn more about diversity at Achievement First here: http://achievementfirst.org/about-us/diversity/","datePosted":"2026-09-06T13:29:06.512Z","dateModified":"2026-09-06T13:29:06.512Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Achievement First Network Support","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Cranston","addressRegion":"RI","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"4bba5399befae203d2d02a64"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/4bba5399befae203d2d02a64"}}