Postsecondary Counselor

Maine Township High School District 207 has a certified staff vacancy, postsecondary counselor, beginning July 1, 2026.                                

SUMMARY 

This is a general counselor position with a specialized focus on postsecondary counseling and programming. The Postsecondary Counselor provides leadership and coordination for student college and career readiness across the district. While assigned to a reduced generalist counselor caseload, this role is responsible for all associated generalist counselor duties and serves as the primary resource for postsecondary matters, financial aid coordination, family outreach, and district-wide postsecondary events.

APPLICATION PROCESS 

Qualified educators interested in applying for this position are invited to complete an online application. Our application website address is http://www.applitrack.com/D207/onlineapp/. Qualified staff members should also submit letters of application to the respective Associate Principals for Student & Family Services: Mrs. Cynthia Fuerte (Maine East), Ms. Jen Sheridan (Maine South), and Ms. Cristina Ramirez (Maine West). The application deadline is no later than Monday, June 15, 2026.

CERTIFICATION & QUALIFICATIONS

• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a School Counselor Endorsement (formerly Type 73) required.
• Master's degree in School Counseling or related field required.
• Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in postsecondary counseling, college admissions, and career pathways preferred.
• Possess deep knowledge of financial aid procedures, FAFSA/Alternative Application completion mandates, and scholarship opportunities.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills required.

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS

• Model professionalism, integrity, and ethical leadership in all interactions with students, staff, and the community.
• Maintain high visibility during evening programming and represent the district with pride and professionalism.
• Demonstrate a commitment to equity, inclusion, and the holistic academic, social, and emotional development of all students.
• Communicate effectively, manage time efficiently, and work collaboratively within the student services team.
• Engage in ongoing professional learning regarding evolving postsecondary landscape trends and financial aid compliance.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

It is expected that the candidate will present a record of successful experiences that indicate outstanding performance in the following responsibilities:

Caseload and Resource Leadership

• Maintain a reduced generalist counselor caseload (approximately 60-85 students) and fulfill all associated generalist counseling duties.
• Serve as the resident expert and resource to generalist counselors on complex postsecondary matters.
• Digital Presence: In collaboration with the Career Coordinator, maintain and update communication platforms including the CCRC website, social media, and other digital outreach tools.

Programming and Parent Education

• Demonstrate knowledge and ability to develop and present high-quality parent and student programs (both building- and district-wide) regarding postsecondary options.
• Lead the preparation and planning of student advisory lesson plans and targeted postsecondary programming.
• Organize and execute critical financial literacy events, including Financial Aid Nights and FAFSA Completion Workshops to ensure strict adherence to state graduation compliance mandates.

District Collaboration & Events

• Collaborate, lead, and initiate programming with District Postsecondary Counselors and Career Specialists on major district-wide events, including, but not limited to:
  • College Fairs
  • Options Fairs (in conjunction with Career Coordinators)
  • Junior Nights
  • Parent Academy Events (serving as the lead staff member on a rotating basis, up to one evening per month)
• Maintain one to two hours of dedicated, flexible office hours every other work week during the school year for parent, family, and student consultation.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal or administration related to postsecondary needs.

WORKING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work Environment: The employee is required to work in both school and office settings and must operate effectively in environments with moderate noise levels, frequent student interactions, and collaboration with family stakeholders.
• Flexibility & Availability: This position requires flexible working hours to effectively meet families' needs. The standard school term hours are 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., but regular evening hours will be required to facilitate workshops, parent presentations, and academy events.
• Summer Term Commitment: This position requires summer office hours beginning June 2026. Summer work consists of approximately 120 hours, with flexible scheduling to accommodate ongoing postsecondary programming.

SALARY & COMPENSATION

• School Term: Compensation is determined in accordance with the Certified Staff Salary Schedule.
• Summer Term: Hourly rate of $54.00 per hour for approximately 120 hours of summer work.