Organization Summary
Early College Charter School of Philadelphia (ECPHL) is a new educational model for the city’s public school students and their families. An open-enrollment, early college program for middle and high school students, ECPHL works in tandem with college, credentialing and industry partners to offer students from across the city the opportunity to earn their high school diploma plus college credits up to an associate’s degree and/or career certifications – all at no cost to families. The ECPHL model is the first of its kind in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. It was designed according to evidence-based research that shows students who attend early college model schools have significantly higher rates of high school graduation, college enrollment, college degree attainment, and higher lifetime earning potential. Located in Center City near the Broad Street corridor, ECPHL will welcome its first students in Fall 2026 for its founding 6th and 9th grade classes. In subsequent years, ECPHL will serve more than 750 students in grades 6-12. Learn more at .
Our mission is to offer an inspiring 6th-12th grade education by fostering students’ sense of belonging and purpose, and by empowering them with the competencies, connections, and credentials for fulfilling roles in high-demand industries, along with the tools to learn and thrive throughout their lives.
Our vision is to serve as a model for educational equity by combining an innovative and relevant program, strategic postsecondary and industry partnerships, and broad community investment to serve its students’ life pursuits and our city’s greatest needs.
Job Summary
The College & Career Counselor guides students through the ECPHL college & career continuum of: expose, explore, experience and extend. In our founding year, this person will focus on exposure and exploration opportunities for our founding 6th and 9th graders directly aligned to our chosen pathways. In following years, the Counselor will also focus on experiential and extension opportunities and serve ECPHL students related to dual enrollment, work-based learning, apprenticeships, postsecondary enrollment, etc. The Counselor collaborates with colleges, universities, and training providers, manages testing coordination, and represents the ECPHL at events and conferences. The Counselor reports to the Principal and is a key part of the academic team.
Duties and Responsibilities
The College & Career Counselor’s responsibilities include:
- Lead teacher for 6th and 9th grade seminar classes (with an anchor curriculum) designed to introduce students to college and career pathways.
- Plan and execute projects like college awareness month activities, career day programming, and ongoing college and career fairs.
- Provide logistical and onsite support for ECPHL students during summer programs such as Advance College Experience (ACE).
- Collaborate with others on the academic team on academic improvement plans including the coordination of tutoring and other supports for students.
- Create individualized pathway plans for ECPHL high school students directly aligned to ECPHL’s college and career offerings and student/family interest.
- Work collaboratively with the Special Education team to ensure the needs of diverse learners are integrated into their college and career opportunities.
- Support testing coordination for Keystones, PSSAs, college placement assessments, etc.
- Coordinate mid and end-of-term student led conferences.
- Coordinate and lead strategic discussions with postsecondary and career partners ensuring rich college and career pathway options.
- Lead the planning and execution of career exposure opportunities for all ECPHL students.
- Plan and execute college, university, and career visits.
- Integrate college and career pathways in all family engagement activities and communications.
- Timely communicate information related to college and career programming to students and families via newsletters/e-mail/phone calls.
- Provide coverage at regular and special ECPHL events, as needed (class and lunch coverage, new student orientation, arrival and dismissal, etc.)
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Skill and Abilities
- Deep commitment to the mission and vision of ECPHL and its role in educating Philadelphia middle and high school students.
- Demonstrates self-awareness and has a 360° view of what’s going on within the school and surrounding community.
- Knowledge of traditional and charter public education and schools.
- Knowledge of teaching methods, curriculum, and K-12 education programs.
- Competency in designing, implementing, and assessing curricula.
- Proficiency in the use of technology (i.e. word processing, spreadsheets, databases, online textbooks, and educational websites).
- Ability to communicate effectively with parents/guardians, internal and external partners and constituents.
- Demonstrated professionalism and responsibility.
- A strong work ethic.
- A positive attitude and a commitment to professional excellence.
- Flexible attitude, ability to strategically work with urgency.
- Strong problem solving and strategic thinking skills.
- Willingness and desire to participate in unexpected projects.
- Desire and ability to work as a member of a team.
Experience and Education
- Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, higher education administration, or related field.
- Two years of experience in college and career counseling in a K-12 setting, preferably in urban education.
- Strong understanding of the postsecondary admission process, financial aid, scholarships and grants, college admissions testing and career development.
- Experience with designing and delivering dual enrollment, early college, and college and career readiness programming for middle and high school students.
- Experience working with low-income, first-generation college students.
- Classroom/curriculum development experience preferred.
- Experience working with databases (i.e., Infinite Campus, Salesforce, etc.).
Physical Requirements
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required such as:
- Traveling to offsite meetings – valid driver’s license and/or access to transportation when necessary.
- Functioning in office space — reaching file cabinets, filing, scanning, coping, typing, mailing, making phone calls.
- Functioning in a school building – walking in halls, up and down stairs, in classrooms, in the schoolyard, visiting classrooms
- Ability to stand and sit for prolonged periods of time.
Application Instructions
Email cover letter and resume to .
ECPHL is an equal-opportunity employer with excellent benefits and an entrepreneurial, results-oriented work culture. Salary is commensurate with experience.
Pay: From $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
