Director of High School Placement
The TEAK Fellowship is a ten-year enrichment program that offers New York City students from under-resourced communities intensive after-school and summer academic classes, transformational cultural experiences, secondary school, and college guidance, a vibrant internship program, and robust support system.TEAK students earn admission/financial aid at our Nation’s most prestigious academic institutions and graduate from them determined to make an impact on communities in need of their contributions and leadership.
TEAK is seeking a Director of High School Placement who will join the Middle School Programs team. The Director of High School Placement leads TEAK’s efforts to ensure that every TEAK Fellow earns admission and sufficient financial aid to attend selective college preparatory secondary schools including independent day/boarding schools and NYC specialized high schools. This position reports to TEAK’s Executive Director.
This is an exciting opportunity to be a part of TEAK’s growth and success as we approach our 26th year of serving some of the best and brightest NYC students. Candidates should have a passion for educational equity, a love of working with exceptional young people, and a desire to join a like-minded, committed, and diverse team of educators.
Key Responsibilities
High School Placement
• Serve on the Middle School team, collaborating with Middle School Deans, Director of Counseling, Admissions and others to ensure a comprehensive and integrated middle school experience for all Fellows.
• Manage all aspects of the high school application process for TEAK’s middle school Fellows, including creating school lists, application timelines, student essay writing, test preparation and administration, interviews, financial aid support and school selection.
• Develop and maintain robust partnerships with partner schools’ admissions offices; communicate with partners regularly, host visiting admissions office representatives, coordinate interview schedules, and advocate for TEAK Fellows in the admissions process.
• Design and execute a spring and fall visit schedule to partner schools to form new partnerships and continue relationship-building with existing schools
• Plan and host workshops on interview preparation, financial aid, and the placement process for TEAK Fellows and families.
• Write unique letters of recommendation on behalf of all TEAK applicants; coordinate information gathering from TEAK deans, teachers and staff.
• Coordinate and plan day and overnight trips for students and parents to visit independent day and boarding school trips in the spring and summer.
• Provide comprehensive financial aid support (i.e., SSS, TADS, Clarity) for (rising) 8th grade families in support of their applications to independent day and boarding schools.
• Coordinate and execute two-three official SSAT or ISEE exams for Fellows annually.
• Deliver secondary school placement-related materials to TEAK fellows and families through the Middle School Academy’s after-school programming at TEAK’s off-sites, main office, and during the Summer Institute.
• Execute and enhance TEAK’s 15-month Placement curriculum and 8-month test prep timeline.
• Utilize TEAK’s customized program management tool in Salesforce to maintain accurate records and tracking of the high school placement process.
• Provide regular reports and data analysis on student information during the high school placement process.
• Manage the high school placement budget and tuition assistance budget.
• Host office hours for application support one Saturday and/or one evening a month.
Additional Responsibilities
• Serve as a member of TEAK’s Admissions Committee; annually assist with the selection of TEAK’s new class by reading applications, evaluating candidate’s financial eligibility, and conducting student and family interviews.
• Present to the TEAK Board of Directors annually.
• Promote TEAK’s brand with partner schools and represent TEAK locally, regionally, and nationally at events such as ISAAGNY meetings, and national conferences such as POCC, NAIS, EMS and/or TABS.
Essential Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree required
• 3-5 years experience in admissions and financial aid
• Deep knowledge of secondary independent schools; experience teaching and advising in independent schools is a plus
• Commitment to educational access and equity for underrepresented populations
• Demonstrated interest and dedication to TEAK’s Mission, Core Values, and DEIB statement
• Proactive team player with the ability to be flexible and contribute to a collaborative work environment
• Exceptional written, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Strong administrative, project management, and organization skills with attention to detail
• Ability to travel throughout the year and on occasional Saturdays
• Facility with technology, i.e. Excel, GoogleSuite, Ravenna, Salesforce
• Fluency in Spanish, Mandarin, and/or Bengali is a plus
Start Date: As early as June 1, 2024 but no later than July 1, 2024.
Salary & Benefits: Salary in the range of $80-95K commensurate with assigned duties and responsibilities, experience, skill set, and education. In addition to two remote days each work week, TEAK offers generous benefits, vacation, and retirement packages. The TEAK Fellowship is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds.
How to Apply: Please submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line: “Director of High School Placement.”