College Counselor

Originallyfounded in 1991as Harlem RBI, DREAM has grown to annually serve more than 2,500 youth across East Harlem and the South Bronx through a network of seven PreK-12, extended-day, extended-year DREAM Charter Schools and community sports-based youth development programs. Through our commitment to rigorous academics, social-emotional learning, deep family and community engagement, and health and wellness, we create lifelong learners who are equipped to fulfill their vision of success in and out of the classroom. We dream big, as well, with an aggressive five-year plan to expand to serve 3,500 students across seven schools—growing our organization’s impact and leveling the playing field for all children. To learn more, visit wearedream.org.

Reporting to the Director of College, the College Counselor will be responsible for supporting students with their college exploration and application process within DREAM’s comprehensive post-secondary success programs and teams. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced college counselor to work in a progressive, restorative and academically rigorous environment committed to serving the whole child.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for achieving all established quarterly and annual quantitative benchmarks and goals for counseling caseload;
• Implement and facilitate junior and senior year social-emotional learning & college success seminar curriculum, including experiential and project-based learning components;
• Provide comprehensive and proactive one-on-one college & postsecondary counseling, including, but not limited to, drafting college lists, mock interviews, FAFSA completion, letter of recommendation requests, course & GPA advising, and standardized test preparation support;
• Develop and lead information sessions and workshops for students, families and staff on assigned portfolio of responsibilities (for example, Early Action & Early Decision applications, DACA & undocumented Students, NCAA student athletes);
• Serve as strong advocate and facilitator between families/students and college representatives;
• Oversee the coordination of college representative and college campus visits;
• Maintain strategic calendar that allocates appropriate time for a high volume of after-school office hours and that ensures impactful small group and one-on-one counseling;
• Support school-wide staff with college access and postsecondary projects and endeavors;
• Serve as a passionate and professional DREAM representative and liaison to a portfolio of college admissions offices, as well as a select group of access, support, and scholarship partner programs;
• Additional duties related to the running of the school as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, required;
• At least four years of work experience in college counseling, college access, and/or school counseling, required;
• Demonstrable understanding of the recruitment and selection process at competitive colleges and universities – readiness, access, enrollment, persistence, and completion;
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills (verbal and written), and experience presenting in small group and large group settings, and to a variety of audiences, including individuals in positions of influence;
• Demonstrated ability to create, adapt, and modify content and materials to meet the needs of a variety of learners;
• Intellectual curiosity, sound problem-solving and decision-making abilities, and strength in creative and innovative thinking;
• Ability to handle highly confidential information in a professional manner;
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and interact with youth in a way that develops socio-emotional competencies;
• Overgrad and Naviance experience a plus;
• Flexible and adaptable to be successful in the evolving environment of a new program;
• A strong belief in the mission and values of DREAM, including the desire to make a difference in the lives of our students, families, and community.

Benefits and Paid Time Off

• We offer comprehensive benefits including:
• Flexible Medical Health Plans, subsidizing the majority of costs for the employee, their spouse/domestic partner and children;
• The ability to select between a variety of medical plans according to what best suits the employee’s needs;
• Dental and vision plans;
• Disability benefits;
• Life insurance;
• Up to 12 weeks fully paid of Parental Leave;
• Flexible spending account options;
• Pre-tax commuter benefits (parking and transit);
• Fitness and entertainment discounts;
• A variety of support through our employee assistance program (EAP);
• A 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching up to 4% after one year of employment
• Referral bonuses;
• School-based 12-month employees have approximately 48 days off throughout the school year including holidays, school breaks, personal days, and wellness days;
• Benefits are subject to change.

Compensation

• DREAM offers a competitive salary commensurate with relevant experience with the potential for an annual performance-based increase. The incoming salary range for this position is $70,000 to $80,000 per year. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary closer to the start of the range depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role. All staff are eligible for annual performance-based increases. Because we value staff tenure in each role, we do not currently cap salary ranges.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At DREAM, diversity, equity, and inclusion are a matter of mission.

From our schools to our playing fields, DREAM is committed to building a team where each individual can bring their full identity and experience to work because representation matters—it enriches our team culture, enhances our ability to innovate, and strengthens our impact in and out of the classroom. DREAM engages staff that represent and appreciate the diversity of our majority Black and Hispanic student body, while working to ensure that our practices are equitable, welcoming, and productive. We are dedicated to creating a world where youth, especially youth of color, have permission to dream—along with the tools and opportunities to make their dreams reality.

Come dream with us.

DREAM Maxims

All Kids Can. This Kid Can.

DREAM is Family.

Fun is a Serious Value.

Teamwork Makes the DREAM Work.

Fail. Persist. Exceed.

DREAM Big.

Applying to DREAM

We know applying for a new job can be a daunting process. In addition, studies have shown that historically underrepresented individuals often only apply to roles if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We encourage all applications! You may be just the person we need. If you have any questions about your application or interview process, do not hesitate to ask your recruiter; we are here to help!

DREAM provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws. If accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact your recruiter.