Job Description

OF POSITION:
The Academic Planner plays a vital role in supporting the academic success of students enrolled in the Northwest Indiana Online School (NWIOS). This position provides academic planning, clerical, and administrative support�including registrar and secretarial responsibilities�to ensure smooth operations. The Academic Planner works closely with students, families, staff, and community partners to provide accurate academic guidance and maintain critical student records. The ideal candidate is organized, self-motivated, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple responsibilities while maintaining a professional, student-centered environment..

Starting Hourly Pay: $17.00/hour

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED required; additional education or training preferred
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion
  Experience with student services, academic advising, or school enrollment processes is highly desirable
• Familiarity with or willingness to learn platforms such as Skyward, Edmentum, Parchment, Naviance, and social media tools
• Proficient in multitasking and maintaining accuracy in a fast-paced setting
• Ability to engage professionally and empathetically with students, families, and staff

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Student & Academic Support:

• Provide personalized academic planning and support to high school students in selecting coursework, scheduling, and meeting all requirements for graduation.
• Guide students and families through college and career planning, including support for FAFSA, 21st Century Scholars, and postsecondary applications.
• Collaborate with Chesterton High School counselors and counseling staff on graduation requirements, course selection, and student records.
• Maintain accurate academic records including earned grades, transfer grades and credits, honor roll, and standardized test scores.
• Run honor roll lists at the end of each semester.
• Monitor documentation and maintain compliance for students with 504 Plans, IEPs, and ILPs, in collaboration with the Office of Exceptional Learning.
• Support communication with students and families regarding academic expectations, graduation milestones, testing, and scheduling through the development and implementation of a communication plan.
• Enter and manage vocational and transfer student grades.
• Report vocational numbers and rosters to partner colleges by assisting the Porter County Career Center.
• Submit graduate data to the National Student Clearinghouse and College and Career Center Advisor.

Administrative & Data Management:

• Enter and maintain accurate student schedules in Skyward and the online platform (currently Edmentum) each semester.
• Manage student records, including enrollment, withdrawal, cumulative folders, and transcript requests
• Prepare and submit district, state, and federal reports related to student data and compliance.
• Assist with the annual update of the NWIOS Course Description Book.
• Coordinate with the Student Information Management System (SIMS) Coordinator to ensure accurate records in Skyward.
• Process attendance notification and maintain parental approvals in Skyward.
• Support grading and logistics for assessments (SAT, ILEARN, IREAD, etc.).

Event Coordination & Communication:

• Plan and coordinate the annual NWIOS graduation ceremony, including diploma orders, cap and gown purchases, and vendor communication.
• Assist with onboarding meetings and back-to-school events for students and families.
• Serve as the primary contact for student record transfers and legal record requests.
• Communicate effectively with Edmentum
• Maintain and update NWIOS social media content and school communication as needed.
• Communicate effectively with key stakeholders, including transportation services, TLC Administrative Assistant, teachers, and administrative departments.

Additional Duties:

• Perform other duties as assigned by Program Director and/or other district administrators

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Personal Characteristics:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact with diverse individuals at all levels.
• Ability to quickly learn and integrate new skills into daily responsibilities.
• High level of confidentiality and discretion.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong attention to detail and time management skills.
• Proficiency in clerical technology, including copiers, phone systems, and office equipment.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and standard office equipment
• Professional phone etiquette and customer service mindset
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet evolving school needs

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (includes equipment, hours, physical demands)
Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee is protected from outside weather conditions but may experience temperature changes. There are no environmental hazards indicated for this position.
Equipment: This position requires maintaining a working knowledge of all classroom and office equipment. A basic understanding of operations for computers, printers, telephone systems, fax machines, and copiers is required.
Hours: This position is typically expected to work an average of 8 hours per day and 216 days per year. Evening and Summer hours and days may be adjusted per the direct supervisor to ensure adequate coverage to meet the demands of the school and job.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, and occasionally taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

All applicants must have a current application through our electronic application center at www.duneland.k12.in.us

The Duneland School Corporation is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity in all employment practices. Candidates will be screened, interviewed and employed based upon the successful candidate's qualifications, background, experience and needs of the Duneland School Corporation. Offers of employment are contingent upon the results of personal background

Applicants selected for interviews will be contacted individually.