Post-Secondary Success Coordinator

The Post-Secondary Success Coordinator is a member of the Graduate Support team and reports directly to the Director of Graduate Support. They will work closely with the Director Graduate Support to manage a comprehensive program of support for all St. James School graduates and their families.

The Post-Secondary Success Coordinator is responsible for shaping and guiding St. James School’s post-secondary programming. They are charged with helping all St. James graduates with life after high school graduation as described below.

• Meets with 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th grade alumni & parents as a group and on an individual basis regarding the post-secondary placement process, including but not limited to: post-secondary options (4-year colleges, 2-year colleges, community colleges, trade & certificate programs, etc.) This includes the application process, standardized testing, financial aid and scholarships, and the appeals process.
• Supports the graduates’ high school college counseling process by advocating for the specific needs of our graduates and helping identify appropriate post-secondary placements.
• Collaborates with the Director of Graduate Support to develop a personalized list of post secondary options for each 11th & 12th grade student to apply to based on grades, interests, goals for the future.
• Organizes Family College Information Nights to familiarize families and graduates with the college application process, in conjunction with Heights Philadelphia or another post-secondary access organization.
• Plans and teaches post-secondary readiness workshops for St. James graduates during the summer after high school graduation and as needed.
• Collaborates with the Director of Graduate Support on SAT and ACT prep for 11th and 12th grade students.
• Maintains application tracker with all upcoming deadlines for applications, test dates, financial aid, scholarships, interviews, etc.
• Arranges and accompanies high school students on college visits on days off from school.
• Guides students and families through FAFSA, PHEAA, and all scholarship opportunities.
• Cultivates relationships with local colleges and access organizations and serves as the point person for St. James School College Partners.
• Communicates with college admissions departments about students and progress of applications.
• Organize alumni events, reunions, and networking opportunities to foster a strong sense of community among graduates.
• Maintains and revises databases of potential placement post-secondary institutions and gap year programs including AmeriCorps, City Year, WPSI, etc.

Support of Post-Secondary Graduates

• Check in with each college student at least twice during the first semester, and once each following semester or at a frequency that matches the current need.
• Ensure commuting students have means of transportation.
• Develop and maintain a network of contacts at all colleges & universities.
• Provide reminders of key college calendar events: final exams (care packages), registering for classes, completing FAFSA, on-campus housing deposits, etc.
• Ensure all graduates not enrolled as full-time students are engaged in or pursuing worthwhile employment or educational opportunities.
• Additional school-wide responsibilities and staff coverages as assigned.

Characteristics

• Awareness of and participation in post-secondary placement/access programs
• Excellent organizational, planning, implementation, and communication skills
• Ability to manage the ambiguity and multiple priorities inherent in an entrepreneurial environment
• Ability to set objectives and achieve goals
• Excellent written, communication and presentation skills
• Initiative; leadership and tenacity
• Detail oriented team player willing to roll up sleeves and get the job done
• Ability to work within a fast-paced, energetic, and dynamic environment
• Ability to be strategic and innovative with a new position
• Willingness to go above and beyond what is asked to complete a task or achieve a goal

• St. James School offered competitive salaries that are based on experience and qualifications
• Medical/Prescription/Dental/Eye Care Insurance Coverage through a group health maintenance organization (HMO) health insurance plan (PAISBOA HBT); St. James covers 95% of premium, with employee covering remaining 5%
• Defined Contribution Plan through The Church Pension Fund; St. James contributes a minimum of 5% of annual salary and potentially as much as 9%, based on level of employee contribution
• Life Insurance through The Church Life Insurance Corporation valued at 2Xs employees annual salary; St. James covers 100% of premium
• Fertility & Family-Forming Support Benefit through Maven
• Mental Health Supports through PAISBOA HBT
• Available Professional Development and Continuing Education funds
• Available Interest-Free Hardship Loans (after one year of service)
• Available Tuition expense coverage, for qualifying courses of study (with dollar limits and after one year of service)
• Paid breaks and holidays include Labor Day, Thanksgiving (3.5 days), Christmas break and New Year’s Day, President's Day (2 days), Spring Break (1 week), Memorial Day (2 days), June Break (1 week) and August Break (3 weeks)
• Health & Wellness paid time off
• Wellness Benefit covers expenses for gym membership (Kroc Center, Philadelphia or Planet Fitness)
• Spiritual and Religious resources (e.g. spiritual direction, theological study, school and community masses, community building)
• Free Lunch Benefit available daily as part of the School’s school-wide community lunch program