Associate Director of College Counseling

Forsyth Country Day School seeks an Associate Director of College Counseling to serve as a collaborative member of a three-person college counseling team. Our office works with students to develop their self-awareness and build the confidence and skills necessary to meet the complexities of an evolving future - for all that may be ahead. This is a full-time, 12-month position that will report to the Director of College Counseling. The ideal start date is July 1, 2024. 

Located in Lewisville, NC, Forsyth Country Day School (FCDS) is a dynamic, independent, coeducational school serving approximately 910 preschool to twelfth-grade students. FCDS is guided by our belief that an excellent education integrates opportunities to explore a variety of interests while developing a strong academic base. Our community's core values of respect, integrity, curiosity, compassion, and responsibility drive everything we do. Our campus is situated on a beautifully wooded 85 acres surrounding a lake that serves as both an outdoor classroom and a contemplative gathering spot.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Nurture curiosity and self-reflection; counsel one-third of each class (approximately 30 students) on self-advocacy, setting realistic goals, and academic planning; create a school-wide atmosphere that celebrates students and their future plans across a broad range of options

• Support students and their families through all aspects of the college search, application, and decision-making processes with attention to individual backgrounds, goals, strengths, abilities, and interests

• Help students construct an appropriate list of colleges and post-secondary programs; guide students in thoughtful completion and timely submission of all aspects of their college applications, provide constructive feedback on essays, personal statements, resumes, financial aid, and scholarship applications; counsel on final decisions

• Thoughtfully develop personalized letters of support for approximately 35-40 students in the senior class

• Work closely with the Director of College Counseling to develop, organize, and deliver programming for students in grades 9-12, families, and members of the FCDS community; co-facilitate special projects or responsibilities in the college counseling office 

• Stay current with admissions trends and best practices through regular professional development and attendance at national, regional, and local conferences; maintain strong relationships with college and university admissions officers through FCDS programming, professional development, and travel to college campuses

• Serve as advisor for a cohort of approximately 10 upper school students

• Serve as a member of the Upper School Leadership team, with opportunities to engage in the greater school community in areas of interest

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required

• Knowledge of and ability to support student's social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development 

• Demonstrated experience in and passion for working with high school students

• Extensive knowledge of colleges and the application process; 2-3 years of knowledge in college admissions/college counseling preferred

• Appreciation of the importance of mental health and wellness throughout the application process

• Commitment to developing one’s own cultural self-awareness, cultural competence, and emotional intelligence.

• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as a desire to celebrate the backgrounds, abilities, and identities of all members of our community

• Effective communication skills, with strengths in writing, public speaking, and relationship-building

• Willingness and ability to travel for professional development opportunities

• Effective problem-solving and analytical ability; Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities to meet deadlines

• Must be able to maintain a high level of confidentiality

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Regularly required to walk, including across uneven ground, talk, hear, reach with hands and arms, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds 

• Must be able to operate a computer and have basic knowledge of Google Workspace, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and SCOIR

• Must be able to access and navigate all areas of the school and other facilities as needed 

• Must be able to utilize oral and written communication skills effectively