The College Counseling Office seeks to hire an Associate Director of College Counseling to support the mission of the College Counseling Office – to foster active and open-minded collaboration with students in order to identify their goals and interests, manage a complex and stressful process, and make healthy and confident decisions about higher education. In our work with students, college counselors serve as educators who inspire life-long-learners while providing perspectives and skills that support students’ understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion. This position will work directly with 11th and 12th graders in all aspects of the college- counseling program in order to assist them in formulating college choices. The 11th and 12th grade caseloads will be approximately 37 for each grade level per year. This position will have some programming responsibilities with 9th and 10th graders.
Key Accountabilities
Counsel and assist students in formulating the college choice that is right for him or her, in order to help students make healthy and confident decisions about higher education, by:
- Writing school recommendations for students
- Submitting school recommendations, form(s) and student credentials to colleges
- Maintaining contact with and providing information to students and their families
- Advocating a student’s candidacy at the colleges and universities to which the student has applied
- Representing the Academy at professional meetings and before parent groups
- Participating in professional organizations, attend workshops, conferences, conventions, and visit college campuses
- Overseeing special projects as assigned
- Demonstrating respect for diversity of identities and experiences, an orientation toward equity and inclusion, and cultural competency
Degree of Independent Action Performed
Incumbent is expected to work with a high level of independence and autonomy, and exercise a high degree of initiative, influence, and judgment in decisions impacting staff and department operations.
Expected to solve problems or address issues that require immediate attention.
Internal & External Contacts
Frequent contact with students, Dean of Students office, PEA administrative and academic offices, faculty, coaches, and staff. External contacts may include parents, outside organizations, visitors and local community neighbors.
Position Requirements
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Master’s degree in related educational field preferred.
Experience
- Minimum 6 years’ experience as a college counselor or college admissions officer preferred. This includes knowledge of the many components of the college admission process (i.e., financial aid, minority recruiting, athletic recruiting, standardized testing, and early action/decision) and familiarity with a broad range of colleges.
Skills & Knowledge
- Requires a broad knowledge of policy and procedures regarding college admission programs.
- Strong interpersonal skills with ability to develop and maintain collegial relationships.
- Respect for diversity of identities and experiences, and have a commitment toward equity and inclusion, as well as cultural competency in all aspects of Academy life.
- Excellent communication (written and verbal) skills.
- Must be computer literate with word processing skills, spreadsheet experience, electronic submission of secondary school materials, and web-based tools.
- Demonstrated ability to work with students by building trust and credibility.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills as well as strong constituency support.
- A strict adherence to confidential policies is required.
- Ability to work independently and handle multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously while handling moderate to heavy pressure from a variety of constituents.
- Proficient in MS Office.
- Willingness and ability to learn additional admissions related topics (e.g. applications, financial aid etc.) as needed.
- High degree of organizational skills with the ability to be flexible and multi-task with accuracy.
- Ability to follow verbal and written directions, maintain a professional demeanor and restraint at all times, including stressful situations.
Additional Requirements
- Successfully complete a criminal background check (reviewed every 5 years).
- Clean Driving record (reviewed annually).