Achievement First (Teaching)·New York
The College Counselor will guide 12th-grade students through the entire college application and financial aid process to ensure successful matriculation. They will also build relationships with families, manage caseloads, and collaborate with school staff to support student achievement.
School Year: 2026-27
The College Counselor will ensure that 100% of seniors apply and are accepted to the best-fit four year college or university.
The College Counselor will work with our scholars and their families beginning in the spring of their junior year, starting with the college list research process.
The College Counselor supports seniors through every phase of the college application process including but not limited to college list creation, application essays (personal statements), supplemental essays, financial aid applications, interviews and advocacy work, and deciding which college to attend.
The ideal candidate will possess an extensive knowledge of the college admissions and financial aid processes – including relevant state information - as well as the skills necessary to help students be successful in college.
Chief among these are entrepreneurialism, systems-driven, organized, relentlessness, creative problem solving, and follow-through.
The ideal candidate will also possess research, networking, and communication skills to connect students to unique programs on college campuses.
In order to meet these ambitious goals, an ideal candidate must also plan carefully in order to ensure strategic use of time and resources.
The College Counselor will report directly to the Dean of College.
Responsibilities: of Achievement First College Counselors include, but are not limited to:
College Counseling for a Caseload of Students
Support and guide all 12th grade students through each step of the college and financial aid application process
Provide one-on-one college counseling to a caseload of 40-45 seniors through the admissions cycle including, but not limited to: creating a college list, writing and revising the personal statement, advising on financial aid, and making final matriculation decisions
Work closely with parents and guardians of all students on caseload, including evening workshops and meetings for families
Ensure students take advantage of special opportunities made available to low-income students in the college search and application process (i.e. fee waivers, fly-in visits, university partner programs and scholarships)
Work closely with the AF College and Alumni Report Card to meet all deadlines and goals related to college partnerships
Building Relationships with Students and Families
Plan and lead workshops for parents on key topics (financial aid planning, different types of institutions, scholarships, etc.) related to the college admissions process
Ensure parents and students comprehend the different application requirements and deadlines, admissions policies and financial aid applications associated with different colleges
Write and manage the collection of Letters of Recommendations for all seniors, including providing professional development and coaching for the Letter of Recommendation writing process for all teachers
College/University Relationship Development
Contact and meet with campus admissions representatives to build positive relationships and market AF applicants
Become familiar with the academic and social environments at the various colleges seniors are considering in an effort to recommend suitable matches
Develop and maintain a robust network of college admission professionals through regular communication and high school visits from colleges and universities that best support first generation, low- income college students
Achievement First is an equal opportunity employer and an organization that values diversity. People from all diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Spanish language proficiency is a plus. You can learn more about diversity at Achievement First here: http://achievementfirst.org/about-us/diversity/ [http://achievementfirst.org/about-us/diversity/]
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Previous experience in high school counseling or college admissions is required.
Market context
New York college counselor roles typically attract candidates with a bachelor’s degree and prior high school counseling or college admissions experience, making relevant student-support and application-guidance backgrounds important. For 2026–2027 opportunities, review responsibilities closely and prepare examples of counseling students through postsecondary planning; the listed compensation is $64,117–$83,659, with medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and paid family leave. Requirements and benefits here are AI-summarized from the original job description, saving research time.
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