Manager, College Guidance

ABOUT BREAKTHROUGH NEW YORK

Breakthrough New York empowers motivated students from low-income communities to achieve a college degree and reach their fullest potential. Our tuition-free program supports over 500 students and their families from 7th grade through college. We accept middle school students who are furthest from high-quality educational opportunities yet show promise and potential: 99% of students identify as persons of color; 76% qualify for free or reduced lunch; and 66% will be the first in their families to graduate college.

As a ten-year program, Breakthrough New York supports students and their families through key transition points in their academic journeys. We provide academic enrichment through summer and after-school opportunities; coach students to gain admissions into selective high schools and colleges, and expose students to diverse interests and careers so they can shape their own trajectories.

In addition to nurturing individual talent, we cultivate a thriving community of like-minded peers and mentors who encourage each other’s ambitions and passions. Personalized mentorship and holistic support are signature elements of our model, with over 200 near-peer seasonal staff and volunteers who work with students at each stage of our continuum.

The Breakthrough model works: over 98% of Breakthrough students graduate from college preparatory high schools, and 100% are on track to graduate from college. Learn more at Breakthrough NY's website.

ABOUT THE POSITION

As the Manager of College Guidance, you will impact the lives of NYC high school students by supporting their development during their crucial senior year of high school and their transition into college. You will work to ensure students’ placement and matriculation to selective and highly selective 4-year colleges and universities by supporting them and their families through every step of the college application process, from building college lists to refining application materials to analyzing financial aid packages. This will require a deep understanding of the postsecondary landscape; an ability to build relationships and deep trust with students and their families; and ability to analyze data at the individual and cohort levels to support students in making informed decisions throughout the college application process.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE

Program Development and Implementation (75%):

• Overseeing and managing programming and curriculum development for 12th grade students as they first apply to then successfully enroll in selective and highly selective college and universities
• Co-managing a cohort of writing coaches, to ensure they support students through the college writing process.
• Leading the 12th grade students through their college application process, including the revision of college lists, personal statement writing and editing, and the financial aid process.
• Elevating and collaborating on difficult student or family situations in consultation with the Senior Director of High School Programs
• In consultation with other team members, guiding students and families through the financial aid process (e.g., co-facilitating affordability and application workshops, interpreting financial aid offers with students and families, etc.).
• Supporting 12th grade students in understanding the steps and skills needed for a successful college transition
• Engage as a key college admissions point of contact for high school campus college admissions, guidance offices, and staff
• Making suggestions and proposals for HS-wide college application readiness, including but not limited to: family workshops, college rep visits, and college fairs for the 11th grade class in collaboration with other team members.
• Co-leading events or initiatives as needed to ensure students across the high school program are properly informed and prepared for the 9th-1tth grade advising and data management processes.
• Gathering, processing, interpreting, and reporting of academic information and then supporting students to make sense of what that means for them, including but not limited to:
• College application readiness
• 9th-1tth grade advising
• Affordability and selectivity conversations
• Progress reports and parent check-ins

Event Planning, Internal Collaboration, and Leadership (25%)

• Co-leading event-specific working groups charged with the visioning, execution, and evaluation of all Super Saturdays, High School/College graduation, and others as decided
• Stewarding team culture, including operating in alignment with our mission, vision, and core values, commitment to DEIB
• Leveraging Program Team Leads and other college/admissions-focused colleagues as thought partners to advance your scope of work and ensure alignment
• Managing program budgets, grant requests and disbursements ensuring fiscal responsibility and resource allocation in alignment with organizational goals, as needed

Breakthrough New York is an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage applicants who represent the communities we serve.

THE PERSON

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree is required
• Minimum of 4 years of progressive experience in college admissions, educational leadership, program management, student services, or a related field.
• Deep and demonstrable understanding of the selective, highly selective, and most selective college and university admissions and financial aid landscape.
• Experience designing and managing programs that enhance academic achievement, career readiness, and personal development.
• Experience leading others through the college admissions process <strongly preferred>
• Demonstrates commitment to in BTNY’s Core Values

COMPENSATION

BTNY strongly believes in selecting the top, qualified candidates. As a part of your offer you can expect to receive the following:

Annual Salary range: $67,000 - 72,000, commensurate with experience and skills

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision benefits
• 401K/Retirement Plan (with an employer-matching component)
• Commuter Benefit Plan
• Health and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Time Off: holiday, vacation, sick, and personal time – plus paid time off for the days between Christmas and New Years!

Additional Perks

• Initial $800 annual professional development stipend
• Hybrid work schedule with between 40-60% of work in office (role and season dependent)
• Two weeks of “Work from Anywhere”

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply using this link. Applications are considered on a rolling basis.