COLLEGE COUNSELING - ASST. DIRECTOR

Position Description

The Assistant Director(s) is/are responsible for the counseling and support of Shady Side students and their families as they prepare for and navigate the college search and application process. Responsible for the support of the College Counseling program in the absence of the Director.

Primary Responsibilities

• Counsel students (approximately 20-25% of each class) and parents, individually and in groups, in all aspects of the college search and application and financial aid process.

• Support an innovative, robust student-centered college counseling program that is responsive to the current college admissions climate.

• Standardized Testing Coordinator (Advanced Placement Exams and support for PSAT/Pre-ACT administration).

• Schedule college representatives working to schedule a high school visit or attend the annual spring college fair. 

• Build and maintain relationships with college admission professionals by visiting college campuses, maintaining regular phone/email communication, and welcoming 100+ college admission visitors to campus each year.  Maintain up-to-date knowledge of college admissions trends, policies, and procedures to provide accurate and relevant information to students and families.

• Maintain school and individual memberships in professional organizations, including NACAC, PACAC and ACCIS. Attend professional conferences, workshops and networking events.

• Assist with the design and presentation of college counseling programming for a variety of constituents including students and parents of all grade levels, addressing both general college planning and specific areas such as: athletic recruitment, financial aid and fine arts portfolios.

• Advocate for Shady Side students in the application process in person, in writing and on the phone, regardless of whether or not the student is part of the counselor’s official caseload.

• Write comprehensive recommendation letters for all college counselees, gathering information from parents, teachers, school records and students. Proof and assure quality recommendation letters written by Academy staff.

• Ensure timely preparation and submission of all SSA school materials for each application. 

• Maintain individual electronic appointment system in Outlook and Calendly (or similar.)

• Support College Counseling social media presence.

• Support SSA faculty and advisors in their role in the college application process.

• Assist with accurate data collection and reporting for office use, BOT or BOV reports, etc.

• Maintain detailed and appropriate confidential records relevant to the college process.

• Represent the Academy to the public, prospective families and the greater community.

• Submit college counseling information for parents’ e-newsletter.

• Discretion and respect for confidentiality.

• Some evening and weekend work required.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Serve as academic advisor for 8-10 students through SSA’s Advisory program

• Present at professional conferences

• Other duties as assigned by Head of Senior School and/or Director of College Counseling

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required in an academic field; Master’s degree preferred.

• Minimum 2-4 years’ experience in independent school college counseling or selective college admissions.

• Strong work ethic, superior attention to detail, excellent organizational and collaborative skills, and the ability to execute multiple assignments while managing interruptions and meeting deadlines.

• Strong counseling skills in the context of having an empathetic understanding of family dynamics.

• Exemplary written and oral communication skills; facility and skill with public speaking.

• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Proven ability to proactively initiate actions and develop programs with minimal supervision.

• Effective interpersonal, decision-making skills and organizational skills.

• An ability to multitask and prioritize workload.

• Previous or current membership in professional college counseling groups, such as NACAC, a regional ACAC, ACCIS, etc. such that an understanding and respect for the ethical practices of the profession are well known.

• Ability to build rapport and quickly gain trust with students and parents by maintaining discretion.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Google system tools, Outlook, and/or other technology/chosen industry software directly utilized at the Academy.

• Willingness to be part of a dynamic team.

• A lively sense of humor, joyful flexibility and the ability to multi-task efficiently.

• Successful completion of state-mandated clearances.

Compensation

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits are part of the employment package. Lunch is included when school is in session. Funding exists to support continuing education and professional development.