DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE ACCESS

03/11/2024

The Ewing Marion Kauffman School is a free, public charter school serving 1000 students in 5^th through 12^th grades. Focused on student achievement and strong character, the Kauffman School’s mission is to support students in maximizing their opportunities for post-secondary success. The school serves a student population of which 87% qualify for free and reduced lunch and 90% identify as students of color. Students are accepted by a lottery that prioritizes the six highest-need zip codes within the district. More than 70% of our students identify as first in their families to attend college. From serving as certified doulas to attending graduate school to starting their own local small businesses, our alumni are shaping their post-secondary paths and we are incredibly proud of their determination and drive.   

We believe that choosing to teach is choosing to commit oneself to challenging, joyful, enriching work that breaks down systemic barriers that have impacted marginalized students. Educators at the Kauffman School embrace challenges and choose to be part of an organization committed to academic growth for students who deserve choice and opportunity in their lives. The Kauffman School seeks results-driven and culturally-responsive educators to join its team. We are anchored to guiding principles in our work:

• Belief and Connection: We build connections and relationships with each student AND provide excellent, rigorous content in order to value the individual child and show the belief we have in their intellectual goals and pursuits. 
• Clear is Kind:  We show care through direct and clear communication of our high expectations rather than allowing students to ‘slip through the cracks’ by assuming they will know how to meet our standards without telling them. We also know that one of our roles is preparing our children for a world as college students/graduates that might play by different “rules” than they have previously experienced and it is our job to help them understand how to navigate, challenge the norms of, and dismantle that world.
• Intent and Impact: All of our actions are executed with the purpose and intent to empower every student to reach their full potential. We also believe that as educators, we are called to assess the impact of our actions and adjust course if they are not meeting the intent.
• Cultural Context + Critical Thinking: We approach rigorous learning as an activity that is responsive to students’ cultural contexts and pushes them to think critically. 

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Director of College Access and Success (DCAS) at the Kauffman School is responsible for leading the team to ensure matriculation of every graduating student into a university/college/postsecondary program.  The DCAS will promote the mission of “creating college graduates” by building the college counseling department’s vision to achieve this goal. The DCAS will work with the College Counselors to execute the vision by connecting students with meaningful and competitive college prep opportunities, leading students and families through application processes for colleges and postsecondary programs, matching students to the right college or program fit, and supporting with the successful matriculation of all students to the college or program of their choice.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES      

College Access and Postsecondary Success Strategy               

• Create a college-readiness culture plan for Kauffman School staff that outlines habits and mindsets to develop in high school so that students are emotionally and socially prepared for college life
• Determine annual strategies to ensure graduating students matriculate to programs/colleges of “best fit” and that alumni successfully persist in and complete their postsecondary programming
• Focus constantly on student achievement; think critically and strategically to ensure every Kauffman School student is in the most advantageous position possible when applying to postsecondary programs
• Oversee the planning and implementation of student-facing “seminar” courses to ensure that students are aware of their strengths and interests and able to select and pursue their chosen postsecondary pathways
• Inform instructional practices and systems based on alumni performance and reflections

College Access and Success Systems

• Oversee and maintain online tracking tools and systems to facilitate process for pathway selection, college search and application, and alumni support
• Consistently evaluate progress, using data to drive improvements in the college counseling process for both alumni and current students
• Develop targeted college readiness skills through one-on-one and small group counseling sessions
• Compile and disseminate scholarship, internship and summer program information
• Help organize and run student, parent, and faculty-facing sessions and events on campus

Manage and Develop College Counseling Team                       

• Execute individual and team coaching and professional development sessions in service of student success
• Formally review and evaluate direct reports at least annually and conduct regularly scheduled one-on-one meetings with all direct reports
• Establish clear expectations for and manage the College Access team’s performance and development
• Continually update departmental plans throughout the year and ensure team members are hitting quarterly and annual goals of solidifying students’ college plans

Relationship building and external partnerships

• Build and manage relationships and partnerships with colleges and programs that are “best fits” for our students
• Partner with key external stakeholders to identify, build and implement pre-college opportunities that will support students’ development of skills and passions through internships, work/job shadow experiences, and travel
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with admissions officers and the individuals responsible for college/program recruitment and acceptance at each campus by meeting with college representatives, visiting college campuses, and attending regional and national conferences
• Partner with key external stakeholders to identify, build and implement sustainable systems and practices for engaging and supporting Kauffman School alumni

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• An undergraduate degree is required, while an advanced degree is strongly preferred
• A minimum of 5+ years of relevant college access and matriculation experience is required
• Prior experience working in schools, urban communities, non-profit, military, private sector, and/or a fast paced entrepreneurial environment is preferred
• High comfort level with children and youth is required
• Results-driven with experience driving operational excellence
• Demonstrated project/program management experience is necessary. Must possess experience successfully managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Experience working in cross-functional teams and collaborating with external vendors to develop and implement systems and processes to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of a growing organization is essential
• Effectively prioritize work and meet deadlines; organized; manage multiple assignments; follow assignments through to completion; respond quickly to requests for information and assistance
• High organizational and analytical ability
• Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities
• Excellent computer skills including applicant tracking software, Microsoft Office; Power School, Outlook, Word, and Excel are necessary
• Given the longer school day at Kauffman School, this position requires extended work days and hours

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Commitment to and complete belief in the Kauffman School’s mission to create college graduates as well as in the School’s organizational success
• Desire for daily feedback on projects and willingness to immediately implement
• Entrepreneurial energy, hands-on approach, and ambition necessary for a start-up school
• Personality should project enthusiasm, professionalism, and growth mindset
• Ability to maintain a calm, professional demeanor in the face of competing demands and external pressures
• Should be highly adaptable and flexible, with the ability to thrive in an ambiguous environment
• Ambition and desire to work both autonomously and collaboratively
• Commitment to getting the job done right and willingness to do whatever it takes to create and maintain an orderly, effective school organization
• Acute attention to detail coupled with the ability to think and act strategically
• Strong time management skills; ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet tight deadlines
• Demonstrated strong communication and interpersonal skills with students, parents, colleagues and community members
• Must have a strong personal value system that encompasses high integrity, honesty, a solid work ethic, high professional standards, and strong moral character

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The Kauffman School offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with anticipated duties and experience.  This position is eligible to participate in the school’s benefits program.

TO APPLY

Interested applicants should complete a formal application through the Kauffman School Careers page at http://www.kauffmanschool.org/.  In your cover letter please address the following topics:

• Describe a time and the specific action steps you took when working with students to set and achieve a counseling goal
• Highlight your experience working with low-income, minority, or historically underachieving students
• Provide specific evidence of your alignment with the Kauffman School’s mission of “creating college graduates” and/or the Kauffman School’s PREP Values (Perseverance, Results, Empathy, Passion).

The Kauffman School is an Equal Opportunity Employer, welcoming people to flourish in an open and inclusive work environment. A diverse pool of candidates is welcomed and encouraged.