Dean of Postsecondary Success

BELA Charter School

Brooklyn Emerging Leaders Academy Charter School (BELA), a new all-girls high school located in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, focused on SISTERHOOD, SCHOLARSHIP, STRENGTH and SERVICE is deeply committed to a 100% of our students completing college. Founded on the belief that academic and life preparation is equally as important; each BELA young woman will embark on her own personal and intellectual journey. Students will empower and uplift, while respectfully questioning norms to develop their own identities within their rich cultures and communities. This unique learning environment is designed for educators who are intrigued and motivated by the potential that exists within each of our Bedford Stuyvesant young women and thrives in a startup atmosphere where outcomes are clearly defined, but allows for creativity and risk taking as we define the process to meeting our goals as a school community.

The Role

The Dean of Postsecondary Success oversees the day-to-day and long-term planning and program coordination for BELA’s postsecondary readiness program. Reporting to the Chief of Student Affairs, this role is responsible for overseeing the Postsecondary Success work for all grade levels. Direct reports include the Alumni Coordinator, Postsecondary Success counselor, and any interns if applicable. 

Teachers and Staff members at BELA will:

• Create inspiring, challenging, and effective teaching learning experiences for all of our students

• Collaborate with fellow teachers, students and school leadership to build the school from the ground up

• Share in the leadership of the school by taking on essential roles in addition to teaching

• Be committed to serving all students, including Students with Disabilities and English Language Learners, in the context of the regular education classroom using a variety of inclusion models

• Become part of a strong and supportive professional learning community

• Enjoy and thrive in the lively and diverse world of urban adolescent young women while striving to create a model of public education that serves them well. 

• Design, facilitate and participate in experiences and conversations that relate to race, gender, class, and sexual identity in ways that empower students and foster community

Primary Responsibilities:

9-12 Grade Postsecondary Readiness:

• Overseeing the scope for the 9-12 Postsecondary Readiness course, including any personnel 

• Develop and implement age and grade-level appropriate milestones, milestone tracking systems and program elements to drive these goals for 9th-12th grade

• Manage the college application process for all students 

• Meet with 11th and 12th grade students, individually and in groups, to advise and track their progress with the admissions process and college choices. 

• Designing the scope of 1:1 case management meetings 

• Manage the financial aid process for all students and families

Family work and Partnerships:

• Plan, organize, develop, and implement workshops for families and staff related to college access and success 

• Contact, schedule, and arrange visitors and guests from various colleges, universities, and organizations. Meet with college admissions representatives who visit our campus and facilitate meetings between college representatives and our students.

• Serve as an external face for BELA and be available to address any community, parent or participant concerns/questions related to the college readiness program. 

• Collaborate with the BELA leadership team to seek out external partnerships for programming activities.

• Manage the financial aid process for all students and families

Assessment and Data management:

• Maintain and communicate information about standardized tests such as the PSAT, SAT and ACT.

• Coordinate onsite testing for PSAT, SAT, and ACT.

• Use Naviance and OverGrad to maintain a current inventory and accurate system of complete records for students’ application materials, college applications, financial aid applications, opportunity program applications, acceptances, matriculation, scholarships and aid awarded

• Oversee evaluation related to college readiness, including assessments related to College & Career Readiness; Collaborate with the Leadership Team to ensure the effective use of evaluation techniques, the continuous improvement of programs and the communication of program efficacy

• Create, utilize, and share college admissions decision data measures

Other:

• Dean of Postsecondary Success reports directly to the Chief of Advancement 

• Direct reports include the Alumni Coordinator, the postsecondary counselor, and any interns if applicable.

• Coordinate and facilitate college visits, college fairs, and trips. 

• Continuously review and enhance program documentation and curriculum

• Participate in one BELA team (ex: Culture and Climate, Professional Learning, or Data) 

• Other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Social Work, Education, Counseling, Public Administration, Higher Education, or similar preferred; certification in counseling preferred

• Minimum of three years' experience working in the field of college awareness/access and/or a related field preferred

• Previous teaching experience in an urban setting preferred

• SIFI (Seminar in Field Instruction) license preferred

• Knowledge of college financial aid, public and private college/university admissions requirements/processes, in addition to expertise with Common Application, FAFSA/Dream Act, low-income, first generation students

• Knowledge of current trends and topics facing higher education institutions affecting students and college retention rates

• Strong ability to develop and maintain positive and strategic relationships with colleges and universities

•  Passion for higher education accessibility and completion of college for first generation and underserved students

• Strong collaboration and teamwork skills

• Trustworthiness and ability to maintain the utmost confidentiality

Benefits and Salary 

Salary for this position is competitive and depends on prior experience. In addition, a comprehensive benefits package is included. 

Anti-Discrimination Policy and Commitment to Diversity 

BELA seeks individuals of all religious, ethnic and racial backgrounds, sexual and gender identities to apply for this position. We are committed to maximizing the diversity of our organization, as we want to engage all those who can contribute to this effort. This job description reflects BELA’s assignment of essential functions and qualifications of the role. Nothing in this herein restricts management’s right to assign, reassign, or eliminate duties and responsibilities to this role at any time.