About RISE Education System
RISE Academy is a subsidiary of RISE Education System, a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and Cognia. Our mission is to promote the holistic development of the child through an authentic and experiential student learning experience, grounded in faith, family, and community. RISE Academy strives for the development of the whole child by providing excellence in academic preparation in a faith-based environment. It is our vision to guide and nurture students to become role models who will exhibit high levels of God-consciousness, professional excellence, and civic leadership by serving society at large.
Position Information
Position: Guidance and College Counselor
Location: RISE Academy, San Jose, California (in-person)
School Year: 2026–2027
Employment Type: Part-time
Role Overview
RISE Academy is seeking an experienced and compassionate Guidance and College Counselor to join our team for the 2026–2027 school year. This role is pivotal in supporting upper school students’ academic planning, social-emotional wellbeing, and college readiness. The ideal candidate is student-centered, highly organized, and knowledgeable about college admissions, with a strong ability to build trust with students and families and collaborate closely with faculty and school leadership.
Job Expectations
- Shared Vision: Supports a vision of excellence for all students, with urgency to maximize every opportunity necessary to achieve ambitious student outcomes
- Culture of Excellence: Fosters a safe, culturally responsive, and nurturing community where students feel supported and motivated
- Professional Growth: Commits to continuous improvement, engages in professional development, and contributes to our professional learning community
- Community Outreach: Demonstrates commitment to the community by communicating regularly with families and participating in key school community events
Key Responsibilities
Academic Counseling and Student Planning
- Assist students with course selection, graduation planning, and academic goal-setting
- Monitor academic progress and collaborate with teachers and leadership to support students who need intervention or additional planning
- Develop individualized academic plans that reflect student strengths, needs, and postsecondary goals
- Support students and families in understanding academic policies, timelines, and requirements
College and Career Counseling
- Guide students through the full college application process, including college research and selection, application completion, essays, and interview preparation
- Advise students on building balanced college lists and meeting deadlines across application platforms
- Support students with scholarship planning, recommendation letter processes, and application organization systems
- Coordinate and maintain college/career readiness resources, including timelines, checklists, and student-facing guidance
- Facilitate career exploration and help students connect interests to potential college majors and pathways
Workshops, Programming, and Family Education
- Organize and lead workshops for students and families on topics such as study skills, time management, digital organization, stress management, career exploration, and college readiness
- Coordinate events such as college nights, financial aid information sessions, application work sessions, and visits from college representatives (as applicable)
- Develop clear communication and resources for families on key milestones and counseling services
Collaboration and Schoolwide Support
- Work closely with faculty, administration, and support staff to create a strong student support network
- Collaborate with external organizations and community partners to expand opportunities for students (mentorships, summer programs, enrichment, scholarships)
- Participate in relevant meetings, student support team discussions, and schoolwide events
Recordkeeping and Compliance
- Maintain accurate records of counseling sessions, student plans, academic progress, and college application support
- Manage confidential student information ethically and in accordance with school policies and applicable requirements
- Support transcript processes, documentation requests, and reporting as needed
Qualifications (Required)
- Master’s degree in Counseling, Education, or a related field
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in academic and college counseling, preferably in a high school setting
- Strong understanding of college admissions processes, timelines, and requirements
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to build trust with students and families
- Strong organizational systems and ability to manage multiple timelines and student caseloads
- Ability to work collaboratively with students, parents/guardians, and staff
- Commitment to fostering a supportive, culturally responsive environment for all students
- Alignment with RISE Academy’s mission and comfort working in a faith-based school environment
Preferred Qualifications
- School counseling credential and/or experience working in a K–12 private school setting
- Experience supporting scholarship and financial aid advising processes
- Experience coordinating college counseling events, workshops, and partnerships
- Familiarity with common counseling and college application platforms and tools (e.g., Google Workspace, student information systems, Common App, Naviance/MAIA Learning or similar tools, as applicable)
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
- Ability to work primarily in an office/classroom setting and move around campus as needed for meetings and student support
- Frequent use of a computer and standard office technology
- Occasional evening/weekend availability for family events, workshops, or peak application season may be required
Compensation
Compensation is based on credentials, relevant experience, academic degrees, and certifications. Children of staff members may be eligible for tuition discounts.
