College & Career Integration Coordinator

About KIPP Kansas City Public Schools:

KIPP Kansas City Public Schools is part of a nationwide network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory charter schools dedicated to preparing students in educationally underserved communities for success in college and life. Our strength as a region serves as a catalyst for empowerment, change, and hope.

Founded in 2007, KIPP Kansas City Public Schools began with KIPP Endeavor Academy, serving approximately 31 fifth-grade students. Today, we educate approximately 1,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade, with our community continuing to expand. Together with families and communities, we strive to create joyful, academically excellent schools that equip students with the skills and confidence to pursue their chosen paths—whether college, career, or beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and contribute to a more just world.

Position Overview:

The College & Career Integration Coordinator at KIPP Kansas City will support the seamless integration of postsecondary planning, college admissions, career readiness, and workforce development opportunities for students across the region. This role will work closely with school-based counselors, teachers, and other KIPP Kansas City staff to ensure students are equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to successfully transition to postsecondary education or the workforce. The coordinator will be a key player in advancing KIPP Kansas City's mission to prepare students for college and careers.

Key Responsibilities: 

• College & Career Pathway Integration

  • Support students in identifying and pursuing a range of postsecondary opportunities, including 2-year and 4-year colleges, trade schools, apprenticeships, and workforce opportunities.
  • Work collaboratively with school leaders, counselors, and teachers to integrate college and career readiness initiatives into the curriculum and day-to-day school life.
  • Develop and implement programs that guide students in understanding and navigating the pathways to postsecondary education and careers, emphasizing informed decision-making.

• Career Development & Workforce Readiness

  • Coordinate career exploration activities, including job shadowing, internships, industry site visits, and career fairs, ensuring students are exposed to various career fields and workforce expectations.
  • Assist students in identifying career interests, and connect them with professional networks, mentors, and internships to build work-based learning opportunities.
  • Partner with local businesses, community organizations, and higher education institutions to create partnerships that provide students with career development experiences and resources.

• College & Career Resources & Support

  • Curate and distribute resources to students and families about college admissions, financial aid, scholarship opportunities, and career development pathways.
  • Organize workshops and family engagement events to support the postsecondary and career decision-making process, ensuring students and families are well-informed and confident in their choices.
  • Provide one-on-one support to students, helping them navigate the college application process, write personal statements, and apply for financial aid and scholarships.

• Data Tracking & Progress Monitoring

  • Track and monitor the progress of students towards achieving their college and career readiness goals, including postsecondary applications, internships, and career placements.
  • Utilize student management platforms to track data on student participation, college applications, job placements, and other key career readiness milestones.
  • Provide regular reports to the Director of Postsecondary Match and Success, highlighting trends, successes, challenges, and areas for improvement.

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Collaborate with school counselors, academic coaches, and faculty to embed college and career readiness into the school’s culture and daily activities.
  • Work with external partners, including local businesses, universities, trade organizations, and workforce development agencies, to enhance career exposure opportunities for students.
  • Maintain strong communication with families and community stakeholders to ensure alignment in supporting students’ postsecondary and career goals.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Counseling, Career Services, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• At least 3 years of experience in college counseling, career services, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of college and career pathways, including admissions processes, workforce development, and internship programs.
• Experience working with underrepresented students and families to increase access to postsecondary opportunities.
• Familiarity with student management platforms for tracking and reporting progress.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with school staff, community partners, and families to support students’ success.

Skills and Competencies: 

• Commitment to KIPP KC’s mission and values
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse environment
• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Fosters an inclusive environment for students, staff, and families
• Works effectively with colleagues and stakeholders
• Builds strong relationships within the KIPP KC community
• Expertise in college admissions processes, financial aid, workforce development, and career-readiness programming
• Strong ability to manage multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and deadlines
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to address challenges and develop innovative solutions for students' postsecondary success
• Ability to understand and navigate the unique needs of diverse student populations, particularly first-generation college students and underrepresented communities.

Physical Requirements: 

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. 
• The person in this position needs to be able to move about inside and outside the school or office throughout the workday.
• The candidate is expected to attend conferences, meetings and training sessions both virtually and in person within the Region. 

Work Environment

• Reports to work Monday-Friday and some weekends. 
• A typical school or office environment with frequent interruptions.

Travel Requirements:

• Ability to travel to work location. 

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary is based on years of experience, educational background, and level of expertise.

As a full-time KIPP Kansas City employee, you are eligible to participate in all KIPP Kansas City benefit plans. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits with competitive rates, including medical, dental, and vision options, as well as life insurance, fertility, and disability plans.

KIPP Kansas City is committed to the professional growth and development of our staff. We provide numerous opportunities for advancement, ongoing professional development, and leadership training to help you achieve your career goals.

KIPP Kansas City provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.