Job Description
Manager, High School Placement
Application Deadline: 26 July 2026
Department: Middle School
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: New York, NY
Reporting To: Director, High School Placement
Compensation: $65,000 - $70,000 / year
ABOUT BREAKTHROUGH NEW YORK
Breakthrough New York empowers motivated students from low-income communities to achieve a college degree and reach their fullest potential. Our tuition-free program supports over 500 students and their families from 7th grade through college. We accept middle school students who are furthest from high-quality educational opportunities yet show promise and potential: 99% of students identify as persons of color; 76% qualify for free or reduced lunch; and 66% will be the first in their families to graduate college.
As a ten-year program, Breakthrough New York supports students and their families through key transition points in their academic journeys. We provide academic enrichment through summer and after-school opportunities; coach students to gain admissions into selective high schools and colleges, and expose students to diverse interests and careers so they can shape their own trajectories.
In addition to nurturing individual talent, we cultivate a thriving community of like-minded peers and mentors who encourage each other’s ambitions and passions. Personalized mentorship and holistic support are signature elements of our model, with over 200 near-peer seasonal staff and volunteers who work with students at each stage of our continuum.
The Breakthrough model works: 94% of Breakthrough students enroll in college preparatory high schools, and 97% are on track to graduate from college in four-six years. Learn more at Breakthrough New York's
website
ABOUT THE POSITION
As the Manager of the College and Career Success Program, you will drive the work that ensures students are fully supported as they transition into, persist through, and successfully graduate from college. This will require working with the Senior Director of College Access and Success to set a clear strategic vision and implement a robust plan for postsecondary student support. Particular attention should be paid to the transition from high school to college; the key milestones to ensure students are on track to graduate; and supporting the selection, training, and development of seasonal staff.
Additionally, this role will work closely with the Development team to leverage key external stakeholders in developing a career exposure program, designed to help launch students into fulfilling careers through internships, workshops/bootcamps, networking opportunities and more. Your effort will be crucial in ensuring that students not only successfully matriculate through their college experiences, but also develop the professional skills and exposure to support their future endeavors.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE:
Program Implementation, Student Support, and Team Coordination (40%)
- Build and maintain individualized placement plans for every student in your caseload, including personalized high school lists, application milestones, and direct 1:1 family meetings.
- Monitor student progress across the full placement cycle, coordinating with the Director and Program Managers to flag concerns and deploy timely interventions.
- Supervise both High School Placement Assistants throughout the fall season, including hiring, weekly check-ins, and performance feedback.
Event Planning and Logistics (30%)
- Lead planning and execution for all placement events, including Mock Interview Day, SSAT/ISEE test days, placement seminars, open houses, Bridge Ceremony, and summer panels.
- Manage all operational details for events across both sites, including venue, vendor, transportation, and materials coordination.
- Maintain attendance tracking and post-event feedback systems to drive continuous improvement.
Data, Systems, and School Partnerships (30%)
- Own the Placement Data Site, placement trackers, student portal, and testing registration systems, ensuring accuracy and timely communication across both sites.
- Maintain BTNY's school partner database and serve as a key point of contact for school partners on day-to-day coordination and information requests.
- Support the Director in building and sustaining relationships with school admissions and financial aid officers, including open houses and in-person visits.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree required.
- 3-5 years of experience in education, admissions, college access, student services, or a related field.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple workstreams and coordinate across teams.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, adaptable across students, families, and partners.
- Experience supervising or supporting seasonal or part-time staff.
- Proficiency in Salesforce or comparable data systems. Preferred
COMPENSATION:
BTNY strongly believes in selecting the top, qualified candidates. As a part of your offer, you can expect to receive the following:
Annual Salary
$65,000 – $70,000 commensurate with experience
Benefits
- Medical, Dental and Vision benefits (90% employer-sponsored)
- 401K/Retirement Plan (with an employer-matching component)
- Commuter Benefit Plan
- Health and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts
- Paid Time Off: holiday, vacation, sick, and personal time, plus paid time off between Christmas and New Year's Day
Additional Perks
- Initial $800 annual professional development stipend
- Hybrid work schedule (40-60% in-person); some Saturday availability during key points in the placement season, with required evening availability every other Wednesday in fall to be on-site with HSPAs and Program Managers
- Two weeks of "Work from Anywhere" flexibility
