NY College Counselor Immediate Opening (2026-2027)

Immediate opening for the 2026-27 school year.

About the role

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 scholars and their families beginning in the spring of their junior year, starting with the college list research process. The role supports seniors through every phase of the college application process, including 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 extensive knowledge of the college admissions and financial aid processes—including relevant state information—as well as the skills necessary to help students succeed in college. Key traits include entrepreneurialism, systems-driven organization, relentlessness, creative problem-solving, and follow-through. The ideal candidate will also have research, networking, and communication skills to connect students to unique programs on college campuses. The College Counselor reports directly to the Dean of College.

Responsibilities

• 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 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 for low-income students in the college search and application process (e.g., 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 Recommendation 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 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.
• College Department Team Member
  • Assist with the administration of the SAT assessments (PSAT and SAT).
  • Attend and give input on planning for overnight college trips for seniors.
  • Work with other members of the school-based college team to ensure alignment of summer opportunities and collect feedback from Alumni Counselor.
  • Assist with specific projects and areas as determined by the Dean of College (based on expertise and knowledge base of 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.
  • Serve as an advisor for a group of 15-18 students.

Skills and Characteristics

• Ability to work urgently in a fast-paced and results-oriented environment.
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks and initiatives at once.
• Detail-oriented and self-directed, with relentless accountability to deadlines, 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.

Qualifications

• 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 strongly preferred.
• Spanish language proficiency is a plus.

Pay

College Counselors’ salaries range from $64,117 to $83,659, based on experience.

Benefits

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