Upper School College Counselor

We are seeking a collaborative, inspirational, compassionate and knowledgeable colleague to join our College Counseling team. This position reports directly to the Director of College Counseling and expands our current College Counseling team to provide additional academic advising and college guidance support to our Upper School students, primarily for the 9th and 10th grades. The College Counselor will also work closely Upper School Academic Dean, the Freshmen and Sophomore Academies and with the Upper School Administrative team.

Major Responsibilities

  • Provide Upper School students and parents with advice appropriate for each grade level, individually and in groups, helping them explore interests and identify college or university communities and careers that match the students’ talents and aspirations. In addition to 1:1 meetings, also participate in several evening parent meetings each year and periodically teach relevant skills-based classes such as time management, study skills and the college search process.
  • Maintain an open, proactive, collaborative, inspirational, and professional dialogue with students, parents, and faculty, such as the Director of the Freshman Academy, Director of Guidance, Upper School Deans, and Maclay Academic Resource Center (MARC) teachers to maximize the academic advisement and success of students (primarily 9th-10th grade).
  • Craft thoughtful letters of recommendation that capture the talents, personality, and promise of each student.
  • Coordinate standardized test (such as the PSAT) and career interest survey administration and feedback to 9-10th grade.
  • Supervise Duke TIP program with 7th grade students, staff and parents.
  • Stay knowledgeable about college applications, scholarships and financial aid processes.
  • Engage in ongoing professional development and maintain positive relationships with students and colleges.
  • Effectively utilize technology to maximize advisement efficiency.
  • Participate in the full life of the school, build relationships with faculty, students and parents, and attend school events regularly, to include chaperoning evening and weekend class trip events.
  • Perform other functions as assigned in support of school operations.

Desired Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Exceptional listening, speaking, and writing skills.
  • A joyful, kind, and passionate devotion to serving a great diversity of students and parents; eagerness to help others.
  • A collaborative, team-oriented professional style.
  • Inspiration, empathy, flexibility, and a sense of humor appropriate to the setting.
  • Patience and focus during chaotic times.
  • Professionalism: knowledgeable and confident, yet curious to learn and improve; energetic, organized, innovative, deadline and detail-oriented, hard-working, efficient, and respect for confidentiality
  • Firm understanding of current trends in college admissions and familiarity with a broad range of universities and colleges.
  • Commitment to participating in professional organizations, conferences and college visits.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
  • Experience in college counseling and/or admissions at a selective college/university preferred.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.

Starting Date

Wednesday, August 1, 2018 (commences orientation and training program before start of classes on August 13th).

Note that contract is for 10 months beginning August 1, 2018 and ending at the end of post planning week on June 7, 2019.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, completed Maclay School Employment Application (click here), two letters of reference and a writing sample to Chad McClellan, Director of College Counseling, Maclay School (). Candidates with college counseling experience should provide a Counselor Letter of Recommendation as the writing sample. Applications will be accepted until Tuesday, May 1st, 2018.