High School College Counselor

High School College Counselor

Summary

Quest Forward High School, a cutting-edge private school in West Central Omaha, is looking to add a High School College Counselor to our team.  Our student-focused, college preparatory private school emphasizes a superior academic focus along with Omaha’s leading career Pathways program.  Quest Forward High School seeks to foster a community of independent thinkers and lifelong learners.  Our College Counselor will create multiple best fit post secondary options for our students and assist students in maximizing resources to pursue their college goals.

Duties & Responsibilities

The High School College Counselor’s duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Academic Preparedness

• Advise students on course selection to ensure they meet college admissions requirements and build a strong academic foundation

• Collaborate with the academic support team to provide comprehensive support and resources to students

• Provide guidance and resources to help students prepare for the ACT exam

• Collaborate with the Director of Pathways to design and deliver workshops on Career/College Exploration, Personal Finance, and Professionalism

Post-Secondary College Planning 

• Provide post-secondary counseling and guidance to all students, addressing their individual needs and goals

• Support students throughout the college application process, including essay writing, scholarship applications, and financial aid planning

• Develop and distribute resources to families to help them understand the college application process and make informed decisions

• Plan and manage annual college visits to target colleges, coordinating logistics, and preparing students for visits.

• Gather and analyze data on student college acceptance rates and post-secondary plans to inform college counseling strategies and improve student outcomes

Post Secondary Education Exploration

• Provide guidance and assistance to students enrolled in dual enrollment college courses

• Facilitate workshops and meetings to support students’ academic success in college courses

• Lead workshops and presentations for students and parents on college admissions, financial aid, and preparation

• Organize college visits to local and regional colleges and universities

• Invite college representatives to speak to students about admissions requirements, financial aid, and campus life

Financial Resourcing

• Assist students and families in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to maximize financial aid eligibility

• Conduct financial aid workshops and webinars to educate families on the college financial aid process

• Provide guidance and support with scholarship searches and applications

• Write letters of recommendation for students applying for scholarships and financial aid

• Conduct college financial aid evaluations and provide ROI (return on investment) analysis to help students and families make informed decisions about college affordability

Qualifications 

The ideal candidate has the following traits:

• A burning desire to win

• Excellent presentation and communication skills

• Tight organizational systems and reporting skills

• Outgoing, service-oriented approach

• Energetic disposition with a desire to exceed expectation

• Demonstrated independence including an ability to work without close supervision

• A passion for Quest Forward’s mission

The ideal candidate has the following experiences and knowledge:

• Knowledge about post-secondary education trends

• Ability to work with counseling specific systems such as Naviance

• Strong history of building relationships with students  

• College placement testing experience

• Knowledge of post-secondary education financial aid process

Minimum qualifications include:

• Certified High School Counselor

• Three or more years of verifiable success in high school counseling 

• An ability to work some weekends and evenings as necessary for events and presentations, particularly during college application season

Compensation & Benefits

The expected salary range for this role is $55,000-$70,000 depending on experience.

Application Process

If you are looking for an opportunity to work in an exciting, professional, and engaging environment,  please apply directly online through the respective job board (e.g. LinkedIn, Indeed). We review candidates on a rolling basis and given the expected volume of interest and need to assess recruitment skills, candidates that advance in the process will be invited to a video interview stage. 

Equal Opportunity Employer

Quest Forward High School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where all individuals are valued and respected.