College Counselor

Purpose:  Convent & Stuart Hall is seeking a full-time College Counselor to start August 1, 2024. This is a current position to join a team of one associate director and director.

About Convent & Stuart Hall

This independent school community is organized into four academic divisions, each led by a head of school, and sharing resources and a central administration, all of which is under the direction of the President. Convent serves girls 9-12, and Stuart Hall serves boys 9-12- both of which are divisions within the Schools of the Sacred Heart, San Francisco. This College Counselor would be engaged with a proportional number of students among the Convent and Stuart Hall High Schools. The Sacred Heart Network includes 25 schools in the US and nearly 160 internationally.

The ideal candidate will enjoy engaging with students and parents; have exemplary organizational and communications skills; and show resourcefulness, flexibility, resilience and good humor. A confident knowledge of the college admissions process and strong writing skills are essential. 

The College Counselor advises juniors during spring semester and works with them and their family through to graduation on their academic performance and college search and application process all while working collaboratively with the Director of Admissions & Academic Guidance and the Chief Academic Officer. Other responsibilities include writing comprehensive recommendation letters; ensuring on-time and thorough preparation and submission of application materials; designing and leading appropriate and relevant educational programs; and providing academic advising and support of students and their families through their college application process while maintaining confidentiality. The College Counselor should be willing to participate actively in the life of the school. Schools of the Sacred Heart is committed to an in-person teaching model and faculty and staff must be prepared to adhere to and support our Health and Safety Plan. 
 

Specific Duties and Areas of Expertise Include:

• Meeting individual students regularly throughout the year, seniors in the fall, juniors in the spring, and lower classmen as assigned.
• Maintaining a deep knowledge of colleges and universities. 
• Keeping current with best practices in financial aid and standardized testing through reading and workshop attendance.
• Organizing and presenting parent/grade level information nights (in-person and digitally).
• Delivering information on the college application process and financial aid process for all students.
• Providing regular email and e-currents updates to families.
• Supporting various student workshops: essay writing, interviewing, etc.
• Supporting and resourcing the academic experience for students in partnership with academic grade chairs.
• Hosting and inviting college admissions representatives throughout the school year, primarily in the fall. 
• Supporting test coordination for standardized testing: PSAT, Pre-ACT, and College Board Testing for students with accommodations. 
• Composing letters of recommendation for student applicants and support faculty with recommendation letter writing
• Maintaining a database (SCOIR) and training students and families in using it.
• Knowledge and support for international college applications
• Collaborating with the college counseling department
• Perform other duties as assigned by, and in support of, Director of Admissions & Academic Guidance.

The candidate will possess the following:  

• The ability to connect with students to develop healthy and supportive relationships. 
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to collaborate easily and openly with others while also being self-directed.
• Excellent judgment and responsiveness.
• The ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Possess an innovative, growth mindset.
• Knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion practices and commitment to ongoing growth in this area.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree is required, Master’s preferred. Experience with academic advising and college admissions for at least three years is also preferred. 

Physical Requirements 

• Regularly lifting or carrying 1-20 lbs. 

• Regular pushing/pulling/bending/stooping/kneeling 

• Regularly climbing stairs** 

• Regularly sitting or standing 4-8 hours 

• Requires physical presence, work to be performed on campus**

• Requires the ability to tolerate and work in a loud and active environment 

• Ability to travel 1-2 times per year. 

• Ability to work some evenings and weekends**

** Denotes essential functions of the position

*Salary commensurate with educational qualifications and teaching experience.

Benefits
The school is committed to providing competitive salaries in addition to a rich benefits package for eligible employees including:
Medical, dental and vision
Paid holiday and sick days
Life Insurance, LTD and AD&D
Retirement plan with matching contributions
Free lunch during the school year
Flexible spending plans for medical, dependent care and commuting expenses.  

EEO Policy

Convent & Stuart Hall is an equal opportunity employer that does not and will not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of gender, race, religion, age, sexual orientation, physical/mental disability or veteran status or any other consideration protected by federal, state or local laws.