Academic Guidance Counselor (Immediate Opening)

Who we are: KIPP St. Louis is a part of a national network of free, open-enrollment, public charter schools offering a choice to families and children in St. Louis City. As the largest charter school system in the city, we are driven and committed to our mission, vision, and equity statement.Mission: Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.Vision: Every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities.KIPP St. Louis currently educates over 2,000 students and at full growth, we will educate nearly 3,600 students and hundreds of alumni. Today, our St. Louis network consists of PreK-12th grade.What makes KIPP St. Louis unique?We believe that our educators are proving what's possible in urban education each and every day, by inspiring students and helping them discover the joy of learning. KIPP schools support our educators to help students achieve academic excellence, building the skills and confidence they need to succeed.Together, we are raising the bar for every student, every day.Job DescriptionThe Guidance Counselor serves as a key member of the student support team, working closely with KIPP Forward and high school leadership to ensure all students are on track for graduation and prepared to successfully transition to a postsecondary pathway (college, career, or workforce). This role leads academic advising, supports postsecondary readiness systems, and recommends Tier 2/3 social-emotional supports. The Guidance Counselor partners with students, families, and staff to develop clear academic and postsecondary plans, address barriers to success, and ensure students have the support needed to achieve their goals.Position type: Full-time, exempt, 12 Month Reporting & CollaborationReports to: School LeaderCollaborates with:Registrar (student data + graduation tracking)KIPP Forward (postsecondary access and persistence)Teachers and Instructional LeadersMental Health Professionals (for clinical support)Families and community partnersAutonomy & Decision MakingOwns student-facing academic and postsecondary planning decisionsDetermines interventions for students who are off-track academically or postsecondaryDesigns and implements postsecondary readiness programmingRecommends (but does not finalize) course pathways and schedule needsInputs: What will I be doing in my day-to-day work?Provide individual and group counseling aligned to academic progress and postsecondary readiness Develop and monitor individualized student academic and postsecondary plansAnalyze student data (grades, credits, attendance) to identify off-track studentsSupport postsecondary readiness programming (college applications, FAFSA, career exposure)Co-facilitate workshops for students and families on college, career, and financial aidPartner with families to support academic and postsecondary planningCoordinate with KIPP Forward on college match and persistence effortsRefer students to mental health or external services as neededSupport advisory systems and student goal-setting structuresOutcomes: What will I be evaluated on?≥95% of students on track for graduation (in partnership with Registrar)100% of students have a documented postsecondary planFAFSA completion and college/career application rates meet regional targetsIncreased student enrollment in best-fit postsecondary pathwaysMeasurable improvement in outcomes for Tier 2/3 supported studentsStrong student and family engagement in planning processesWhat skills should I already bring, i.e., what should I already have a track record around?Strong knowledge of college admissions, financial aid, and career pathwaysAbility to analyze student data and translate into action plansSkilled in counseling, relationship-building, and culturally responsive practicesStrong facilitation and communication skills with students and familiesAbility to design systems and programming, not just provide 1:1 supportHigh level of organization and case managementQualificationsWhat You Bring to the TableRequiredBachelor’s degree requiredExperience working with high school students in academic advising or counselingDemonstrated success supporting students toward graduation and postsecondary outcomesStrong commitment to educational equity and student successAbility to manage a caseload and multiple priorities effectivelyPreferred Master’s in Counseling or related field preferredAdditional InformationWhat we bring to the table:KIPP St. Louis is committed to pay equity and to ensuring that we do not unintentionally perpetuate historic wage gaps that persist due to individual negotiations. As a result, salaries are not negotiated. We are transparent about salaries in our job postings so that candidates can make an informed decision before beginning the hiring process. The salary range is $45,000 to $65,000.We are a fast-paced, energetic team and family with passionate people who are leading a movement, and to cultivate their best working environment, we provide the following:$0 deductible healthcare plan option, including medical, vision, and dental. Employer Paid Short-Term Disability. $50,000 life insurance policy at no cost to the employee. Retirement plan through PSSRSSL with an employer match up to 14% and an optional 403b as a supplement to our pension programEmployee Recognition: When we succeed together, we celebrate together with our annual gala award ceremony, holiday party, and more!Public Service student loan forgiveness program qualified employer. Ongoing professional development. Generous time off:Paid leave for illness, personal days, bereavement, jury duty, and military-related leavePaid parental leave for new familiesPaid holidays, as well as a one-week Thanksgiving break, a two-week winter break, a week-long spring breakWellness days provided throughout the year