About Ascend

Ascend is a network of high-performing public charter schools serving students across Brooklyn. Our mission is to ensure that all students—regardless of background—have access to an education that empowers them to unlock their full potential, achieve academic excellence, and pursue a future of boundless opportunity. We cultivate rigorous learning environments that foster the development of critical thinking skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

At Ascend, educational equity is a driving force behind our mission. We are committed to closing the achievement gap by delivering high-quality instruction, fostering a culture of high expectations, and equipping every student with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in college and beyond. Through this unwavering commitment, we prepare students not only to succeed academically but to seize every opportunity that lies ahead.

About the Role

At Brooklyn Ascend High School (BAHS), we believe every student deserves the opportunity to define and pursue a future full of boundless choice. We’re seeking a purpose-driven Pathways Counselor who is dedicated to expanding access and opportunities for every scholar, ensuring they graduate with clarity, confidence, and genuine options. Whether a student is college-bound, entering the trades, joining the military, or forging a different path entirely, the Pathways Counselor will be a trusted guide, walking alongside them from 9th grade through graduation. This role is central to advancing our vision: that every graduate leaves BAHS with clarity, confidence, and real options for what comes next.



Responsibilities

• College and Career Planning: Develop individualized postsecondary plans based on student performance, interests, and family context. Curate tailored college and career lists and coach students in building essential life and career-readiness skills.
• Application & Financial Aid Support: Manage all aspects of the college application and financial aid process for graduating seniors, including support with essays, forms (FAFSA, CSS, W-2s, 1040s), and award letter analysis. Maintain accurate records of applications, materials, acceptances, financial aid, and scholarships on Overgrad.
• Admissions & Post Secondary Partnerships: Build strong relationships with college admissions and opportunity program staff to advocate for students and create access opportunities. Coordinate college visits, fairs, and immersive exposure trips.
• Workshops & Family Engagement: Lead workshops for students and families on admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and postsecondary planning. Foster strong family partnerships to ensure support for college and career readiness.
• Promotion & Graduation Readiness Monitoring: Analyze promotion data to identify at-risk students and lead strategies that support on-time graduation and expanded postsecondary access.
• Alumni Support & College Success: Provide consistent support to alumni during their first two years of college, including academic advising, financial aid, and campus resource navigation. Maintain an alumni database to inform outreach and support strategies that promote persistence and graduation.
• Staff and Reporting Relationships
• The Pathways Counselor reports directly to the Director of Pathways.

Qualifications

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree is required; Certification in counseling or Master’s degree in education, counseling, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience: At least 2-3 years of experience in college counseling, academic advising, or related roles. Success in guiding students through the college admissions or other postsecondary planning processes is highly valued, particularly experience in working with underrepresented or first-generation students.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in college and career counseling platforms (e.g., Overgrad, Naviance) and student information systems. Familiarity with data management to track student progress and program success.

Skills and Traits

• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly and persuasively convey information to students, families, and colleagues.
• Leadership and Vision: Deep belief in the brilliance of all students and a strong sense of purpose around equitable college access. Able to inspire students toward ambitious postsecondary goals and partner effectively with advisors, families, and leaders to ensure shared ownership and results.
• Project Management and Accountability: Highly organized with a sharp attention to deadlines, trackers, and deliverables. Comfortable using data to identify gaps, monitor progress, and drive timely student and team action.
• Relationship Building: Ability to develop meaningful relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including students, families, staff, and external partners. Demonstrates cultural competence and persistence when supporting first-generation college applicants and students navigating postsecondary barriers.
• Adaptability: Ability to navigate complex situations and solve problems creatively while keeping students’ best interests at the forefront.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary will range between $ 70,000 - $ 85,000 annually, commensurate with level of experience.

This full-time, exempt position offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching
• Generous paid time off and additional employee benefits

Ascend is committed to building a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist community through its hiring practices and focus on creating a culture and environment where diverse perspectives, ideas, and identities are valued and integrated into their approach to educating students. Ascend staff represent a wide diversity of racial, socio-economic, gender, religious, and national identities—opening a window to the entire Ascend community on the richness of humanity. Ascend Charter Schools welcomes all applicants who share their mission and vision.