To advance the college’s mission, vision, principles, values and strategic initiatives through continuous improvement decisions.

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY: 

Not all students graduate high school with the same level of preparation and support. The College and Career Transition Counselor (CCTC) plays a critical role in identifying and addressing barriers that impact student access, progress, and completion, particularly for those who meet one or more criteria under the Perkins V special populations definition. These students may face economic hardship, disabilities, limited English proficiency, nontraditional career paths, or other systemic challenges. The ideal candidate will be integral in implementing a strategic plan for school retention, college and career preparation, and postsecondary success with a particular focus on an identified roster of eligible students.

This position, in partnership between Kirkwood Community College and the Solon Community School District (SCSD), is a key component of a strategic statewide initiative supporting positions embedded in community colleges and partner high schools. CCTCs create intentional connections with students and families during pivotal stages of their high school experience and focus on strengthening postsecondary access and readiness. This is a year-round position with approximately 80% of time spent at Solon High School and 20% at Kirkwood. 

UNIVERSAL CORE COMPETENCIES:  

• Advocate for Continual Improvement - empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence. 
• Collaborate with Mutual Accountability - working together with a willingness to take ownership and account for our actions.  
• Champion Service - anticipating needs and create a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment.  
• Perseverance - commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success.  
• Lead - regardless of title, through positive influence.  

• Guide students, individually and in groups, in developing academic, college, and career goals and transition plans, with focus on removing barriers identified through Perkins V criteria.
• Deliver a case-management approach through proactive communication, documentation, follow-through, and collaboration with students, families, school personnel, and support services.
• Educate students and families about postsecondary pathways, including admissions, academic and career program options, financial aid, and relevant high school and college processes.
• Partner with high school counselors, college departments, and community organizations to support academic progress, career exploration, ICAP implementation, and successful transition planning.
• Monitor student progress and connect students to appropriate academic, personal, and mentoring support services.
• Build engagement strategies that welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds, values, and perspectives, understanding the varied experiences that impact student success.
• Coordinate and assist with recruitment events, college orientation, and outreach efforts that engage families and communities in postsecondary planning.
• Engage in professional development, institutional initiatives, and other assigned responsibilities that support student access, persistence, and success.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

• Represent Kirkwood and the Solon Community School District in a professional and student-centered manner across all interactions.
• Work independently and collaboratively to manage multiple initiatives, demonstrating strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Develop engagement strategies that welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds, values, and perspectives, while recognizing the varied experiences that shape student success.
• Demonstrate competence in supporting students facing academic, economic, linguistic, or social barriers to education.
• Communicate clearly and effectively across multiple settings and audiences, using sound judgment and discretion.
• Demonstrate proficiency utilizing technology, data systems, and student communication platforms to monitor progress, provide guidance, and inform decision-making.
• Foster meaningful relationships with students by serving as a consistent, visible point of contact for guidance, mentorship, and encouragement.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential job duties/responsibilities and performance expectations of the job, which should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

Position involves working in an office setting. Occasional (10-33%) standing, pushing, pulling and grasping. Frequent (34-66%) reaching and viewing a computer and other types of close visual work. Constant (67-100%) sitting, walking, repetitive motion, talking and hearing. 

• Master’s degree required.
• Experience in secondary education, student advising, counseling, admissions, recruitment, or related postsecondary services.
• Demonstrated commitment to student access and success.
• Strong communication skills, including public speaking and documentation.
• Ability to use data and evidence-based approaches to improve student outcomes.
• Proficiency in using computers and technology to support student services.
• Flexible schedule and ability to travel locally.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in education, counseling, student affairs, or related field preferred.
• Professional School Counseling license or endorsement.
• Experience supporting students with financial, academic, or linguistic barriers.
• Familiarity with community college systems, and knowledge of support services for students from economically disadvantaged or nontraditional backgrounds.

It is the policy of Kirkwood Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact the Vice President, Human Resources and Institutional Effectiveness (employees) or the Vice President of Student Services (students), 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404,319-398-5572,equity@kirkwood.edu, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone:(303) 844-5695FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email:OCR.Denver@ed.gov.