CT College Counselor-Hartford 2026-27

School Year: 2026-27 – Immediate Opening

About the Role

The primary responsibility of the College & Career Counselor is to ensure that 100% of seniors apply and are accepted to the best-fit post-secondary path. The College & Career Counselor will work with scholars and their families beginning in the spring of their junior year to start their post-secondary planning process. The counselor supports seniors through every phase of the college and career application process, including but not limited to college and career list creation, application essays (personal statement), supplemental essays, financial aid applications, interviews and advocacy work, and deciding which institution to attend.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of the college admissions and financial aid processes, the career and technical education (CTE) processes in their region, and the skills necessary to help students succeed in their post-secondary path. Key attributes include entrepreneurialism, systems-driven and data-focused approaches, organization, relentlessness, creative problem-solving, and follow-through. The ideal candidate will also have strong research, networking, and communication skills to connect students to unique programs on college and career campuses. Strategic planning to ensure efficient use of time and resources is essential.

The College & Career Counselor will report directly to the Dean of College & Career.

Responsibilities

• College & Career Counseling for a Caseload of Students
  • Support and guide all 12th-grade students through each step of the college, career, and financial aid application processes.
  • Using a data-driven approach, provide one-on-one college counseling to a caseload of 40-50 seniors through the admissions cycle, including creating a college and career list, writing and revising the personal statement, advising on financial aid, and making final matriculation decisions.
  • Ensure students take advantage of special opportunities available to low-income students in the college search and application process (e.g., fee waivers, fly-in visits, university partner programs, and scholarships).
  • Ensure strong “match” and “fit” for each student, inclusive of college, CTE, and military pathways post-high school. Support informed decision-making and strong transition planning through completion of enrollment/matriculation tasks to ensure a strong start in the fall after senior year.
• Teaching, Co-Teaching, and Pushing into the 12th Grade College & Career Course
  • Teach and/or co-teach the 12th-grade college and career course that supports application readiness, submission, and decision-making processes.
  • Plan working sessions via lesson plans in partnership with the 12th-grade College & Career course teacher.
• Building Relationships with Students and Families
  • Build relationships with families/caregivers and maintain consistent engagement and communication throughout the application process via email, phone, or text (ParentSquare).
  • Plan and lead workshops for parents on key topics (e.g., creating college and career lists, financial aid planning, preparing for the application process).
  • Ensure parents and students comprehend the different application requirements and deadlines, admissions policies, and financial aid applications associated with various colleges.
  • Write and manage the collection of letters of recommendation for all seniors, including providing professional development and coaching for the letter of recommendation writing process for all teachers.
• College/University and Career & Technical Education Relationship Development
  • Contact and meet with campus admissions representatives to build positive relationships and market Achievement First and its applicants.
  • Become familiar with the academic and social environments at various colleges alumni are considering 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.
  • Understand CTE options regionally and make recommendations based on alumni results.
• College & Career Department Team Member
  • Assist with the administration of the SAT assessments (PSAT and SAT).
  • Attend and/or plan day or overnight college trips for students.
  • Work with other members of the school-based college and career team to ensure alignment of summer opportunities and collect feedback and respond to alumni data.
  • Assist with specific projects and areas as determined by the Dean of College & Career (based on expertise and knowledge base of the college counselor).
  • Additional duties as assigned.
• Other School-Based Responsibilities
  • Participate in school-wide professional development, grade-level teams, and school-specific duties.
  • Support and participate in school-wide activities and programming.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year educational institution.
• Previous experience in either high school counseling and/or college admissions field is required.
• High school teaching or counseling experience is strongly preferred.

Skills and Mindsets

• Ability to work urgently in a fast-paced and results-oriented environment.
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks and initiatives simultaneously.
• Detail-oriented and self-directed, with relentless accountability to deadlines, both internal and external.
• Strong analytical and written communication skills.
• Initiator, problem-solver, and creative thinker.
• Ability to maintain emotional control under stress.
• Proficiency with all MS Office programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to work well with students, their families, and the entire Achievement First staff.
• Belief in and commitment to the mission and core values of Achievement First Public Charter Schools.
• Openness to giving and receiving frequent feedback.
• Demonstrated ability to work on a team.
• A dedication to learn, grow, and develop as a professional.

Pay

College Counselors’ salaries range from $59,378 to $77,462, based on experience.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• 403(b) retirement benefit package with match.
• Paid Family Leave.

Spanish language proficiency is a plus.