College Counselor & Advisor | Quest Forward High School Omaha

ABOUT QUEST FORWARD HIGH SCHOOL 

Quest Forward High School is a private high school committed to preparing students for success in college, career, and life. As part of Opportunity Education Network, the school is intentionally small to allow for deep personalization while maintaining a vibrant, engaging student experience.

We hold a clear belief: all students are college capable. Our approach to post-secondary planning reflects that belief by ensuring every student explores a wide range of options, applies broadly, and ultimately makes a choice grounded in fit, purpose, and long-term return.

ABOUT THE ROLE: COLLEGE COUNSELOR & ADVISOR

The College Counselor & Advisor is a mission-critical role responsible for leading all aspects of post-secondary readiness at Quest Forward Omaha. Unlike traditional school counseling roles, this position is singularly focused on helping students and families navigate the full post-secondary decision-making process with clarity, ambition, and strong execution.

This role ensures that every student graduates with multiple high-quality post-secondary options and the knowledge to make an informed choice. The College Counselor & Advisor serves as both an instructor and an advisor, building students’ readiness over time through structured coursework, individualized guidance, and deep partnership with families.

Reporting directly to the Principal, this individual also plays a key role in building external partnerships with colleges and universities, elevating the school’s reputation and expanding opportunities for students.

RESPONSIBILITIES

As a dynamic organization, responsibilities will evolve; however, core areas of focus include:

Post-Secondary Advising & Family Partnership (35%)

• Serve as the lead advisor for all students and families on post-secondary planning, ensuring clarity, confidence, and strong outcomes
• Build trusting, credible relationships with students and families, serving as a knowledgeable and steady guide through complex decisions
• Ensure every student applies to a robust set of post-secondary options, with a clear expectation of at least two strong “best-fit” choices
• Partner closely with families to navigate admissions strategy, financial aid, scholarships, and decision-making
• Track student progress toward post-secondary readiness benchmarks and proactively intervene when students fall off track
• Communicate regularly and clearly with families about timelines, expectations, and key milestones

Instruction: College & Post-Secondary Readiness (35%)

• Teach daily classes focused on post-secondary readiness across all grade levels
• Lead the senior College Seminar course, ensuring dedicated time for essays, applications, recommendations, financial aid, and final decision-making
• Design and deliver curriculum for underclassmen that builds foundational knowledge of college, careers, and post-secondary pathways
• Ensure students develop the skills, knowledge, and self-awareness needed to make informed post-secondary decisions by senior year
• Integrate real-world application, reflection, and planning into all coursework

College Partnerships & Exposure (20%)

• Plan and execute a high-quality, annual college fair that brings a diverse range of institutions to campus
• Build and maintain relationships with college admissions representatives to expand opportunities and visibility for students
• Coordinate and lead college visits and exposure opportunities, both on-campus and off-campus
• Partner with colleges and universities to strengthen placement outcomes and create pathways for student success
• Stay current on admissions trends, financial aid changes, and evolving post-secondary options

School-Wide Contribution & Culture (10%)

• Contribute to the broader life of the school, supporting events, systems, and student experiences beyond the core role
• Collaborate closely with teachers and school leadership to ensure alignment between academic preparation and post-secondary goals
• Serve as a visible, engaged member of the school community, building strong relationships with students across all grades
• Step in to support school needs as they arise; this role, like all at Quest Forward, extends beyond a narrow job description

QUALIFICATIONS

Experiences and skills of the ideal candidate include:

• Strong prior experience in college advising, admissions, or post-secondary counseling required
• Deep knowledge of the college application process, financial aid systems, and post-secondary pathways
• Proven ability to build trust with students and families and guide high-stakes decision-making
• Highly organized with exceptional follow-through and attention to detail
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to simplify complex information
• Ability to teach and engage students in a classroom setting
• Alignment with the belief that all students are capable of high-level post-secondary success
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a willingness to build, refine, and improve systems over time
• Though not required of this role, the ideal candidate also possesses a Nebraska counseling and/or teaching credential

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The role is a full-time salaried role with compensation commensurate with experience. This role includes a full suite of medical, dental, vision, and other benefits. 

STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

Quest Forward is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where all individuals are valued and respected.