[2023-2024] College Counselor

Originally founded in 1991 as Harlem RBI, DREAM has grown to annually serve more than 2,500 youth across East Harlem and the South Bronx through a network of six 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;
• With support from other school staff, coordinate home visits and monthly open houses;
• 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;
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required;
• Four years of related work experience 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
• Salesforce and Naviance experience a plus
• Flexible and adaptable to be successful in the evolving environment of a new program;
• Deep embodiment of DREAM's organizational values of teamwork, diversity, integrity, and fun.

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. 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.
• We offer a comprehensive benefits plan, covering the majority of the employee premium for medical plans and subsidizing the majority of costs for a spouse/domestic partner and children. Other benefits include dental and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time and paid holidays, referral bonuses, professional development, an employee assistance program (EAP) and a 403(b) plan with employer matching up to 4%.

DREAM's VACCINATION POLICY
DREAM requires vaccination against COVID-19 for all employees. Reasonable Accommodations based on a qualifying disability or sincerely held religious belief are being considered in accordance with applicable law.
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.