Associate or Assistant Director of College Counseling

Latin School of Chicago provides its students with a rigorous and innovative educational program in a community that embraces diversity of people, cultures and ideas. Latin inspires its students to pursue their passions and lead lives of purpose and excellence.

The Associate OR Assistant Director of College Counseling administers to all aspects of the college search and admissions process. This person will work with a caseload of students, write official school recommendations and take on various administrative roles in the office that suit their needs and interests and enhance the programs of the college office. This role is relationship driven, and candidates must have a stellar ability to connect with students and families, creating trusting, caring, and appropriate relationships. A sense of humor and a genuine excitement about working with teenagers are a must!

The Associate Director position requires more years of college counseling experience than the Assistant Director.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Inform all Upper School students, parents and faculty about colleges, the college admissions process, trends, procedures, and testing
• Advise and support approximately 30-45 students as they transition from high school to college
• Help to shape college lists, guide and recommend students for college admission
• Work closely with the Director to help shape programs, policies and procedures that enhance the college counseling program at Latin
• Facilitate meetings with juniors and seniors and their families to discuss researching colleges and making individual college choices
• Host meetings with college admissions representatives while serving as a liaison to college admissions offices throughout the year
• Travel to several colleges each year to remain in touch with the landscape and state of higher education
• Assist in the administration of the PSAT and AP Exams, and other potential testing
• Assist or manage special projects such as communications calendar, scholarship database, website upgrades, social media, fly-in programming, and college fair/case study events
• Commit to enhancing an inclusive school community based on cultural competence, commitment to social justice, and respect for all voices;
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree is preferred.
• 3+ years’ experience in college counseling and admissions experience
• Some college or university undergraduate admissions experience is preferred
• Strong communication skills, including both written and public speaking;
• High emotional intelligence and empathy including the ability to create responsive, caring and appropriate relationships with students, parents and colleagues
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience in counseling, especially with a lens toward college and university admissions and adolescent development.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to meet proscribed, external deadlines
• Strong collaborative teamwork skills
• Digital competence including familiarity with database management systems such as Maia Learning, Naviance or SCOIR
• A growth mindset about progressive and innovative changes in high school curriculum and college education
• Familiarity with diverse ways of engaging students over a range of learning styles enhanced by a desire to try new approaches
• Flexibility, good humor, and a team spirit necessary for working within a dynamic and experienced college counseling department serving secondary school learners individually and in groups
• An understanding of the developmental needs of high school-aged adolescents and mentoring spirit when it comes to engaging students in the complex issues of today’s world and post-secondary transitions
• Interest in supporting the development of student writing skills as they relate to the college process
• The ability to function well under stress and time constraints
• A strong interest in professional development and relationship building within the school community and counseling profession.
• Willingness to travel occasionally

Latin School embraces diversity of people, cultures, and ideas and is an equal opportunity employer