College Counselor

Title: College & Post-Secondary Counselor

Reports to: Division Head

Proposed Start: August 26, 2026

Employment Type: 10-Month Faculty; Full-time, Exempt

Work Location: 5 Hanover Square, New York, NY 10004

The IDEAL School of Manhattan is an inclusion school dedicated to creating a diverse community that affirms and accepts the full identities of all people, while inspiring academic excellence, creative leadership, and a desire to build a more just and equitable world. 

Position Description

The College & Post-Secondary Counselor will guide our diverse student body through the transition from high school to their next chapter. Because IDEAL serves a wide range of learners–including students with neurodiversity and developmental disabilities–this role requires a professional who understands that post-secondary success looks different for everyone, whether it be a four-year university, a vocational program, or a specialized transition program. The College & Post-Secondary Counselor will participate fully in the life of the school and may be called to contribute in significant ways, including serving as a grade level advisory, teaching class sections, and/or running a club. 

The College & Post-Secondary Counselor will collaborate with all members of the school community to develop and deliver a program that supports student’s academic and career development. 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Manage a caseload of students (Grades 9-12), providing personalized guidance on college applications, essay writing, and standardized testing

• Teach one or two sections of a High School class

• Identify and advocate for a wide range of post-secondary options, including highly selective colleges, community colleges, gap year programs, and vocational/technical schools

• Support students in connecting educational goals with career pathways and provide students with information on topics such as college degree programs and admission requirements, financial aid opportunities, trade and technical schools, and apprenticeship programs

• Guide students in exploring postsecondary options including college, transitional and vocational choices and facilitate the post-secondary application process

• Engage families in educational and career planning for their children and offer support in navigating the school’s role in the educational process

• Participate in the planning and coordination of trips and activities related to the development of students’ post-secondary awareness

• Collaborates with teachers and therapists to understand goals, interventions and accommodations and how to carry them over into post-secondary planning. 

• Organize and facilitate college fairs, financial aid nights, and workshops for both students and families.

• Maintain and grow relationships with college admissions officers and directors of specialized post-secondary programs, and plan virtual and in-person visits from college admissions officers

• Maintain accurate records of student progress, transcripts, and application statuses using platforms like Blackbaud and Naviance

• Review transcripts to ensure that students meet graduation or college entrance requirements, and write letters of recommendation

• Oversee all College Board testing including the SAT, PSAT, and AP testing, as well as required accommodations for students

• Structure and oversee the drafting and rehearsal process for senior speeches 

Other duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in School Counseling, Higher Education or related field

• Experience in a school based setting 

Preferred Qualifications

• Min. three years experience in high school college counseling 

Essential Qualities 

• An appreciation for the school’s mission, in particular its inclusive learning environment and commitment to social justice 

• A desire and eagerness to make a difference in the school and to contribute time and talent to the growth of students and to the broader work and life of the school 

• The ability to collaborate as a part of a team, flexibility, and a sense of humor 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

• Experience working with a variety of students with different profiles

Salary Range: $70,000-90,000 (this represents the expected salary range for this position. Salary will be determined based on education, experience, and other job-related factors)

Benefits Include: Paid time off, comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending program, health reimbursement account, commuter benefits program, income protection via short and long-term disability benefits, paid family leave, employer provided lunch options, professional development opportunities, 403(b) plan with employer contribution(waiting period applies).

Equal Opportunity Employer 

The IDEAL School of Manhattan is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunities for all qualified employees and job applicants and to making all employment decisions without unlawful discrimination as to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, familial status, actual or perceived status as a victim of domestic violence, caregiver status, gender identity or expression, military status, veteran status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

This policy of Equal Employment Opportunity applies to all policies and procedures relating to recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, training and development, promotion, demotion, discipline, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment.