College & Career Transition Counselor

About the position

The College and Career Transition Counselor is responsible for providing direct services to students, parents/families, and school staff across local school districts and North Iowa Area Community College to support postsecondary success. The counselor will work collaboratively with high school staff, academic affairs, admissions, and others to foster and optimize student success, and collaborate with school counselors, administrators, and teachers to align work-based learning opportunities. The successful candidate must demonstrate a focus on student success, be willing to travel, and to work a flexible schedule.

Responsibilities

• Assist students, individually or in groups, with developing academic, college, and career goals and plans.
• Collaborate with school counselors, administrators, and teachers to support academic success, career exploration, goal setting, leadership development, college planning, and campus visits for students.
• Responsible for case management including tracking, proactive communication, follow-up with students, faculty, and other resources to increase student success.
• Provide students with information regarding application, educational offerings, financial aid, assessment testing and course placement, and related policies and processes.
• Assist students with course selection, creation of academic plans, registration process, and facilitating the transfer of students to colleges/universities.
• Collaborate with academics, learning support services, and student success teams including admissions, advising, financial aid, student activities, housing, and registration.
• Assist with summer programs, college orientation sessions, and other recruitment or enrollment events.
• Collect and analyze student data and confer with school and college staff to identify and refer students in need of more intensive academic support such as tutoring, extended learning, and counseling.
• Assist districts and students with college prep course selection, enrollment in concurrent courses, tracking credits needed for graduation, and progress towards student goals.
• Conduct parent/family outreach and education activities to strengthen family/school partnerships and facilitate college selection and financial planning.
• Support a smooth transition from 12th grade to post-secondary education for students and families.
• Connect students and families with community and higher education resources to support success in school and facilitate planning for post-secondary education.
• Serve as a resource for school staff, students, parents/families, and community members.
• Teach SDV-199, WBL courses, other freshman seminars and/or direct workshops for students.
• Obtain credentials, as necessary, to meet the position's requirements and those necessary for instructional purposes.
• Report outcomes to Admissions team and administration.
• Complete assigned projects with minimum supervision ensuring all deadlines are met.
• Represent NIACC positively at high schools, promotional events, and in the community.
• Establish positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and other key influencers.
• Attend division and institutional meetings. Participate in professional development activities at the College and within state and regional organizations.
• Work across Student Development, specifically collaboration, support, and cross training with the Enrollment Specialist and Academic Advising team, as needed for enrollment growth.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with people at all levels, both internal and external to the institution.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in secondary and/or postsecondary education settings.
• Experience in programs serving low income, minority, ELL students and families.
• An understanding of the community college mission and a proven dedication to its students.

Benefits

• Starting salary of $41,500 to $49,800 based on qualifications and experience.
• Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance.
• Eye care, dental, life and disability insurance.
• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• Choice of IPERS or TIAA retirement plans.
• A variety of additional optional benefits.