College Counselor

Main Purpose Of The Role

The College Counselor position guides grade 9-12 students and parents through all facets of

the college/post-secondary planning process. This position works closely as a team member in

the College Counseling Department, along with School Counselors, grade level leaders, faculty,

and the other members of the Upper School administration. The College Counselor reports to

the Director of College Counseling.

Key Responsibilities

(The primary tasks, functions and deliverables of the role)

• Provide students and parents with direction, programming and resources to make post-secondary plans as early as grade 9.
• Counsel and advocate a group of designated students in each grade level.
• Assist with the course selection process, recommend extra-curricular activities, assist with career exploration, develop a balanced college list, provide guidance for standardized testing, advise on scholarships and financial aid, review college applications and personal statements, and prepare students for college interviews.
• Assist in the planning and execution of grade level advisory programs that focus on special topics related to the college application process, targeted workshops for families, and other events to include the annual college fair, college trips, and other college or career related workshops.
• Craft strong letters of recommendation that capture the talents, personality, and promise of each student.
• Work closely with the testing coordinator for practice standardized testing administration.
• Perform any other administrative duties assigned to support the greater school community.
• Collaborate with members of college counseling team to plan strategically for greater results for students
• Build relationships with colleges and universities via college fairs, workshops panels, etc.
• Assist with specified operational aspects of Upper School as assigned (e.g., weekly duties)
  
  

Qualifications

• A masters degree in a related field.
• 5 years of successful experience in specifically a college counseling capacity, preferably in an independent school setting.
• Experience working with a range of student and family backgrounds.
• Possess an active network of college admission officers
• Current on trends and changes in college/university application and acceptance processExperience with college tracking data platforms (Naviance, Ciaflo, Maia Learning) and other school data management systems (PowerSchool, Pupilpath, Salesforce, etc.)..
• Possess excellent interpersonal skills, organizational skills, time management skills, and the ability to work well independently and also as a part of a small team.
• Knowledge of the IB program and experience in the international college admissions process is a plus.