Associate, Postsecondary Workforce Advisor, KIPP Forward at KIPP

Company Description

About KIPP NYC

Founded in 1995, KIPP NYC Public Schools is a non-profit network of 18 free, public charter schools located in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. We partner with families and communities to create joyful, academically excellent schools where every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities.

From our first middle school, KIPP Academy in the Bronx, to today’s network of eight elementary schools, nine middle schools, and one high school, KIPP NYC provides students with engaging academics, arts, athletics, and social–emotional learning that prepare them for college, career, and beyond.

Our commitment doesn’t end at graduation. Through KIPP Forward, we continue to support our alumni as they navigate college, career, and life, helping them define success on their own terms and pursue the paths that align with their goals and sense of purpose.

Together, we serve more than 9,400 students, support 4700 alumni, and employ over 1,100 dedicated team members who bring passion, expertise, and commitment to our mission every day.

About the KIPP Forward Postsecondary Success Collaborative

KIPP Forward extends KIPP NYC's commitment to students long after high school graduation. We partner with alumni from KIPP NYC, Achievement First, and a growing network of schools to support their success in postsecondary education, career training, and the workforce.

Using a comprehensive coaching model grounded in research and design thinking, KIPP Forward helps alumni identify pathways aligned to their strengths, interests, and goals while providing individualized guidance as they pursue credentials, meaningful careers, and long-term economic mobility.

Through our Postsecondary Success Collaborative, we aim to:

• Increase the number of students from historically underserved communities who complete college or earn an industry-recognized credential.
• Support alumni in securing strong first jobs and building pathways toward long-term career growth and financial stability.
• Equip alumni with the knowledge, relationships, and resources needed to pursue fulfilling careers and create the futures they envision for themselves and their communities.

Position Overview

The Workforce Advisor is a key member of the KIPP Forward Postsecondary Success Collaborative, responsible for empowering alumni as they transition from high school into career training programs, credential pathways, and the workforce.

Reporting to the Associate Director of CTE Pathways & Partnerships, the Workforce Advisor partners closely with alumni, workforce training providers, employers, and community organizations to provide individualized coaching, career advising, and ongoing support during the critical first two years after high school.

Through consistent relationship-building, transformational coaching, and data-informed advising, the Workforce Advisor helps alumni identify career pathways aligned to their strengths and aspirations, enroll in best-fit Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, persist through program completion, and successfully launch into careers that provide long-term economic mobility.

This role requires a relationship-driven professional who is passionate about educational equity, enjoys coaching young adults, and believes every student deserves access to meaningful career opportunities and lifelong success.

This is a full-time field-based position located in the New York City metropolitan area.

The role requires frequent travel throughout New York City and the surrounding tri-state area, with approximately:

• 70% of time spent meeting with alumni in the field and visiting Career and Technical Education (CTE) and workforce training program sites.
• 20% of time spent working remotely on case management, planning, documentation, and other administrative responsibilities.
• 10% of time spent collaborating in person from KIPP NYC's Midtown Manhattan office for team meetings, professional development, and organizational initiatives.

All approved work-related transportation expenses are covered by KIPP Forward. The cadence and frequency of travel are determined by alumni needs, program schedules, and organizational priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Alumni Advising & Career Coaching

• Manage an advisory caseload of approximately 150–200 alumni across New York City and the surrounding tri-state area who are pursuing career pathways immediately following high school.
• Support alumni throughout the critical first two years after high school by providing individualized coaching, mentorship, and accountability as they explore, enroll in, and complete Career and Technical Education (CTE) and workforce training programs.
• Build trusting relationships through regular in-person advising sessions, site visits, virtual check-ins, and ongoing communication.
• Assess each advisee's strengths, interests, goals, and barriers to success, developing personalized action plans that promote persistence, credential attainment, employment, and long-term career growth.
• Introduce alumni to Career and Technical Education opportunities, recommend best-fit programs, and guide them through the application and enrollment process.
• Support alumni in developing professional skills, overcoming challenges, and navigating transitions into the workforce.

Postsecondary & Workforce Partnership

• Conduct regular visits to Career and Technical Education providers, community-based organizations, colleges, and workforce training sites to strengthen partnerships and monitor program quality.
• Evaluate program curriculum, student supports, and participant experiences to ensure alignment with KIPP Forward's standards for quality and student success.
• Partner with the Associate Director of CTE Pathways & Partnerships to identify and cultivate new workforce training providers and strategic partnerships.
• Utilize approved communication platforms, including texting and social media, to engage alumni, promote opportunities, and share timely information.

Data Management & Program Evaluation

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date caseload information within Salesforce, including advising notes, student interactions, contact information, program participation, credential completion, and employment outcomes.
• Track alumni progress toward established goals and use data to inform coaching strategies and identify additional support needs.
• Prepare reports and present data, trends, and student outcomes to KIPP Forward leadership as requested.
• Maintain organized electronic records and documentation in accordance with departmental procedures.

Collaboration & Professional Growth

• Participate in regular coaching meetings with the Associate Director to reflect on practice, discuss student cases, and strengthen advising effectiveness.
• Engage actively in professional learning opportunities, including trainings, conferences, team meetings, observations, and continuous coaching cycles.
• Support the facilitation of regional and national professional development related to Career and Technical Education and workforce advising.
• Partner with the Associate Director and Senior Director of Career Services to strengthen KIPP Forward's programs, systems, and services through continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage program resources responsibly, including alumni engagement funds and required expense reporting.
• Contribute to department initiatives and special projects that advance KIPP Forward's mission.

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to KIPP Forward's mission and belief that every student deserves access to postsecondary pathways that lead to meaningful careers and long-term economic mobility.
• Associate's degree, bachelor's degree, or completion of a workforce training or credential program required; bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of two years of experience working with young adults, particularly those from historically underserved communities.
• Experience advising or coaching students pursuing Career and Technical Education (CTE), workforce development, or career readiness programs preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to build authentic, trusting relationships with young adults while motivating them to pursue ambitious personal, educational, and career goals.
• Strong coaching, advising, and active listening skills with the ability to assess individual needs and provide personalized support.
• High degree of empathy, resilience, positivity, and enthusiasm when working with students facing complex challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet ambitious goals, and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to analyze data, maintain accurate documentation, and utilize Salesforce or similar case management systems.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across teams while building strong relationships with schools, workforce providers, employers, and community partners.
• Ability to travel frequently throughout New York City and the surrounding tri-state area to meet with alumni and visit workforce training sites.
• Valid driver's license strongly preferred.
• Demonstrates KIPP NYC's core values of zest, grit, hope, social intelligence, gratitude, and a sense of humor, along with a commitment to continuous learning, reflection, and professional growth.

Additional Information

Compensation & Benefits

KIPP NYC offers a salary ranging from $60,770 – $76,220 per year. Salary ranges at KIPP NYC are standardized based on role level and role function. Individual salaries are determined through a lens of equity, accounting for years of experience relevant to the role and scope of responsibilities, and are benchmarked against others within the same salary band.

KIPP NYC offers a generous benefits package, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Robust benefits that include medical, dental, and vision.
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 50% match after 6 months.
• Generous Time-Off aligned with the school calendar
• Up to 12 weeks of 100% parental leave.
• Bright Horizon Back-up Child and Elder care.
• Employer-paid Life Insurance and Short-term / Long-term disability.
• Employee incentives include an 8-week paid Sabbatical after 10 years, annual professional development funds, and tuition reimbursement.

This description is intended to describe the type of work being performed by a person assigned to this position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required by the employee.

This is a full-time, field-based position located in the New York City metropolitan area. The role requires frequent travel throughout New York City and the surrounding tri-state area. The cadence and frequency of travel will be determined by alumni needs, program schedules, and organizational priorities. If you relocate outside of a commutable distance or out of the tri-state area, your employment will be subject to review, which may include separation from KIPP NYC. It is important that you notify HR if you move or have plans to relocate.

KIPP NYC LLC does not offer visa sponsorship or work authorization.

KIPP NYC LLC is committed to creating a welcoming environment that includes employees with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We believe that enables us to better meet our mission and values while serving students and families throughout New York City.

KIPP NYC LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KIPP NYC LLC is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment.