Director of College and Career Readiness

Director of College and Career Readiness

Summary

Primary Function: Build and lead systems that ensure every Kairos High School student graduates on track and prepared for a clear postsecondary pathway.

This role directly manages and coaches the Next Prep instructional team, coordinates testing and dual enrollment, builds postsecondary partnerships, and ensures students are prepared for college and career success. The ideal candidate has classroom teaching experience or a proven track record of coaching instruction, strong organizational skills, and the ability to develop systems that drive student outcomes.

Reports to: Principal

• Proficiency: 85% of students will report satisfaction with their Postsecondary Roadmap and support as measured by the end of year survey
• Proficiency: 95% of high school students will be on track to graduate by end of year in their respective grade level, based on credit accumulation, course completion, and passing required assessments
• Growth: Average ACT composite score for 11th grade students will improve by 2 points from the previous year
• Growth: Kairos High School will reach 90% Average Daily Attendance, a 7% increase from the previous year, supported by proactive teacher engagement, classroom culture, and early interventions
• Behavior: 90% of 11th and 12th grade students will complete key postsecondary milestones including: 11th: PSAT Testing, ACT Testing, mock interview completion; 12th: FAFSA completion, 3+ college/career applications, resume completion

Key Responsibilities

Staff Management and Instructional Coaching

• Manage and coach 2 Next Prep Teachers and the Next Prep Coordinator
• Conduct weekly observations of Next Prep instruction, providing documented feedback aligned to instructional priorities
• Lead weekly team meetings focused on curriculum alignment, student progress, and continuous improvement
• Support teachers in implementing college and career focused content during mentoring and advisory periods

Testing Coordination

• Serve as primary point of contact for all standardized testing logistics, scheduling, and communication
• Oversee planning and administration of ASVAB, AP, PSAT, SAT, PACT, and ACT tests in compliance with testing protocols
• Train staff on testing expectations and procedures
• Develop and execute test preparation schedules

Graduation Tracking and Data

• Design and maintain a system to track and report on each grade level's graduation progress
• Plan and coordinate interventions for students at risk of not meeting graduation requirements, executed through the Next Prep team
• Develop and maintain credit recovery systems
• Develop and oversee family and student communications regarding graduation status
• Collect and analyze data related to program effectiveness and student satisfaction with purposeful next steps

Program Development and Implementation

• Design and implement programs that prepare students for post-secondary education, vocational training, and workforce entry
• Coordinate college and career fairs, local and national college visits

Dual Enrollment and St. Louis Community College Partnership

• Establish and maintain collaborative relationship with St. Louis Community College
• Coordinate dual enrollment attendance, grade tracking, and course counseling
• Foster articulation agreements and credit transfer processes

Partnership Building

• Establish and maintain partnerships with Next Prep, post-secondary institutions, employers, and community organizations
• Create opportunities for student internships, mentorships, and experiential learning

Student Support and Counseling

• Provide guidance to students in identifying and pursuing post-secondary education and career goals
• Conduct career inventory assessments
• Co-create post-secondary plans for NDL students, including Pre-ETS and Vocational Rehabilitation services

This Job Is not for You If You Will not...

• Go above and beyond to do what is best for kids (an innate work ethic is required)
• Figure things out yourself (do not wait for others to teach you; make yourself better)
• Adapt to frequent change (rapidly iterate; every level of every team improves every cycle)
• Happily give and take constructive feedback

Qualifications

Required:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in educational leadership, college and career counseling, or a related field
• Competence in Microsoft Office applications and student information management systems
• Eligible to work for any employer in the U.S; pass criminal background check

Strongly Preferred

• Teacher experience or experience coaching instruction
• Master's degree in Education, Counseling, Higher Education Administration, or a related field
• Proven track record of successful program development and implementation

Nice to Have

• Strong understanding of postsecondary education trends, workforce development, and career pathways
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders

Schedule

• In person, Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 4:00pm
• Some weekends and evenings will be required

Location

• Saint Louis, MO 63118.
• Reliable commute or relocation before starting work is required. This is not a remote position.
• All Kairos staff are required to work onsite at our school in St. Louis.

Our commitment to you includes a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package covering health, dental, and vision. We offer performance-based stipends, opportunities for education advancement, and a dedication to fostering work-life balance. Our school community is built on diversity and support, with small class sizes and a cozy co-working atmosphere. You will have access to a range of professional growth opportunities, both on and off-campus, and you will become part of a network of schools fully committed to upholding Love, Equity, Agency, and Diversity.

Additional Responsibilities

Other duties as assigned by the Principal.

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