Job Title: Graduation Coach for Black StudentsJob Type: Full-time, Permanent, 35hours per week, 10-months per year, existing vacancyLocation: Education Centre, 1994 Fisher Dr, Peterborough, ONDepartment: Teaching & LearningReports to: Superintendent of EducationSalary: $33.02 to $36.69 per hour (Pay Band: Eleven B (11 B))

Start Date: TBD

Closing Date: September 01, 2026, at 4:00PM

This is a unionized position within the CUPE Local 5555 bargaining unit and is subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable Collective Agreement.

We offer eligible employees a comprehensive employee pension (OMERS) and benefit package upon start date.

Who We Are The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPR) offers a world-class education for approximately 35,000 students in 87 schools. Spanning over 7,000 square kilometers, across diverse rural and urban communities in southeastern Ontario, KPR serves the Municipality of Clarington, Northumberland and Peterborough Counties, and City of Quinte West/Murray Ward.

The Board is situated on the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg people, serving three vibrant Indigenous communities which include Alderville First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation and Hiawatha First Nation.

Today, the Kawartha Pine Ridge school district is home to many First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples and we acknowledge the contributions and accomplishments of all Indigenous people across Turtle Island, current and throughout history.

All positions in the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board support the schools priority of student achievement and the Boards mission to educate our students to excel in learning, to succeed in life and to enrich our communities.

Main Responsibilities The purpose of the Graduation Coach for Black Students is to provide culturally responsive coaching and advocacy to support the academic success, well-being, and graduation outcomes of Black students. This role develops and delivers board-wide programs to improve student engagement, credit accumulation, and successful transitions to post-secondary pathways or employment, while working collaboratively with schools, parents and guardians, and community partners to address barriers and promote equitable outcomes.

- Act as a system-level advocate for Black students by facilitating student voice, identifying systemic barriers, and communicating insights to school and board leadership.
- Develop and deliver culturally responsive board-wide graduation coaching programs by developing and facilitating workshops, training sessions, and events that use student data, staff feedback, and board priorities to support skill development, student engagement, and post-secondary readiness.
- Foster an inclusive, psychologically protected environment by creating spaces for Black students to share experiences, building trust, and ensuring well-being.
- Provide individualized coaching to Black students by analyzing academic data attendance, and engagement to develop and monitor personalized graduation and pathway plans and provide culturally responsive mentoring and relationship-based support.




- Receive and assess student referrals from secondary schools while coordinating supports based on individual student needs and school context
- Collaborate with board departments to support system-wide planning and build capacity in serving the needs of Black students.
- Communicate with students, parents and guardians, staff, and community partners while maintaining strict confidentiality.
- Maintain and update student records to support tracking and continuity of care.
- Partner with stakeholders to develop a long-term vision and actionable plans for supporting Black students' academic and personal growth.
- Collaborate with school staff and coordinate academic, emotional and post-secondary supports, including working with school teams to co-development and support the implementation of safety plans and/or well-being plans for in-risk students.
- Build and maintain relationships with community organizations to coordinate access to programs, events, and culturally relevant supports.
- Conduct ongoing research and participate in committees and working groups to inform program development, support student success strategies, and equity-focused planning.
- Other duties as assigned.

Mandatory Minimum Qualifications

- Completed three (3) year diploma or degree in Social Work, Humanities, Social Sciences, Counselling, or equivalent.
- Minimum of four (4) years of experience rooted in Black communities with a deep understanding of community dynamics and working with students including mentorship, outreach, and providing supportive services.
- Preference for candidates who self-identify as Black with significant life experience in local Black communities.
- Valid drivers’ license and use of own vehicle and must be able to travel as required.

Skills And Competencies

- Strong understanding of anti-Black racism, anti-oppression frameworks, and culturally responsive practices.
- Proven ability to build trust and safe relationships with Black youth and provide both group and individual support.
- Knowledge of graduation requirements, post-secondary pathways, and student success strategies.
- Strong advocacy and problem-solving skills, with sensitivity to complex issues.
- Excellent interpersonal skills to build and maintain positive, collaborative working relationships, communicate effectively, and support respectful interactions with a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to maintain multiple priorities.
- Ability to effectively work independently as well as part of a team willing to assist colleagues and contribute to group goals.
- Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office software for word processing, data management, email, and calendar scheduling.
- Demonstrates a strong commitment to the Board’s mission to educate students to excel in learning,



succeed in life, and enrich communities
- Builds positive relationships through empathetic communication and respectful interactions with students, colleagues, and school community members.
- Committed to a culture of continuous improvement and service excellence.

Supervision

- Not responsible for supervision of work but there may be requirements to show others how to perform tasks or duties.

Working Conditions

- Primarily based out of secondary schools and education centre office environment requiring frequent travel between multiple school sites.
- Considerable exposure to emotionally demanding situations and sensitive student needs.
- Considerable interruptions and the need to pivot between tasks-based priorities.
- Moderate amounts of lifting materials under 5 kg, standing, walking, bending, kneeling and pushing/pulling.
- Occasional evening or after-hours work may be required.

How To Apply

- Interested applicants are invited to submit a cover letter and resume through our online portal, Apply to Education (ATE), by the closing date to be considered for this opportunity.
- If you have any questions regarding this position, please reach out to to discuss further.
- We thank you for your application and your interest in working at Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. At this time, we will only be contacting candidates who are selected to move forward in the recruitment process.

A Police Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC), dated within 6 months prior to the date of hire, is a requirement for employment with this Board. Please note that there have been reports that it has taken some candidates up to 6 weeks to obtain these. With that in mind, we strongly recommend that you go about obtaining this requirement at your earliest convenience.

Our Commitment

Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board is committed to a qualified workforce that is representative of the diversity of the people of Ontario and across the communities we serve. We welcome applications from candidates with diverse background and lived experiences as a member of a marginalized group, including but not limited to:

- First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, and all other Indigenous peoples;
- Members of groups that commonly experience discrimination due to race, ancestry, colour, religion and/or spiritual beliefs, or place of origin;
- Persons with visible and/or invisible (physical and/or mental) disabilities;
- Persons who identify as women; and
- Persons of marginalized sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.

Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board is committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information about what this means in our organization, please refer to our website at: (see "Careers" section).

📌 Graduation Coach for Black Students - Education Centre - 35hrs/week (Peterborough)
🏢 Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board
📍 Peterborough