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, The Skills Initiative, 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

• Must possess a valid driver’s license
• 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