Associate Director of College Counseling

Friends' Central School Overview

Friends' Central School is an independent, coeducational Quaker day school founded in 1845 and serving approximately 819 students in Nursery through grade 12. Located in the Philadelphia suburbs, the School has two campuses. The Middle & Upper Schools are located just outside of West Philadelphia in Wynnewood, and the Lower School is on our Old Gulph Road campus in the heart of Wynnewood.

The exceptional faculty at Friends' Central offers a curriculum that cultivates the intellectual, spiritual, and ethical growth of our students. Our pedagogy is grounded in continuing revelation, reflection, integrity, and a willingness to accept responsibility. From Nursery to grade 12, our students participate in a process designed to foster creative, critical, and flexible thinking, along with compassion. As they transform from playful children to skilled, self-possessed teenagers, they are always intellectually curious and engaged thinkers. Friends' Central prepares graduates to succeed in college and in life.

Associate Director of College Counseling

Friends' Central School seeks a full-time Associate Director of College Counseling starting in July 2023. This is a 12-month position and reports to the Co-Director(s) of College Counseling. This person is an integral member of the College Counseling team and participates in delivering all aspects of a comprehensive college counseling program; this includes working closely with students and families and supporting all program, activity, and operational needs of the College Counseling Office.

Responsibilities:

• Advise approximately 35 students and families per class in all aspects of the college search, selection, and application process

• Write a comprehensive school letter of recommendation for each advisee

• Maintain and contribute to regular email communications with 11th and 12th graders

• Organize periodic class meetings with 11th and 12th graders

• Meet with college representatives visiting Friends Central each fall

• Develop and maintain relationships with college admission offices and colleagues

• Visit colleges (10-15 per year) and attend regional and national conferences

• Plan and implement day and evening programs for students and/or parents; topics may include the admissions process, testing, athletics, financial aid, and more

• Write about college counseling for internal and external constituencies (website, newsletters, etc.)

• Utilize technology resources, especially Scoir and Canvas

• Organize the registration for and administration of the PSAT in the fall

• Collaborate with the College Counseling team to define strategic priorities for the office

• Develop relationships with Upper School faculty colleagues to best support students and serve the mission of the school

• Communicate regularly with parents & caregivers to offer support and guidance

• Enhance the Schools commitment to diversity and inclusivity as outlined in our Diversity Statement

• Understand and be committed to the Schools Quaker values and mission

• Be a positive and engaged member of the Friends Central faculty and wider community

• Participate in faculty and in-service meetings

• Participate in other school duties, such as sponsoring a student club, facilitating affinity groups, coaching a sport, and/or supervisory duties

Qualifications:

• Up-to-date knowledge of college admissions and the financial aid process
• Selective college admissions experience is strongly preferred
• Superior written and oral communication skills
• Enthusiasm, and strong organizational abilities
• Proven ability to track and meet deadlines
• Bachelor's degree required

Please apply here. The application will ask for a resume, cover letter, and three professional references. All applications should be completed by June 4, 2023.

Friends Central School seeks candidates with a commitment to fostering an inclusive learning community who will address issues of diversity, as well as enhance the Philosophy of Inclusivity and Awareness articulated in our Diversity Statement.