Director of High School Placement and Support

Nativity School of Worcester seeks an ambitious Director of High School Placement and Support with a passion for establishing educational equity, engaging with students and graduates, and developing high school partnerships. The Director reports directly to the Director of Graduate Support and External Partnerships, and collaborates with staff, faculty, graduates, families, and high school partners to advance the school’s mission and Graduate Support Program at Nativity Worcester. The Director is responsible for providing support services for 7th and 8th graders and graduates of high school age of Nativity Worcester to ensure success and access to opportunities as they transition to the next step in their educational experience.

Summary of Position:

The Director of High School Placement and Support is a salaried administrative position. The Director is responsible for working as part of the Graduate Support team to provide support services for 7th and 8th graders and graduates of Nativity Worcester in 9th grade that will ensure their success as they transition to high school. The Director will provide information, guidance, and support to students and their families starting at the Nativity Admissions process through 8th grade graduation. The Director will accompany students and families through the high school application and decision process including any necessary standardized testing, teacher recommendations, and financial aid completion. The Director of High School Placement and Support will join the school at an exciting and dynamic time in the history of the program as the school expands its enrollment, and will play a pivotal role in strengthening all aspects of the program.

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to advising and counseling students, graduates, and their families in one-on-one and group meeting structures to ensure their success and wellbeing in high school; modeling effective teaching practices as the teacher of the High School Prep course, placing 8th grade students in independent/private high schools or specialized high school programs, building relationships with high school partners, and monitoring academic, emotional and social progress of Nativity Worcester graduates in the 9th grade, before handing them off to the Director of Graduate Support and External Partnership and other supportive organizations for post-secondary success.

Primary Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Director of Graduate Support and External Partnerships and working collaboratively with Nativity staff members, your responsibilities include:

Direct Student & Graduate Support (80%):

• Provide one-on-one guidance to a caseload of 75+ 7th - 9th grade students and graduates to support their high school placement and transition.

• Teach High School Prep Classes to the 8th grade students (quarters 1 and 2) and 7th grade students (quarters 3 and 4).
• Collaborate with the Principal and programming faculty to ensure the needs of students are met
• Create lesson plans and track student progress for the classes
• Attend family conferences and PTA meetings as needed, complete student progress reports, and report cards on a quarterly basis
• Coordinate High School activities (school visits, applications, workshops, graduate panels etc.) for Nativity Worcester students and graduates
• Coach each student and family towards a high school plan that is individualized to that student, and is in line with admissions and affordability data
• Adjust admissions chances and expectations based on changes to student academic profile throughout the year

• Guide students, graduates and caregivers (in person or remotely) to submit financial aid applications by institutional priority deadlines; hold two meetings per year with each 8th grade family and one meeting per year with 9th grade families to complete and review financial aid applications
• In consultation with the Director of Graduate Support and External Partnerships, determine tuition assistance from Nativity Worcester’s Nancy’s Fund to support high school scholarships
• Explain financial aid award data to each student, graduate, and family and coach them to make a financially responsible decision
• Support graduates with submitting a deposit (when necessary) to each school by institutional deadline

• Lead quarterly 30-60 minute meetings with each graduate on caseload virtually or in person (in the Graduate Support office, on a high school or college campus, other off-site locations throughout the region). Assist with meeting with Graduates outside of the caseload as help is needed
• Respond to all graduate or graduate family text/calls/emails within 2 business days
• Develop individualized communication plans to ensure graduates remain engaged with the program and understand the resources available through the Graduate Support Team

Caseload & Data Management – 5%

• Track and record graduate progress in our database (Salesforce), using both quantitative and qualitative measures
• Enter data into the database within 3 business days of a student interaction or status change
• Maintain accurate student contact information in the database
• Share monthly reports (using Salesforce) with the Director of Graduate Support and External Partnerships and President on graduate outreach and engagement

Program and Organizational Support - 10%

• In collaboration with the Director of Graduate Support and External Partnerships, design and send out monthly graduate newsletter. Ensure graduate communications are incorporated in the school’s social media accounts.
• Develop strong relationships with partner high schools and other external organizations
• Attend regularly scheduled Graduate Support Team internal meetings as well as high school partner meetings as necessary
• Support initiatives to engage graduates of all ages, including working with the school’s Alumni Association
• Plan age-appropriate programing for graduates including relevant workshops and celebratory events
• Develop and present quarterly reports for the Graduate Support Committee of Nativity Worcester’s Board of Trustees – a governing body that oversees implementation of policy, regulations and mission of the school
• Coordinate transportation Tuesdays through Thursdays per week from Saint John’s High School to Nativity, including driving vans to transport graduates
• Staff and oversee the graduate after school program (Tuesdays through Thursdays, 3:30 pm to 4:45pm) and uphold expectations for graduates and provide mentorship while graduates are on campus.
• Support the Advancement team by providing data for grant writing, attending events, networking with supporters, and providing event logistics as needed
• Engage stakeholders in the lives of graduates by finding innovative ways to communicate with high school guidance counselors, parents or guardians, headmasters, principals, college partners, and all such persons that contribute to our graduates’ well-being

Additional Responsibilities:

• Understand and promote the mission, standards and policies of the school and work related to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism. Assist in advancing DEIA efforts such as implementing the school’s restorative justice program (training will be provided to accomplish this).
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
• Participate in school-wide events, professional development days and orientations. Attend two day faculty/staff retreats (two times per year).
• This is a full-time, exempt salaried position; as such, occasional work outside and in addition to regular hours is expected to meet graduate support and school needs. The standard schedule for this role is Mondays through Thursdays 9:00am to 5:00pm and Fridays 8:00am to 4:00pm. However, arriving early or working late is often needed to meet project deadlines or team needs.
• The role requires in-person presence five days a week, with some scheduling flexibility available in June and August.
• Fulfill responsibilities as articulated in the Nativity Worcester Employee Handbook.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required. Degree in social work, counseling, or education preferred.
• 2+ years of teaching or providing students counseling and/or wrap around services is preferred.
• Strong leadership abilities and a proven track record of collaborating with others
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in data management systems (e.g., Salesforce) and analytics.
• Commitment to Nativity School of Worcester’s mission and values, including a dedication to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Capacity for relentless advocacy, including proactive outreach.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Professional, proactive, collaborative, and results-oriented.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and take initiative.
• Even-tempered, poised, and confident in a wide variety of situations.
• Courteous, flexible under pressure, and able to work independently.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate problems, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality.
• Maintains a professional, caring, and conscientious demeanor at all times.

To Apply:

Submit résumé and cover letter to careers@nativityworcester.org

Salary range: $55,000 - $70,000. A comprehensive benefits package and benefits such as tuition reimbursement will be provided. Note: Starting salaries typically fall in the lower end of the salary range; however, they are ultimately determined by the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity.

Our Mission:

Founded in 2003, Nativity School of Worcester is an accredited, independent middle school that provides a holistic, tuition-free, faith-based education rooted in Ignatian values to students of all faiths from under-resourced communities. Drawing upon four pillars - strength, scholarship, character, and service - a Nativity education inspires self-discovery, responsibility, spiritual growth, and a lifelong dedication to learning.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Nativity School of Worcester is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome and encourage applications from those who contribute to our diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental, or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, or genetic information. Nativity School of Worcester is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment; we welcome a broad spectrum of candidates, and particularly invite applications from diverse backgrounds and life experiences (e.g. gender, ethnicity/race, and other individuals who are under-represented in the profession). Candidates who have worked with a diverse range of individuals and who can contribute to our mission of inclusivity are encouraged to identify their experiences and interests in their cover letter.

www.nativityworcester.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Worcester, MA 01605 (Required)

Work Location: In person