Associate Director of College Counseling

Summary:  The Associate Director of College Counseling participates in the implementation of Flintridge Sacred Heart’s college counseling program, specifically by counseling a cohort of students at each grade level (9-12).

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Diversity is a vital element of Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy’s mission to educate young women for a life of faith, integrity and truth. At Flintridge Sacred Heart, we seek to create and sustain a vibrant, inclusive community and we value and appreciate the uniqueness contained within each person so as to honor the diversity of God’s creation.

Essential Job Functions: 

• Serves as college counselor and academic counselor for a caseload of students in each grade (9, 10, 11, 12)
• Meets with students and parents individually and in groups to offer college counseling guidance. 
• Oversees academic progress and graduation requirements of students in caseload.
• Guides students in academic course selection, and in wisely using their summers/activities.
• Writes letters of recommendations for college applications for students in caseload.
• Coordinates and presents informational events for students and parents.
• Assists with planning and running a variety of college workshops for students.
• Promotes Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy’s reputation within the profession and seeks professional development by attending state and national conferences, and by visiting colleges. 
• Advocates for students and promotes awareness of FSHA with college admission officers.
• Reviews students’ college applications and college essays.
• Meets with college representatives to learn about schools and programs.
• Keeps current regarding best practices in financial aid and standardized testing through professional channels and relationships.
• Maintains the FSHA database (SCOIR) and trains students and families in using it. 
• Shares college-related information with students and families through multiple channels.
• Coordinates, promotes and chaperones the school’s college tours.
• Administers SAT/AP and final exams. 
• Attends weekly Student Support meetings and takes action as needed.
• Teaches academic success skills to students and connects struggling students to resources.
• Collaborates daily with other counselors to work as a team to provide exceptional academic and college planning services to students and their families.

Working Characteristics: 

• Mission:  Must possess a spirit open to the pursuit of faith, integrity and truth.
• Organization: Must possess ability to multitask, attend to detail, organize work effectively, meet deadlines and report status of work in a regular and systematic fashion; strong project management skills are essential.
• Communication: Must possess excellent written and verbal communications skills; ability to develop and present presentations to both small and large groups.
• People Skills: Strong interpersonal and social skills. Must seek to create and maintain positive relationships with employees, parents, alumnae, donors and other Academy constituencies encountered.
• Initiative: Must possess the ability to proactively initiate, participate and follow through in strategic planning matters and on work assigned.  Positive attitude and teamwork perspective is essential.
• Learning Posture: Must maintain a learning posture, embrace change and individual and institutional growth.  Expected to participate in professional development training and the annual employee retreat. 
• Occasionally provides additional support to parents regarding the Financial Aid process.
• Other duties as assigned by upper management.

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree preferred
• PPS Credential preferred
• 2-3 years’ college counseling experience in a high school preferred
• Experience working in an independent school setting is a plus
• Experience working in University admissions is a plus

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of colleges and admissions processes at state, private, and nationally recognized universities. 
• Proficiency in technology as related to all areas of the college counseling process:  especially Scoir and Google Suite. 
• Strong communication and organization skills. Attention to detail and excellent follow-through are a must.
• Need for orientation to detail and confidentiality. 
• Ability to develop positive relationships with both students and parents; ability to work collaboratively with teachers, administrators, and university representatives. 
• Strong writing abilities.

Physical and Environmental Conditions:

• While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
• Simultaneous/repetitive use of both hands is required for data entry. 
• Excellent sensory skills are important (sight, hearing and speech) as well as the ability to communicate effectively.

Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy is an equal opportunity employer.   We evaluate all applicants without unlawful consideration of race, color, age, religion, gender, marital status, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.  

To find out more, visit us at www.fsha.org.  Flintridge Sacred Heart offers a rich and supportive environment, competitive salary and benefits, and a chance to make a difference in this important position. To apply, send your cover letter and resume to humanresources@fsha.org.  Please put the job title in the subject line.