Associate Director of College Counseling

SALARY RANGE : $80,000 – $100,000 Annually

JOB SUMMARY

Mid-Pacific Institute is a distinguished preschool through high school college-preparatory community rooted in Christian values. We cultivate compassionate and responsible lifelong learners and global citizens by nurturing intellectual, emotional, artistic, spiritual, and physical strengths. Innovation and inclusion are integral to our ethos, fostering a dynamic and progressive educational environment.

We are seeking an Associate Director of College Counseling who embodies a profound dedication to fostering student success through innovative, student-centered practices. As a member of our dynamic team, you will play a pivotal role in guiding students through the transformative journey of postsecondary planning, ensuring that each student finds a path that aligns with their unique strengths, aspirations, and values. Our ideal candidate possesses a visionary mindset, a steadfast commitment to equity and inclusivity, and a track record of implementing progressive approaches in college counseling.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Postsecondary Planning and Advising

• Spearhead comprehensive one-on-one and group counseling sessions, workshops, and presentations that transcend conventional practices, empowering students and families with the knowledge and skills necessary for navigating the postsecondary landscape.
• Demonstrate an acute understanding of the multifaceted social and emotional dynamics inherent in the postsecondary search and application processes, providing tailored support that addresses the diverse needs of our student body.
• Innovate postsecondary planning classes for high schoolers, instilling in them not only the requisite logistical know-how but also a deep sense of self-awareness and agency in shaping their futures.
• Cultivate a culture of student empowerment and advocacy, guiding students to assertively advocate for their aspirations and values in the postsecondary planning process.

Exceptional Postsecondary Application Support

• Champion an ethos of inclusivity and authenticity in the postsecondary application process, prioritizing student fit and personal fulfillment over superficial markers of prestige.
• Offer nuanced guidance on crafting compelling application materials, ensuring that each student’s unique narrative and potential shine through authentically.
• Uphold the highest ethical standards in college admissions, promoting fairness and integrity in alignment with the National Association for College Admission Counseling’s Guide to Ethical Practice in College Admission.

Advocacy with Colleges and Universities

• Craft meticulously personalized letters of recommendation that genuinely capture each student’s essence, positioning them as holistic individuals poised for success in higher education.
• Forge and nurture collaborative relationships with college admission offices, advocating tirelessly to ensure our students receive fair and holistic evaluations.
• Serve as a staunch advocate for our students, leveraging direct communication and strategic advocacy calls to champion their diverse talents and contributions.

Innovative Technology Integration and Data Management

• Champion a forward-thinking approach to integrate cutting-edge technology into our counseling processes, amplifying student empowerment and departmental efficiency.
• Implement innovative tools and platforms to streamline communication, data management, and information sharing, ensuring seamless coordination within the College Counseling department.
• Uphold stringent standards of confidentiality while maintaining meticulous records of student progress, application deadlines, and scholarship opportunities.

Professional Development and Commitment to Equity

• Stay at the vanguard of evolving trends and best practices in college admissions, actively engaging in ongoing professional development activities to enhance our services.
• Champion equity and access within the broader educational landscape, actively participating in professional associations and community initiatives dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion in higher education.

Thoughtful Engagement in the Mid-Pacific Community

• Act as a visible and engaged member of our vibrant school community, fostering meaningful connections with students, colleagues, and stakeholders alike.
• Collaborate seamlessly with fellow educators and administrators to ensure that college counseling harmonizes seamlessly with our Mid-Pacific’s overarching educational mission.

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in counseling, education, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated experience of at least 3 years in college admission and/or college counseling within a college-preparatory environment.
• Exceptional proficiency in college admissions processes, coupled with outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven track record of leveraging data-driven insights to inform strategic decision-making.
• Familiarity with MaiaLearning or similar college counseling software is advantageous.
• Prior experience working with a diverse student population and demonstrated equity and inclusion mindset. Candidates should be aware of their own identity and biases, consider how privilege impacts the college process, possess a curiosity about the unique stories of all students, and take into account how students’ college experiences may vary according to racial, cultural, and financial backgrounds.
• Team player and self-starter who can both collaborate effectively as well as think independently – we capitalize on the different skills and expertise that each of our college counselors brings to the team and expect each member to contribute insight and new ideas that will bring constant improvement to our program.