Assoc./Assist. Director of College Guidance

Job Description

Job Description

General Summary : Supports the School’s mission by preparing students and their families to make well-informed decisions regarding all aspects of the college preparation and application process.

Leads students towards fulfillment of their potential for intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth and maturation.

Performs complex professional work, while counseling and motivating students in a safe and caring college-preparatory learning environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

• Counsel a diverse caseload of Upper School students in grades 9-12 and their parents, adapting counseling practice with each to establish rapport and to build trust.
• Provide informed support in all aspects of college preparation, selection, application, and admission processes, including essay writing and consideration of alternative post-secondary options such as gap years and post-graduate years.
• Write knowledgeable, compelling school recommendation letters for each assigned student.
• Provide information and support regarding financial aid and scholarships.
• Conduct college counseling classes for juniors and seniors, class and small group meetings, and evening programs in all areas of college counseling.
• Counsel students on all aspects of standardized testing, including test preparation, registration, fees, accommodations, and score submission;

provide support for administration of standardized tests at USM.

• Collaborate with class deans, administration, school counselor, faculty, and student advisers to provide solution-focused programming to support students’ successful transition to college.
• Host and assist in coordination of college admission representatives’ visits to campus, both in-person and virtual, to enhance departmental knowledge of college options and to educate representatives about USM.
• Assist in planning and chaperoning one overnight trip to visit college campuses in the Upper Midwest.
• Actively participate in professional development opportunities and campus visits.
• Represent USM at conferences and local events.
• Serve as liaison to the Athletic Department in support of recruited athletes.
• Help create and maintain a supportive learning environment for all students that encourages social interaction, active engagement in learning, self-reflection and self-motivation.
• Participate actively in the life of the school and in administrative, departmental, and faculty meetings and in-service events.
• Complete other duties as deemed appropriate by the Upper School Administration, which may occasionally occur on school holidays, evenings, and weekends.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

• Strong knowledge of selective college admissions and financial aid processes.
• Familiarity with private or independent college-preparatory schools.
• Cultural awareness and the ability to establish strong working relationships with people of varying perspectives and backgrounds.
• Secure knowledge of best practices and ethical guidelines in college admission counseling.
• Technological proficiency in Google Drive, Microsoft Office and college counseling-related platforms, including Naviance & College Kickstart.
• Familiarity or proficiency in SCOIR, Cialfo, Maia Learning would be a plus.
• Desire to work with a diverse and high-achieving student and parent body.
• Collaborative approach and a strong ability to cultivate positive, professional relationships.
• Exceptional writing and communication skills, including public speaking.
• Strong interpersonal skills and great sense of humor.
• Excellent organizational skills with a strong degree of self- direction and motivation.
• High level of maturity, confidentiality, and assertiveness.

Education and Experience :

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in College Counseling, Education, or related field; Master’s Degree preferred
• 3-5 years counseling experience
• Experience in educational technology
30+ days ago