College and Career Advisor

Position Summary

The College and Career Transition Counselor and Advisor supports students in grades 8 through 12 with postsecondary planning, career exploration, academic and course planning aligned to future goals, and successful transitions after graduation. This role provides direct services to students, families, and staff through individual advising, small group support, and school wide programming focused on college, career, military, apprenticeship, and workforce pathways.

The position strengthens partnerships with community colleges, employers, and community based organizations to remove barriers and increase postsecondary enrollment, persistence, and success. This role also provides oversight and effective use of the district’s career information system to strengthen student planning, documentation of career readiness, and alignment to student four-year plans.

• Valid Iowa Teaching license with any endorsement will be considered
• Master s Degree in School Counseling, highly preferrd
• Experience in secondary and or postsecondary education, advising, counseling, college access, or career development
• Strong communication skills, written and oral, and comfortable presenting to groups
• Strong organization, follow-through, and ability to manage multiple timelines and student caseloads
• Technology competency for daily tasks and student advising platforms
• Demonstrated commitment to equitable access and success for all students, including students who are first-generation, low-income, multilingual learners, and students from historically underserved backgrounds
• Ability to maintain a flexible schedule with occasional evenings or weekends

Student Advising, Collaborative Counseling, and Four-Year Planning

• Assist students individually and in groups with academic, college, and career goal setting and postsecondary planning
• Support every student in developing, updating, and using a four-year academic and career plan aligned to graduation requirements and postsecondary goals
• Guide students and families in course sequencing and decision making across grades 9–12, including rigorous coursework, concurrent enrollment, AP, CTE pathways, and credential opportunities tied to the student plan
• Collaborates with students’ counselors to support student progress related to graduation requirements, attendance, academic performance, credits, and goal progress

Postsecondary Planning, Applications, and Financial Aid

• Guide students and/or student groups through college and training searches, applications, decision-making, and enrollment steps
• Support students with essays, resumes, recommendation logistics, timelines, and organization of application materials via individual support or workshops
• Provide financial aid literacy, scholarship support, and family education
• Partner with district and DMACC staff to advance FAFSA completion efforts, including awareness initiatives, family engagement, follow-up support, award letter review, verification assistance, and guidance through the financial aid process.
• Provide information on admissions, educational offerings, assessment testing, course placement, registration, and related district and partner processes
• Assist students with registration steps and transfer planning as needed

Career Exploration, Pathways, and Work-Based Learning

• Facilitate career interest inventories and career exploration activities
• Collaborate with the Post-Secondary Readiness (PSR) team to connect students to pathway experiences such as job shadows, internships, apprenticeships, industry credentials, and work-based learning

Career Information System (CIS) Oversight

• Provide oversight of the district’s CIS and ensure consistent implementation within the high school setting
• Train and support staff and students in the effective use of the platform for career exploration, goal setting, four-year planning, resumes, assessments, and postsecondary planning tasks
• Develop and maintain common expectations and workflows for platform use, including required student milestones by grade level
• Monitor platform usage among students and families, including student completion rates, using data to improve…