Associate Director of College Counseling

About St. Mark’s

Founded in 1906, St. Mark's School of Texas is a non-sectarian, college-preparatory, independent day school for boys in grades one through twelve. The School’s charter states that it is “designed to afford its students well-rounded physical, intellectual, moral, and religious training and instruction.” The School is intended to be a diverse community of teachers and students who share a love of learning and who strive for high achievement in whatever they undertake.

St. Mark’s aims to prepare young men to assume leadership and responsibility in a competitive and changing world. To this end, the School professes and upholds certain values. These values include the discipline of postponing immediate gratification in the interests of earning eventual, hard-won satisfaction; the responsibility of defending one’s own ideas, of respecting the views of others, and of accepting the consequences for one’s own actions; and an appreciation for the lively connection between knowledge and responsibility and the obligation to serve.

Position Description

St. Mark’s School of Texas seeks an experienced College Admissions professional or an Independent School College Counselor with college admissions experience to join our faculty as the Associate Director of College Counseling beginning in the 2025-2026 school year.

The Associate Director of College Counseling reports to the Director of College Counseling and assumes responsibility for leading, guiding, and supporting St. Mark’s students and their families through the college admissions process.  Additionally, the Associate Director of College Counseling will serve as a resource for faculty and staff regarding college admissions.  Responsibilities include educating, counseling, and supporting students and their families throughout the college selection process that begins formally in the spring of the Junior year but includes family and student inquiries prior to the start of the formal process.

The Associate Director of College Counseling will work with students individually and in small groups, will build relationships with parents, will write letters of recommendation, provide detailed feedback on applicant essays, advise students on course selection, take part in professional development opportunities, and participate in projects and activities in support of the college admissions process.  At St. Mark’s, we are committed to getting to know each boy, and in the role of College Counselor, this responsibility is essential.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with students and families during all phases of the college admissions process.
• Write personalized letters of recommendation for approximately a third of the Senior class, providing a holistic perspective on how the candidate has differentiated himself in our community.
• Conduct regular meetings with students and families throughout the year.
• Design and present workshops for parents and students.
• Assist in coordinating standardized testing (PSAT and AP exams) for St. Mark’s students.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with college admission officers on behalf of St. Mark’s School of Texas.
• Serve as an Advisor in the Upper School.

• Bachelor's degree required, master’s degree preferred.
• Three to five years in selective college admissions and/or college counseling in Independent Schools preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of the college application process, trends, and financial aid requirements.
• High degree of empathy and patience with a genuine interest in knowing and supporting students.
• Professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality while nurturing positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
• Experience supporting students exploring a variety of college options, including but not limited to traditional 4-year colleges, service academies, international universities, collegiate athletics, etc.
• Excellent communication skills as a writer, public speaker, and active listener.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to manage multiple deadlines.
• Experience managing high expectations and demands from families and students.
• Effective technology skills and database management (Maia Learning, Slate, Common App, etc.)
• Flexibility, good humor, and the ability to multitask in a dynamic environment.
• Collaborative approach to working with colleagues and a calm, steady temperament.

Qualified candidates must complete an online application, including a cover letter and resume.