Director of College Counseling

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!Job DescriptionThe Director of College Counseling leads the Office of College Access & Success, managing a team of college counselors and an office coordinator to ensure all high school students successfully navigate the college search, application, and financial aid processes. This role is responsible for designing systems and workflows that support consistent, high-quality college advising; coaching and developing counselors; building partnerships with colleges; engaging families throughout the process; and tracking student outcomes to drive continuous improvement. The Director works closely with school leadership, families, and external partners to remove barriers to college access and affordability, with a focus on equitable outcomes for all students.Team Leadership & Development (20%)Hire, develop, and manage a team of 2-5 college counselors and an office coordinatorHold team members accountable for quality work and timely deliveryProvide regular feedback, coaching, and professional development opportunitiesDelegate work based on counselor strengths and capacityFoster a collaborative culture where the team takes ownership of student outcomesCollege Partnerships & Outreach (15%)Build and maintain partnerships with colleges that align with our students' goalsMeet with college representatives, visit campuses, and attend regional/national conferencesDevelop relationships with admissions offices to advocate for our studentsCoordinate with Uncommon's alumni support team to track and support graduatesIdentify scholarship and summer program opportunities for eligible studentsCurriculum & Instruction (15%)Teach and support College Seminar classes for juniors and seniorsOversee the adoption and implementation of Uncommon's aligned College Seminar Curriculum college counseling curriculum and shared resourcesOrganize and run student, parent, and faculty workshops on campusGuide the teacher recommendation letter process with school facultyStudent & Family Counseling (25%)Counsel students and families through the college search, application, and financial aid processesMaintain strong, trusting relationships with families through proactive communicationHold high expectations for all students and advocate for them with colleges through letters of recommendation and targeted outreach.Plan and facilitate parent workshops, information sessions, and office hoursEnsure families understand affordability, requirements, and next steps in the enrollment processData, Strategy & Operations (15%)Maintain accurate data on student applications, acceptances, enrollments, and financial aidUse data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvementMonitor student progress toward graduation and college readinessEnsure compliance with admissions and financial aid deadlines and requirementsOversee the planning and execution of OCAS events including, college tours, college fairs, rep visits, Career Day and Senior Signing DayBudget & Resource Management (10%)Manage the college counseling office budgetAllocate resources to support team needs and student programmingTrack and manage scholarship and grant opportunitiesQualificationsMinimum 3-5 years of direct experience in college access/admissionsProven track record of student success and outcomesEvidence of leadership ability and team managementBachelor's degree (advanced degree preferred)Admissions experience at a selective college/universityComfort working with both high school-age students and their parentsAbility to plan strategically to meet short-term and long-term goalsExtensive knowledge of US colleges/universities and the college admissions process.Interpersonal & Communication Skills: Exceptional interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.Operational & Technical Skills: High proficiency with web/computer tools, paired with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.Analytical Skills: Ability to use data effectively when making decisions to drive student outcomes.Mindset & Values: A collaborative, driven approach with the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.Additional InformationOur people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent.CompensationCompensation for this role is between $84,500 to $127,500. Most candidates who meet job description requirements will receive an offer of $84,500 - $90,500.Starting pay is determined using various factors including but not limited to relevant professional development, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Benefits Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time, paid holidays, and 10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, and Summer). Extensive, best-in-class training and development Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans + pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health saving accounts (HSA)Financial Planning403(b) retirement savings program + employer matchPaid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits*A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE.At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve---with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email recruitment@uncommonschools.org.