Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!
Job DescriptionAt Uncommon, our College & Career Readiness Counselors ensure that every student, regardless of pathway, graduates with a clear, personalized plan for life after high school. This role works closely with students and families to explore and pursue a range of postsecondary options, including college, career training programs, and workforce opportunities.
College & Career Readiness Counselors provide highly individualized, strengths-based advising and instruction, with a focus on students who are not on a traditional college pathway. The ultimate goal is to ensure each student builds the skills, knowledge, and plan needed to successfully transition to and thrive in their chosen postsecondary path.
Responsibilities
Teach College & Career Readiness Courses
Lead 11th and 12th grade College & Career Readiness courses that guide students through postsecondary planning across multiple pathwaysSupport students in exploring interests, strengths, and identities, and connecting them to aligned postsecondary optionsBuild students’ ability to communicate their experiences and goals through resumes, interviews, and written materialsUse data to differentiate instruction and support student progress toward individualized goalsProvide Individualized Postsecondary Counseling
Deliver consistent 1:1 counseling to help students develop rigorous, realistic, and personalized postsecondary plansPartner closely with families through meetings and ongoing communication to support informed decision-makingCollaborate with grade-level teams to monitor student progress and coordinate targeted supportsParticipate in IEP meetings and contribute to high-quality transition planning aligned to students’ goalsBuild College, Career, and Workforce Pathways
Plan and execute college visits, career exploration experiences, and postsecondary readiness eventsDevelop and maintain partnerships with colleges, training programs, and community organizations to expand student access and opportunityExpose students to a wide range of postsecondary pathways and help them evaluate fit across optionsManage Systems and Postsecondary Readiness Operations
Prepare and submit transcripts and required documentation for postsecondary opportunitiesMaintain accurate student data, records, and tracking systems to support strong postsecondary outcomesCollaborate across teams to ensure alignment between counseling, academic, and special education supportsQualificationsRequired
Deep commitment to the mission of Uncommon SchoolsExperience working with high school students and families, particularly in urban or charter school settingsAbility to build strong relationships and communicate effectively with students, families, and colleaguesDemonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and work independentlySkilled in using data to inform instruction, counseling, and student supportStrong organizational skills and attention to detail in managing student information and processesCultural competence and an asset-based mindset, with the ability to support students with diverse learning needsPreferred
Experience in college counseling, career readiness, or postsecondary advisingExperience supporting students with disabilities and/or participating in IEP meetings and transition planningBackground in teaching, counseling, special education, or a related fieldFamiliarity with tools such as Naviance, PowerSchool, or similar systemsEducation & Experience
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferredMinimum of 2 years of experience in a secondary school settingOur people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent.
Compensation
Compensation for this role is between $52,000 to $68,000. Most candidates who meet job description requirements will receive an offer of $52,000 - $55,200.
Starting pay is determined using various factors including but not limited to relevant professional development, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools.
Benefit Highlights:
*A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE.
At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve---with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.
As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email recruitment@uncommonschools.org.
Read LessUncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!
Job DescriptionTo build more high-performing schools, we need leaders to commit themselves to the most urgent and exciting work of our time. Uncommon Schools Principal Fellows are strategically trained and developed using best-in-class practices with the goal of stepping into an Uncommon Principal role upon completion of the Fellowship, in which they will co-lead a school alongside an Uncommon Director of Operations. This Principal Fellow and eventual Principal is a full-time employee, hired, supported, and evaluated by the Regional Superintendent of Instruction and the Senior Director of School Support. The fellowship is based on a foundation of core elements aligned to the competencies of Uncommon Principals. Each element is designed to build Principal Fellows’ capacity towards becoming effective instructional school leaders:
Feedback and Assessment
Feedback, especially individualized feedback, is the main tool that will support the Principal Fellow’s growth as a leader and is the main reason our schools go from good to great. Principal Fellows will receive feedback formally and informally throughout the Fellowship during their time in schools, professional development, and in cross-regional Fellow cohort gatherings. This will include feedback from the Principal Fellow’s Host Principal, the Regional Superintendent of Instruction, and the Senior Director of School Support.
School Immersion
By integrating fully into the day-to-day activities of an Uncommon school, Principal Fellows will gain exposure to situations they may face as a school leader and be challenged to manage the complexity of scenarios that occur at a school. Principal Fellows will work with their Host Principal and the Senior Director of School Support throughout their Fellowship to plan how they will master the skills and competencies needed to lead a high-performing school, including Instructional Leadership, Teacher Development, School Culture, and Family Engagement. Principal Fellows are “in the driver’s seat” of their learning and must seek and plan for opportunities throughout their Fellowship to demonstrate a leadership presence and readiness to lead while being fully immersed within a school.
Professional Development
Principal Fellows join our Principals in monthly, cross-regional professional development. This is an important opportunity to learn alongside Principals and cohort members about the most up-to-date instructional leadership and people management best practices to develop your leadership capabilities.
In addition, Principal Fellows will attend a series of cohort-specific professional development workshops which are more intimate and allow for more “at-bats,” practice and direct application to their school immersion. These cohort sessions will provide opportunities for Principal Fellows to look to one another for professional and personal support.
QualificationsOur people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent.
Compensation
Compensation for this role is between $92,000 to $97,600. Most candidates who meet job description requirements will receive an offer of $92,000.
Starting pay is determined using various factors including but not limited to relevant professional development, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools.
Benefits
Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time, paid holidays, and 10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, and Summer). Extensive, best-in-class training and development Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans + pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health saving accounts (HSA)Financial Planning403(b) retirement savings program + employer matchPaid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits*A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE.
At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve---with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.
As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email recruitment@uncommonschools.org.
