College Counselor (Alumni)

Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) — a world-renowned education and poverty-fighting organization based in New York — seeks an enthusiastic, dedicated, and mission-aligned College Counselor to support the College Success Office.

The College Counselor (alumni) will bring a passion for the mission of the Harlem Children’s Zone: break the cycle of intergenerational poverty with comprehensive, on-the-ground programming that builds up opportunities for children and families to thrive in school, work, and life.

The College Success Office (CSO) provides year-round academic, administrative and emotional support as well as financial and career preparation to participants of HCZ’s Promise Academy high schools and afterschool programs. Our mission is to ensure that our participants are provided the resources and guidance needed to be successful in college and beyond. The main components of CSO includes student outreach, academic support and guidance, financial aid advisement, career development assistance, summer and winter internship opportunities, and community building efforts within our program.

We are currently seeking a counselor to further shape our Alumni Program. The Alumni Counselor will be responsible for maintaining strong connections with HCZ college alumni, designing and executing initiatives to strengthen alumni engagement, and supporting graduates in key post-college transitions. The ideal candidate is creative, highly organized, tech-savvy, and deeply committed to building a strong, lifelong alumni network rooted in service, mentorship, and community.

• Bachelor’s Degree Required; Master's degree in Education, Counseling, or related social services field preferred
• At least two years of experience in serving first-generation college students, internship placement, student advising, higher education & financial aid, and utilizing data-driven methods to increase student success in completion of internships.

Who you are

• A commitment to the mission and programs of HCZ

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
• 2 or more years of professional experience serving first generation college-going students 
• Comprehensive knowledge of trends in higher education and financial aid
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to issues prevalent in underserved communities of color
• Demonstrates a sense of urgency to get things done without sacrificing accuracy and ethical behavior
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience utilizing a variety of technology including Outlook, Salesforce, and Google Suite, and the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule to accommodate the needs of the program including potential evening hours
• Willing to commit 2+ years to the program

What You’ll Do

Alumni Engagement & Communication

• Maintain regular communication with HCZ college alumni across cohorts.
• Create and distribute a dynamic monthly e-newsletter highlighting alumni accomplishments, opportunities, and events.
• Manage and grow the HCZ Alumni TikTok and other digital platforms to increase visibility and connection.
• Keep the alumni database updated and ensure data accuracy across all platforms

Event Planning & Programming

• Plan and coordinate quarterly alumni events, including networking mixers, panels, and workshops.
• Lead the planning and execution of a large annual Alumni Gala celebrating alumni achievements and fostering community.
• Organize and support alumni-led community service initiatives that reflect HCZ’s mission of giving back.

• Design and manage an alumni mentorship program, connecting graduates with current college students and one another for professional and personal growth.
  

Alumni Support Services

• Assist alumni in navigating the Loan Forgiveness Program, including eligibility assessments, application assistance, and follow-ups.
• Serve as a resource for alumni seeking support in career development, graduate school planning, or life transitions.

Network Building & Strategy

• Cultivate a culture of pride, belonging, and philanthropy among alumni.
• Identify and engage alumni leaders to serve as ambassadors, speakers, and mentors.
• Collaborate with HCZ departments and external partners to develop initiatives that grow and strengthen the alumni network.

Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM, flexibility required
• Some weekends and evenings, depending on site needs and events
• 12 Months

Benefits

As a member of the Harlem Children's Zone team, you will join a supportive and inclusive community dedicated to helping children, families, and our staff thrive. We offer highly competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for growth.

Our exceptional full-time benefits include: 

• Highly competitive base salaries
• Paid time off
• Employee referral bonus
• Career Advancement
• No-cost health insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-and long-term disability
• Additional voluntary benefits
• Wellness discounts
• Commuter benefits
• Financial wellness perks
• Additional Benefits (Discounts on flights, hotels, theme parks, concert tickets, and more.)

We offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. The salary range is $65,000 to $70,000. To be considered, interested applicants should submit their applications directly through the posting. No telephone inquiries or recruiters, please.  Replies will only be sent to qualified applicants.  HCZ is an EOE.