Academic Guidance Counselor (Immediate Opening)

The 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 & Collaboration

• Reports to: School Leader

• Collaborates with:

  • Registrar (student data + graduation tracking)

  • KIPP Forward (postsecondary access and persistence)

  • Teachers and Instructional Leaders

  • Mental Health Professionals (for clinical support)

  • Families and community partners

Autonomy & Decision Making

• Owns student-facing academic and postsecondary planning decisions

• Determines interventions for students who are off-track academically or postsecondary

• Designs and implements postsecondary readiness programming

• Recommends (but does not finalize) course pathways and schedule needs

Inputs: 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 plans

• Analyze student data (grades, credits, attendance) to identify off-track students

• Support postsecondary readiness programming (college applications, FAFSA, career exposure)

• Co-facilitate workshops for students and families on college, career, and financial aid

• Partner with families to support academic and postsecondary planning

• Coordinate with KIPP Forward on college match and persistence efforts

• Refer students to mental health or external services as needed

• Support advisory systems and student goal-setting structures

Outcomes: What will I be evaluated on?

• ≥95% of students on track for graduation (in partnership with Registrar)

• 100% of students have a documented postsecondary plan

• FAFSA completion and college/career application rates meet regional targets

• Increased student enrollment in best-fit postsecondary pathways

• Measurable improvement in outcomes for Tier 2/3 supported students

• Strong student and family engagement in planning processes

What 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 pathways

• Ability to analyze student data and translate into action plans

• Skilled in counseling, relationship-building, and culturally responsive practices

• Strong facilitation and communication skills with students and families

• Ability to design systems and programming, not just provide 1:1 support

• High level of organization and case management

What You Bring to the Table

Required

• Bachelor’s degree required

• Experience working with high school students in academic advising or counseling

• Demonstrated success supporting students toward graduation and postsecondary outcomes

• Strong commitment to educational equity and student success

• Ability to manage a caseload and multiple priorities effectively

Preferred

•  Master’s in Counseling or related field preferred

What 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 program

• Employee 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 leave

• Paid parental leave for new families

• Paid holidays, as well as a one-week Thanksgiving break, a two-week winter break, a week-long spring break

• Wellness days provided throughout the year