Uncommon Schools·New York
The College Counselor teaches 11th and 12th grade seminars to guide students through the college application, financial aid, and scholarship processes. They also build a culture of college readiness by organizing events and collaborating with families and admissions offices.
Company Description Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities.
Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond.
Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success.
We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership.
Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!
You'll teach 11th and 12th grade college seminar courses in which you will guide students through the entire college application process. This includes (but is not limited to) exploring careers, identifying most appropriate post-secondary pathways, writing personal statements, building resumes, securing letters of recommendation, and applying for financial aid and scholarships. You'll build a culture of college and career readiness amongst all students by creating inspirational and instructional signage, advising students in the course selection process, and helping plan and execute events such as Career Day, SAT School Day, Senior Signing Day, College Acceptance Forums, College Visits and Alumni Day. You'll collaborate with parents and families to ensure a positive partnership by providing informational workshops and hosting individualized meetings. You'll continually refine your expertise by participating in Uncommon PD and attending regional and national conferences. You'll build relationships with college admissions offices and advocate relentlessly on behalf of your students to facilitate the admissions and financial aid process. You’ll support the planning and execution of various college visits and information sessions for students of all grade levels.
Passionate commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools. Prior experience working with high school students and families and/or within the college admissions field, especially in an urban setting with BIPOC students. Ability to take initiative, prioritize tasks, and work independently. Demonstrated flexibility, perseverance, maturity and ability to juggle competing priorities. Ability to communicate well with others and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills with students, parents, colleagues and community members. Skilled in using data to drive improvements in the college counseling process. Strong digital literacy, including Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Naviance, and PowerSchool. Required Experience: Bachelor’s degree is required; Master’s degree preferred. Minimum of two years experience in an urban district or charter school setting.
Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent. Compensation Compensation for this role is between $72,000 to $115,000. Starting pay is determined using various factors including but not limited to relevant full-time teaching experience, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Candidates without full-time Teaching experience will likely have a starting salary of $72,000.
Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time, paid holidays, and 10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, and Summer). Extensive, best-in-class training and development Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans + pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health saving accounts (HSA) Financial Planning 403(b) retirement savings program + employer match Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.) Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits *A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE. At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve---with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture. As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email [email protected].
Hiring Start Time: RY 26-27
A bachelor's degree is required, with a master's degree preferred, along with at least two years of experience in an urban district or charter school. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to serving BIPOC students and proficiency in tools like Naviance and PowerSchool.
Market context
In New York, college counselor openings often reflect steady demand at schools that need support with applications, advising, and family communication. These roles are competitive because employers typically look for a master’s degree, prior college counseling experience, and familiarity with tools like Naviance, The Common Application, and the CUNY application. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, then tailor your application to show direct experience with student advising and application systems.