Director of College Access

We are Rocky Mountain Prep, a movement comprised of incredible educators, families, scholars, and advocates who are changing the face of public education in Colorado by democratizing college access and preparation for historically marginalized students and families. On paper, we are a network of twelve college preparatory charter schools in the Denver metro area serving students as young as twelve weeks through twelfth grade.

But we are so much more than this.

During the 2024-2025 school year, RMP is driving after five big goals:

1. 85% Staff Retention
2. 100% of campuses going green & ECE-2nd grade students growing an average of 1.25 years in math and reading
3. 100% of seniors accepted into college
4. 40% of 3rd-8th grade students meet their Accelerated Reader millionaire goal
5. RMP meets its network enrollment goal

Role Mission

The Director of College Access will develop and implement strategies to ensure all secondary students are prepared for, have access to, and succeed in post-secondary education. This role focuses on creating equitable opportunities for historically marginalized student groups, fostering a college-going culture, and providing the resources and guidance necessary for students to navigate the college admissions process successfully. The Director of College Access collaborates closely with school leaders, counselors, and community partners to ensure high-quality, student-centered support.

 In this role,  you will…

1. Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive college access strategy that aligns with the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
• Promote a college-going culture across all schools by creating programs, initiatives, and resources that inspire students to pursue higher education.
• Serve as the primary expert on college access, staying informed about trends, research, and best practices in post-secondary preparation.

2. Program Design and Implementation

• Design and oversee college preparation programs, including college fairs, application workshops, essay support sessions, and financial aid guidance.
• Ensure students have access to rigorous coursework, such as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), dual enrollment, and other college-level opportunities.
• Develop partnerships with colleges, universities, and community organizations to expand resources and opportunities for students.

3. Student Support and Collaboration

• Collaborate with school-based counselors and advisors to provide targeted support for students, including academic planning, college selection, and application assistance.
• Lead efforts to educate students and families about the financial aid process, scholarships, and college affordability.
• Create resources and programming to assist first-generation college students in navigating the unique challenges they may face.

4. Data and Accountability

• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to college access, applications, admissions, and persistence rates.
• Analyze data to identify trends, gaps, and areas for improvement and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Develop reports and presentations to communicate progress and impact to stakeholders.

5. Leadership and Team Management

• Partner with secondary school leaders, instructional teams, and counselors to integrate college access into academic and extracurricular programming.
• Supervise and support any team members responsible for college access initiatives, fostering collaboration and professional growth.
• Represent the organization in regional and national forums on college access and readiness.

6. Manage PEAK Plus Counselor

• Set semester goals and implement tracking systems to monitor progress.
• Assist with time management and workload prioritization.
• Guide students in building strong relationships with professors.
• Supervise scheduling to ensure efficiency.
• Identify and enhance pathways within college programs for better student success.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, or a related field; master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in college access, counseling, or a related area, preferably in a secondary school setting.
• Proven track record of supporting students in college readiness and access, with a focus on equity.
• We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Deep knowledge of the college admissions process, financial aid systems, and post-secondary pathways.
• Strong commitment to equity and a passion for increasing opportunities for underrepresented students.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse stakeholders.
• Experience with data analysis and using metrics to drive decision-making.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a charter school or multi-site educational organization.
• Bilingual proficiency is a plus.

Salary: $85,000- $120,000- DOE, expected to land in the first 50th percentile of range

Status: Full-Time, Salary-Exempt

Benefits

• Health Insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Retirement through PERA
• Paid-Time-Off

Demonstrate eligibility to work in the United States

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.   Rocky Mountain Prep does not sponsor visas at this time.

RMP is an equal-opportunity employer. We seek applicants of diverse backgrounds and hire without regard to color, gender, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We appreciate your interest in Rocky Mountain Prep and look forward to getting to know you!