Job Description

About KIPP New Jersey

KIPP New Jersey is part of the nationally recognized “Knowledge Is Power Program” network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools dedicated to preparing students for success in college and in life. In 2002, KIPP New Jersey first opened its doors in Newark’s South Ward as a single class of 80 fifth graders and has since grown to educate students in grades K-12 across 17 schools in Newark and Camden. More than 90% of KIPP New Jersey students currently qualify for free or reduced meals.

Job Description

Here's what you need to know:
At KIPP New Jersey, we prepare students to change the world. For most of our students, a Bachelor’s degree is a key stepping stone toward personal and professional success. We also recognize that college is not the only path—and we are deeply committed to supporting all students in pursuing the post-secondary journey that aligns with their passions, purpose, and goals.

Our comprehensive approach to college and career readiness includes a sharp focus on GPA and ACT performance, experiential learning (such as summer programs and dual enrollment), outstanding counseling, and strong family engagement. We believe in early and continuous career exposure so that students graduate with clarity and confidence in their next steps—whether college or a progressive career pathway.

About the Role

The Counseling Fellow position is a two-year, full-time opportunity designed to launch a career in counseling. With robust professional development and hands-on experience, Fellows manage a caseload of no more than 50 seniors, guiding them through the postsecondary application and matriculation process.

No prior counseling experience is required. Please note this is a two-year fellowship without a guaranteed full-time counseling role at the conclusion.

Here's what you'll be doing:

Key Outcomes

• College & Career matriculation : Ensure students matriculate into high-quality, best-fit postsecondary programs aligned with their long-term goals.
• Early Applications : Support strong academic students in submitting competitive early applications to selective colleges.
• Avoiding Undermatch : Guide students toward institutions with high graduation rates to increase degree completion.
• Financial Aid : Ensure all students complete financial aid applications and secure the resources necessary for enrollment.
• Preventing College & Career melt : Provide the tools and support students need to navigate enrollment barriers after high school graduation.
• Strong relationships : Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with students and families.

Postsecondary Match Support

• Support seniors in completing and submitting high-quality applications to colleges or career programs, using balanced wishlists developed in 11th grade.
• Engage regularly with families to ensure alignment and support throughout the application and decision-making process.
• Provide guidance on financial aid applications, scholarships, and special programs (e.g., EOF).
• Write Letters of Recommendation and support teachers in writing strong letters.
• Give actionable feedback on personal statements and essays to meet the KIPP: Forward quality bar.
• Lead College & Career Decision Meetings with students and families to finalize postsecondary plans.
• Support pre-enrollment tasks such as tuition deposits, loan counseling, and transition benchmarks.
• Assist 11th graders in exploring financial aid, personal statement writing, and CTE or college program research.

Student & Family Programming

• Facilitate exposure to college and career options through fly-in programs, open houses, and campus tours.
• Support and participate in KIPP Forward events such as College & Career Fairs, Instant Decision Days, SAT days, and family workshops.
• Lead and attend family programming on financial aid, high school success, and postsecondary planning.

Data Management & Analysis

• Maintain accurate records of student meetings, qualitative notes, and quantitative data.
• Analyze academic and counseling data to inform student support plans.
• Track and compare financial aid awards to support families in decision-making.
• Regularly report on student progress to your Associate Director and key stakeholders.

School Support

• Be an active member of the school community fulfilling roles and duties as assigned for the school or assigned grade level (Arrival duty, lunch duty, dismissal duty, hallway duty)
• Push into 11th and 12th grade College & Career Readiness classes regularly
• Participate in team meetings and school-based initiatives as assigned.

Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Suite, 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

Abilities

• Commitment to do whatever it takes to ensure our teachers and students have what they need to be successful
• Ability to build strong relationships with students and families
• Ability to proactively problem solve; 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 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 

Qualifications

Must Have:

• College Degree from an accredited University

Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Suite, 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

Abilities

• Commitment to do whatever it takes to ensure our teachers and students have what they need to be successful
• Ability to build strong relationships with students and families
• Ability to proactively problem solve; 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 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 

Additional Information

Compensation & Benefits
The salary for the Counselor Fellow role is $50,000.

In addition to a competitive salary, KIPP NJ offers a generous benefits package including, but not limited to, the following:

• Robust benefits that include medical, dental, and vision 
• Participation in the New Jersey Teachers Pension and Annuity Fund, provided appropriate teacher certification
• Optional participation in the KIPP NJ 403b retirement plan, including matching contributions
• A school-issued laptop
• Transportation benefits for TEAMmates commuting into Newark from the New York City area
• Generous Time-Off including 3.5-4 school vacation weeks (depending on the year), allocated sick and personal days, and an extended summer break 
• Up to 12 weeks 100% parental leave for primary caregivers
• Employer paid life insurance
• Extensive optional ancillary benefits including, short term and long term disability and accident and hospital indemnity

Our organization is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender, age, religion, national origin, citizen status, marital status, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Our organization will make a reasonable accommodation to known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the organization. No questions on this application are asked for any unlawful purpose.

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