Academic and College Counseling Specialist

Who we are:

Through an individualized, holistic, and multi-year commitment, College Bound empowers students from disadvantaged backgrounds to complete higher education and enter successful careers. We have grown from an inaugural class of 36 students to over 450 (plus alumni). We believe that one college degree can end the cycle of poverty in a family. We believe in the power of people; in creating relationships defined by deep trust and enduring power. Our culture is one of high expectations and high support with an unwavering focus on degree completion. www.collegeboundstl.org.

Summary of Position:

This position is responsible for maintaining and improving the academic performance and college readiness of primarily High School Seniors (and some first year college students), utilizing a constructive and developmental approach to set individualized goals and demonstrate observable progress. A significant portion of their role will be dedicated to assessing students' academic, personal, and pathway needs and implementing creative approaches to ensure all students matriculate to a good fit college and are prepared to succeed in college-level courses. Programming is delivered in one on one, small peer group, and whole cohort workshops, along with experiential college/career programming and family/parent engagement. The ideal candidate is comfortable assessing needs holistically, developing lifelong learners, supporting strategic college decision-making, and implementing comprehensive strategies to help youth prepare for the independence and academic responsibility that comes with college. Candidates should be prepared to implement intensive and innovative teaching methods that unlock potential in all students, and understands the relational and cultural aspects of delivering effective services to a diverse student population.

Our programming serves students in the afterschool hours - staff should expect to have several days of late afternoon and early evening responsibilities each week. Some overnight travel for college tours and occasional weekend work based on demands of the time of year may be required.

Primary Responsibilities:

Academic Interventions

• Work one on one with a caseload of 25-35 students, providing frequent and immersive coaching sessions that support student growth, academic development, and goal achievement.
• Assess student’s academic readiness for college by evaluating their academic performance, goals, mindset, habits, resources, and motivations.
• In collaboration with the College Counseling Specialist, evaluate each student's college aspirations and develop a support plan that guides their list revision, application process, and strategic college choice.
• Utilize both formal and semi-structured assessments to produce comprehensive evaluations of areas of need that are rooted in direct observations.
• Produce reports on student performance and provide prompt, individualized feedback to students and their guardians.
• Construct meaningful goals and relevant action plans designed to provide innovative and differentiated academic interventions that address content gaps and develop skills needed for college success.
• Facilitate conversations with students and families around college navigation, career paths, and personal wellness.
• Help students understand how skills developed in the classroom translate to other domains and can help prepare them for career and personal success.
• Coordinate and/or intervene with families and schools to ensure student needs are met.
• Complete assigned documentation in an accurate and timely manner and in compliance with established organizational protocol and productivity standards

Group Facilitation

• Execute annual summer programming focused on preparation for senior year, the college application process, and deeper investment in the mentorship process with College Bound.
• Implement, reflect on, and iterate on current whole group content, supporting ongoing college access workshops.
• Identify small peer groups of students who share a common need and provide targeted academic interventions including, but not limited to, tutoring, study skills, and learning strategies, test preparation, etc.
• Participate in our internal Academic Community of Practice and use their established standards to evaluate the effectiveness of academic programming and make recommendations for modifications.
• Develop supplemental learning materials that directly respond to observable gaps in students or programming.
• Lead or participate in group programming that is directed at parents and/or families.
• Stay knowledgeable of developments in professions related to teaching and learning, implementing evidence-based learning strategies that result in increased academic performance and competency.
• Staff open drop-in hours for studying, tutoring, essay writing, college application, and financial aid processes.

Staff Support

• Support other team members in identifying at-risk students in need of academic interventions and clarifying what appropriate interventions could be.
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource to organization staff, providing information on academic topics and community resources.
• Occasionally consult with students on other caseloads based on need and appropriateness.
• Involve other specialists in consultation on your own cases, especially on college counseling, social work, or career-related needs, contributing to a wider team approach that supports all students.

Other Responsibilities

• Collaborate with management team and other departments on longitudinal planning and alignment of student support services.
• Ensure fidelity to budget, including prompt and accurate financial tracking and reporting
• Help plan cohort events throughout the year to promote community engagement, cohort cohesion and student affinity with College Bound and staff.
• Assist with creating, maintaining, and effectively distributing student and family-facing materials.
• Develop relationships with relevant community resources we can leverage to meet needs and foster an effective coordination of services for students.
• Produce reports, summaries, or datasets that allow for accurate reporting of program activities and outcomes for staff evaluation, program evaluation, grant reports, and annual program reports.
• Additional duties and special projects as assigned

Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in education related field required
• Prior experience in an educational role required (3 year minimum)
• Prior experience with college access is a plus
• Experience working with youth ages 15-22
• Prefer certified content or learning specialists
• A record of successfully impacting achievement with high need students
• Ability to use data to monitor outcomes and identify challenges
• Effective communicator, able to use inclusive and empowering language to translate messages effectively for diverse audiences
• Ability to solve problems effectively through collaboration
• Adaptable, possesses a high tolerance for ambiguity, and thrives in a fast-paced environment
• Computer proficient; experience using a database to manage student information a plus
• Mission-driven and willing to adjust to student needs
• Possess a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

Benefits, Compensation and Working Environment:

• Competitive benefits include a portion of paid employee health insurance, a health reimbursement account, dental, short-term disability, life insurance, 401K matching, paid parental leave for all and free vision insurance
• Play a vital role in an organization that is privileged to work with hundreds of intelligent and deserving young people every day
• Flexible working environment – Fridays are typically remote workdays
• Position requires regular travel, sometimes including evenings and weekends
• Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel and ability to modify schedule to accommodate activities conducted outside of business hours

Applications will be accepted through May 1st, 2026.

College Bound provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation (real or perceived). In addition to federal law requirements, College Bound complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $47,000.00 - $53,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Why are you interested in an academic-related position at College Bound?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• St. Louis, MO (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• St. Louis, MO: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person