Persistence Advisor

Organizational Overview:

KIPP Atlanta Schools is part of the KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) national network of free, open enrollment, college preparatory schools dedicated to ensuring that every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities. There are 280 KIPP schools in 21 states and the District of Columbia serving more than 175,000 scholars and alumni. KIPP Atlanta currently operates 11 schools, including five primary schools, six middle schools and one high school, as well as KIPP Forward which supports scholars on their journey to a choice-filled life. We are a social justice organization and our vision and mission require the work of dedicated, bold and skilled leaders, educators, and support staff who are committed to serving as the catalyst for joyful, academically excellent schools and the foundation for building a more just and equitable world for our scholars. 

Job Overview:

Persistence Advisor is a year-round position on the KIPP Forward team. The Persistence Advisor serves as the primary point of contact for a targeted caseload of KIPP Metro Atlanta Alumni pursuing Associate degrees, certificate programs, and CTE pathways. In addition to providing specialized retention and transfer support to students enrolled in technical and community colleges, the Persistence Advisor assists alumni pursuing Bachelor’s degrees across various post-secondary pathways to ensure program completion. Candidates should have experience in the technical college system, be well-versed in the enrollment process of the CTE field, and demonstrate flexibility to meet the needs of the target demographic. The ideal candidate is an empathetic, highly organized relationship builder and a great communicator.

Persistence Advisors report to the Director of Persistence. This is a year-round, hybrid position based out of KIPP Atlanta Collegiate High School.

Job Responsibilities:
 

• Manage a caseload of KIPP alumni enrolled in Associate degree, CTE, certificate, and four-year college pathways, providing targeted advising focused on program completion, career readiness, academic and social integration, resource and campus navigation, and transfer options.
• Establish initiatives to promote college persistence via matriculation workshops, summer programs, life skills and networking opportunities, and connecting students to other resources available at post-secondary institutions.
• Build positive relationships with students to serve as a person of impact and influence throughout their post-secondary journey.
• Complete pre-college benchmark surveys for all seniors, and college benchmarks for all targeted caseloads after the start of new academic year and winter/spring semester.
• Develop intervention plans and action steps for at-risk students.
• Communicate FAFSA deadlines and conduct semester financial pulse checks for students.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of financial policies, grant programs, and financial aid procedures.
•  Navigate enrollment, financial aid, and credit transfer processes specific to the Technical College System and vocational programs.
• Maintain knowledge of transfer policies and requirements between 2-year and 4-year institutions.
• Plan and execute programming around preventing summer melt.
• Research and promote student’s involvement in internship, apprenticeship, and hands-on career training opportunities.
•  Schedule weekly and monthly visits to college students in and out of state.
• Maintain a schedule of regular outreach to students on caseload via phone, text, email, and in-person communication.
• Plan at least 2 educational or celebratory events each semester for college students.

• Maintain contacts at local colleges, technical institutions, and trade schools in an effort to provide support for alumni.
• Attend orientations, campus tours, and student functions.
• Be a resource and liaison to students, campus colleagues, and technical college administrators to assist in minimizing obstacles that impede credential or degree completion.
• Adhere to FERPA guidelines.
• Advocate for caseload with outside stakeholders, including college offices, IRS, etc.
• Link students to other KIPPsters nationally attending or matriculating to their college.
• Participate in KIPP Foundation professional development opportunities, including webinars and learning cohorts.

• Research and stay current on higher education programs, trends, and issues that impact students, with a focus on career readiness, labor market/work trends, and experience in Career and Technical Education (CTE).
• Make recommendations based on best practices and research.
• Track data on persisting students (enrollment, grades, financial aid awards, scholarships, etc.).
•  Assist the KIPP Forward team in developing profiles of colleges based on performance, retention, and graduation rates.
• Use data to identify at-risk students for direct intervention.
• Analyze attrition rates at targeted schools.
• Record and track student data and case notes in Salesforce/Alumni Database.

Job Qualifications:

●     Possesses a Bachelor’s degree

●      Possess strong organizational skills and ability to manage their own schedule.

●      Has strong project and time management capabilities.

●      Humility and Self-Awareness.

●      Willingness and availability to travel multiple times a month.

●      The ability to receive and act upon adjusting feedback.

●      Has prior experience working with students and their families from low-income communities with demonstrable results, preferably as a college advisor, college admissions counselor, or at an institution of higher education support office.

Compensation & Benefits:

Compensation for this role is between $55,000 and $67,500.  The starting pay will depend on various factors that may include but are not limited to professional experience, education, training, and certifications.  

KIPP Atlanta Schools offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• 20 days of Paid Time Off, in addition to identified holidays and regular school breaks including Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break, Mid-Winter Break and Spring Break.
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical and dental), life insurance and optional short and long term disability
• Paid Parental Leave 
• Participation in Georgia retirement plan and an optional 403(b) retirement plan
•  

Working Conditions:

• Based in Atlanta
• Classroom environment

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds
• Ability to push or pull objects weighing up to 25 pounds
• May require stooping or crouching

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

KIPP Atlanta Schools is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Duties may be adjusted based on school and organizational needs.