Alumni Success Coach

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!

At Uncommon Schools, we believe college acceptance is just the beginning. As an Alumni Success Coach, you will help students navigate the challenges of college and persist through graduation by providing individualized academic, financial, and personal support. In this role, you’ll build meaningful relationships with alumni, collaborate closely with school teams and college partners, and help students access the resources they need to thrive.

You’ll join a mission-driven team that is deeply committed to educational equity and long-term student success. Your work will directly support first-generation college students and students from historically underserved communities as they pursue their post-secondary goals.

Student Coaching & Postsecondary Support

• Provide individualized coaching and advising to alumni on academics, time management, financial aid, college navigation, and personal development
• Partner with students to create actionable academic and personal success plans
• Support students through college transitions, including re-enrollment and transfer processes
• Connect alumni to campus and community resources, including tutoring, mental health services, advising offices, and study abroad opportunities
• Lead workshops and participate in school-based programming to support students and families in understanding the Alumni Support Program

Relationship Building & Collaboration

• Build and maintain strong relationships with a caseload of 300+ alumni
• Serve as a key connector between alumni, school leaders, college counseling teams, and college administrators
• Partner closely with college counseling staff to support graduating seniors transitioning into college
• Collaborate with cross-regional Alumni Support Team members to provide coordinated support for students
• Develop relationships with college and university staff to help address barriers impacting student persistence and success

Communication & Outreach

• Use multiple communication methods including phone calls, text messages, Zoom, email, social media, and in-person meetings to stay connected with students
• Persistently and creatively engage alumni who may be difficult to reach
• Partner with families and trusted adults to help students navigate academic or financial challenges
• Share timely updates with school teams and stakeholders to ensure coordinated student support

Caseload Management & Operations

• Maintain accurate records of student interactions, progress, and outreach in alumni databases
• Use data to prioritize outreach efforts and identify students who may need additional support
• Track and report postsecondary outcomes and trends to internal stakeholders
• Support alumni engagement efforts through events, newsletters, care packages, and social media updates
• Coordinate travel logistics for campus visits and school-based events as needed

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 1-2 years of directly relevant experience in college success, college advising, college counseling, college admissions, or a related student support field
• Knowledge of the college application process, FAFSA, CSS Profile, financial aid systems, and college enrollment practices
• Familiarity with college academic policies and student support resources
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with students, families, educators, and external partners
• Ability to manage a large caseload while staying highly organized and detail-oriented
• Comfort using data systems and digital tools to track progress and inform decision-making
• Ability to work independently, adapt to changing student needs, and collaborate across teams
• Deep commitment to educational equity and Uncommon Schools’ mission
• Must have a valid driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle for travel (mileage reimbursed according to IRS rates)
• Must be able to travel regularly to college campuses and schools throughout the assigned region, including up to 8 weeks per semester of travel

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred
• 3-4 years of professional experience preferred
• Experience supporting first-generation college students and/or students from urban school districts
• Experience building partnerships with colleges, universities, or community organizations
• Strong strategic thinking and project management skills
• Experience using student data and trends to inform outreach, advising, or program improvements

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand or walk for extended periods and occasionally lift or carry materials weighing up to 40 pounds

Not sure you meet every qualification? We encourage you to apply—we’re excited to learn what you bring.

Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent. 

Compensation

The full compensation range for this role is $61,000-$71,800. Typically, new hires who fully meet all qualifications listed in the job description will start at $64,600. Starting compensation below this reflects candidates with less experience or qualifications. Offers near the top end of the range are reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the qualifications, bringing extensive experience and specialized expertise beyond what is listed.

Compensation determinations consider relevant professional experience and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Additionally, because we value internal growth and tenure, current staff members are not subject to salary caps within this range.

Work Environment

Uncommon is an in-person organization, with a commitment of at least four days each week in Rochester, NY.

Benefits

• Regional staff will have the same holidays and sustainability days as school-based staff in their region, and flexible summer PTO
• Extensive, best-in-class training and development  
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans + pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health saving accounts (HSA)
• Financial Planning
  • 403(b) retirement savings program + employer match
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits

*A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE. 

At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve---with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.

As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email recruitment@uncommonschools.org.