KIPP Forward Director

The KIPP Forward Director plays a critical role in building the foundation for students long-term success as well as laying the framework for a strong KIPP Forward department. This founding role supports 9th grade students in developing early college and career knowledge skills and mindsets while guiding them through course selection certifications and dual enrollment opportunities that prepare them for high-quality career and postsecondary pathways while simultaneously managing the vision supporting systems and hiring to create a world-class counseling department.

Team Leadership & Department Founding

In Year 1 (Founding Year)

• Serve as both Director and primary counselor directly advising the inaugural 9th grade class while establishing foundational systems structures and practices for a robust KIPP Forward program.
• Develop and codify the departments vision mission and key performance indicators in alignment with KIPP Miamis college and career readiness goals.
• Build and pilot data systems advising protocols family engagement strategies and cross-department collaboration structures that can scale as additional grades and staff are added.
• Partner with school leadership to ensure KIPP Forward is embedded into the fabric of the schools academic and cultural program.

In Years 2 and Beyond (Team Growth)

• Recruit hire onboard and coach a high-performing team of counselors and advisors as the department expands with each subsequent grade level.
• Provide ongoing professional development observation/feedback cycles and team retreats that grow staff expertise in postsecondary counseling student advising and data-driven practice.
• Establish a culture of collaboration accountability and continuous improvement across the department.
• Develop succession planning and leadership opportunities (building a bench) within the counseling team to ensure long-term sustainability of the program
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with academic leadership college/career partners and regional/national KIPP Forward staff to align on best practices and maximize opportunities for students.

Advising & Student Programming

• Conduct ongoing 1:1 check-ins with students beginning in 9th grade to:
  • Assess their passion purpose and postsecondary plan.
  • Monitor progress toward credit accumulation diploma distinctions and CTE certifications.
  • Guide them in making informed and strategic course selections aligned with graduation requirements Academy offerings and future goals in partnership with the Director of Academic Operations to maximize certification attainment diploma distinctions and pathways to college matriculation
  • Provide behavioral attendance and academic support and problem solving to ensure students remain on track for on-time and accomplished graduation
• Support attendance initiatives through student and family engagement
• Coordinate school-wide college and career exposure events (special programming days family night etc) as well as executive functioning workshops  in collaboration with grade-level leadership
• Plan and lead college and career visits off-campus
• Support students with 3.5 GPA in submitting quality applications to  and ultimately enrolling in strong vetted pre-college programs internships and dual enrollment courses during the summer
• Consistently cultivate monitor and share key opportunities for students to further their college & career readiness in and out of school (participation in clubs coordinating Zero prep sharing community resources etc.)

Family Programming

• Maintain consistent engagement and partnership with families of students by providing regular updates on student progress
• Plan and lead workshops for families on the essential topics related to high school and postsecondary success

Data Management

• Track meeting notes and student data - both qualitative and quantitative - consistently and accurately
• Analyze student academic data to drive action planning and support plans
• Present key data trends to school staff and leadership to drive improvements and celebrate wins

SAT

• Oversee execution of PSAT8/9  in conjunction with the Director of Academics
• Lead students in test taking strategies pump up and investment in lead up to the PSAT8/9 and score analysis following the exam
• Communicate to families about the importance of the PSAT8/9 and student-level data
• In subsequent years joining execute a robust and impactful SAT prep strategy with academic leaders

Progress to Graduation

• Manage the schedule request platform in our Student Information System
• Oversee the schedule request process ensuring all students select courses aligned with high-quality certification and diploma outcomes.
• Support students in completing credit recovery and tracking progress.
• Monitor state assessment performance and create targeted action plans to close gaps and strengthen graduation readiness.
• Review transcripts and recommend classes for new students.

Qualifications :

Required Experience

• Bachelors Degree
• Demonstrated experience working with traditionally underserved students and their families from diverse socioeconomic racial and ethnic backgrounds

Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel) and Google Suite.
• Experience with database management and reporting (e.g. Salesforce Overgrad).
• Strong written oral and interpersonal communication skills.
• Exceptional organization attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects.
• Customer service mindset with genuine care for students and families.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills; adept at analyzing data to generate meaningful insights.
• Event planning and execution experience.
• Bilingual skills preferred.

Abilities

• Deep commitment to doing whatever it takes to ensure student and school success.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with students and families.
• Proactive problem-solving and anticipation of challenges.
• Calm positive approach to high-stress situations.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Strong belief in the potential of all students to pursue college and/or quality postsecondary pathways.
• Cultural competence and advocacy for equitable access to advanced coursework certifications and enrichment opportunities for historically marginalized students.

Additional Information :

Compensation & Benefits
KIPP Miami offers a full comprehensive benefits plan including health care a competitive 403(B) plan and a school laptop.

KIPP Miami offers competitive salaries to newly hired staff members. Salaries are set within a benchmarked range for the work being performed using industry standards. The expected salary range for this position is $95000-$115000 but may vary based on experience and alignment to the role.

KIPP Miami is an equal opportunity employer

#LI-MIA

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time