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