High School Enrollment Counselor

Company Description

About KIPP Miami

Founded in 2018, more than 1,230 students from Greater Miami are educated and inspired today in KIPP Miami classrooms. KIPP Miami is part of the KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) national nonprofit network of college-preparatory, public charter schools educating elementary, middle and high school students. KIPP has a 25-year track record of preparing students for success in college and life. KIPP Miami educates students in grades K-4 at KIPP Royalty Academy and middle school students at KIPP Courage Academy. 

KIPP Miami is proud to partner with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Miami Dade College, Girls Inc., Black Men Build, the Urban League’s We Rise Liberty City Initiative, the Miami Marlins Foundation, and Bridge to Hope to bring additional education options to our community. Students also benefit from partnerships with Barry Univeristy, the YMCA and Paschal Pediatrics, which provides health services to students through our school clinic. To learn more, visit www.kippmiami.org  

Job Description

At KIPP Miami, our promises to children are sacred. As such, we made a promise to our middle school families that we would support them in reaching their long-term goals, and we intend to keep that promise. The KIP Forward Miami counselor is a critical part of this.

Through one-on-one advising with Courage Academy 8th graders and their families, as well as partnership with local high schools, the KIPP Forward counselor will support all 8th graders in applying to and gaining admission to quality high school options and ensuring they transition successfully to high school. They will also oversee and execute high school- and postsecondary-readiness curriculum, as well as work with students in grades 4th - 7th to access critical early-prep opportunities and prepare for high school enrollment

FY22/FY23 Outcomes

• High School Enrollment: 8th grade class of 2025 students enroll in high quality high schools 
• High School Enrollment - early preparation: MS class of 2026 students are on track for enrollment in high quality high schools based on early exposure and connections
• High School Enrollment - early preparation: eligible students in grades 4th and 5th grade gain admission to Breakthrough Miami

High School Enrollment

• Provide exposure opportunities for all middle school students to learn about high quality high school options, including a HS Fair and HS Signing Day
• Provide academic counseling and programming to support 7th and 8th grade students in meeting the entrance requirements for high quality high school options
• Guide each 8th grade student and family through the process of identifying and feeling invested in quality high school options
• Work closely with each 8th grade student and family to successfully apply for and register in quality high schools 
• Build and maintain strong relationships  and partnership with local high school options for the purpose of supporting students through the application and enrollment process
• Ensure that all paperwork is submitted and student files are transferred on a timely basis
• Provide direct support to 8th grade students in the transition to 9th grade (i.e. ensuring students have a transportation plan, uniforms, etc.)

HS Prep

• Provide intensive support for students in the transition from 8th to 9th grade, setting Strong Start Goals and creating individualized plans based on students’ needs
• Oversee and execute curriculum in 7th and 8th grade advisory, focused on teaching the critical skills and knowledge necessary for high school and long-term success
• Work with leaders in other MS grades to implement age-appropriate curriculum critical for high school and long-term success

Data Management

• Consistently monitor progress toward high school enrollment and registration goals, analyzing data to drive action planning and support plans
• Track meeting notes and student data - both qualitative and quantitative - consistently and accurately
• Collect from partner schools and MDCSD information on acceptances and other critical data

Experiential Learning & Additional Partnerships

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong organization skills and meticulous attention to detail
• Superb customer service skills and love and support for families and children
• Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills 
• Experience and comfort with student advising

Qualifications

Must Haves:

Abilities

• Commitment to do whatever it takes to ensure our students have what they need to be successful
• Ability to build strong relationships with students and families
• Ability to build strong partnerships with local high schools
• Ability to proactively problem solve and  anticipate challenges before they occur
• Ability to develop and manage multiple projects simultaneously and comfortably with ambiguity
• Ability to troubleshoot and manage high stress situations with a calm and positive demeanor
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends
• Student Focus: Belief that all students, regardless of background, have the ability to go to and through college; demonstrated commitment to the school’s unique community
• Cultural Competence: Demonstrated ability to create inclusive environments that honors and supports a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives  

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience working in the Miami area
• Experience supporting families in accessing quality high schools
• Experience in an educational or non-profit setting
• Experience and comfort with teaching
• Experience with database management and reporting (such as Salesforce, Deanslist, etc.)

Additional Information

Compensation & Benefits

KIPP Miami offers a full comprehensive benefits plan, including health care, competitive 403(B) plan.