High School Placement Coordinator

High School Placement Coordinator, Brooklyn, New York

In-Person Work Required

This is an exempt position and is not eligible for overtime.

WHO WE ARE

Explore Schools is a network of public charter schools providing 2,000 students in Brooklyn with the outstanding education they deserve. We strive to provide students with the academic skills and critical-thinking abilities they need to succeed in a college-preparatory high school and beyond.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

We believe that all children can learn when immersed in a rich environment full of high expectations, rigorous academics, and caring, committed adults. We believe equity and excellence are not mutually exclusive—we can meet the needs of all students in our schools, while actively engaging parents and driving toward excellent academic results. We envision a pathway to equity that features outstanding curriculum and instruction as well as ample opportunities for students to achieve success in and out of the classroom. We believe it is both our privilege and responsibility to help close the opportunity gap in the Brooklyn community.

WHO YOU ARE

You are someone who believes deeply in our student-centered mission by constantly holding students to high expectations, working tirelessly towards results, and possessing a “whatever it takes” attitude. Your qualifications include:

• Dedicated to working in communities that have historically been underserved and under-resourced
• Committed to thoughtfully engaging in identity work necessary to take a culturally responsive approach to pedagogy and relationship-building with students and colleagues
• Determination. A willingness to make things happen and a sense of urgency around closing the achievement gap
• Strong communication. The ability to communicate directly and sensitively with students, parents, and colleagues
• Team player. A desire to work in a team-oriented environment and collaborate with colleagues
• Growth mindset. An ability to receive frequent feedback with humility and a strong desire to grow and develop as an educator
• Reflective attitude. An ability to constantly reflect on student data as well as personal areas of strength and growth
• Flexibility. Willingness to work in an ever-changing field and face challenges with a positive attitude
• Professional integrity. A personal alignment with the values and ethical standards of Explore Schools
• Experience with social media strategy and/or graphic design is preferred
• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• 2+ years of experience working within a school or with middle-school aged students, required

WHAT YOU’LL DO

The High School Placement Coordinator works closely with students, staff and families to build a culture and understanding around the high school placement process and ensure that all 8th grade graduates enroll in a college-preparatory high school that will keep them on track for success in college and beyond. In addition, this position will partner with the Explore Schools’ network team on alumni and high school placement initiatives. Your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Implement and drive a culture of high school rigor and success among 6-8th graders through workshops, lessons and activities throughout the school year
• Create resources and facilitate workshops for families and students regarding high school choices and process
• Build relationships with individual students and families to identify their best-fit high school choices among public, private and/or parochial options
• Provide intensive 1:1 support for each student’s application process, including assistance with application essays and writing student recommendations
• Work closely with 7-8th grade faculty to identify students’ strengths and weaknesses, and address students’ needs in relation to the high school application process
• Research high schools and refine approach with Explore Schools’ network high school placement and alumni team
• Implement new culture-building strategies, workshops and resources based on each class’s needs
• Identify, build, and maintain relationships with high schools and college-access programs (such as Breakthrough, Prep for Prep, etc.)
• Support with social media strategy and graphic design for external communications
• Conduct high school visits and attend open houses
• Oversee logistical details of the high school application process, including faxing student transcripts and managing a calendar of open houses and application deadlines

BENEFITS AND PERKS

Explore Schools staff members receive a competitive salary, paid time off including network shutdown days, considerable matching of retirement contributions, and more. Additionally, you can expect:

• Comprehensive benefits package including three health plans to choose from, two dental plans, and visión insurance. We also offer flexible spending accounts for health, dependent care and transit.
• Flexible and reflective leadership: dedicated to staff development, team cohesion, and shared responsibility for decision-making, development, and team-wide priorities
• Driven and passionate colleagues who contribute to a professional and collaborative work environment
• Opportunities to sit on various committees and participate in initiatives central to key organizational decisions and strategic planning
• Our school-based staff also receive:
• Professional development: weekly PD, year-round retreats and trainings, and ongoing coaching by professionals
• Continued education support: staff are eligible to receive scholarship funds towards qualifying certification costs or higher education tuition
• Our ESI Staff also have the opportunity to seek out and attend professional development, have a supervisor committed to their growth and development, and are eligible to apply to our staff scholarship program.

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Explore Schools is a network of 8 charter schools located in Canarsie, Crown Heights, and Flatbush communities of Brooklyn, NY. Our schools are currently operating fully in-person. For this position:

• In-person work is required
• This is an exempt position and is not eligible for overtime.
• The standard work week is 45 hours, though at times you may work more. For non-exempt roles, employees are eligible for overtime for any work over 40 hours.
• This role requires that you be able to stand for at least 5 hours a day, take multiple trips up and down the stairs in a day, and move quickly in an emergency.
• As this is an in-person role in a DOE building, all staff members are required to follow the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Please reach out to humanresources@explorenetwork.org if you'd like to see a copy of the mandate.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

As discussed in our Who We Are section, Explore Schools is an equal opportunity employer. It is important to us that all staff members have a place of employment that is free of discrimination of all kinds and where staff can bring their authentic selves to work. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran, or military status. If any employee or applicant believes they have been discriminated against, they should let Rachel Modica-Russell or Tiffany Williams know