Associate Director of College Counseling

Who we are?
Ethical Culture Fieldston School is a progressive PreK-12 independent school that has been serving students from throughout New York City and the surrounding suburbs since 1878. ECFS offers a rich curriculum in the arts, sciences, and humanities. A co-ed, nonsectarian school, it serves a diverse community of about 1,700 students on two campuses -- one in the Riverdale section of the Bronx and the other in Manhattan. The Upper School, located in the Bronx, is comprised of approximately 600 students and 80 faculty members.  

What is essential about working at our school?
The Ethical Culture Fieldston School has a long history of equity and inclusion deeply rooted in our mission and the educational philosophy of our founder, Felix Adler. We embrace diversity of ancestry, family, identity, culture, and beliefs and seek a student body and faculty that reflect the pluralism and socio-economic diversity of metropolitan New York. We affirm both our differences and commonalities and strive to balance individuality and community. In keeping with our progressive tradition, we are dedicated to increasing our students’ cultural literacy to help them understand multiple perspectives and see the world beyond the self.

We expect members of our community to engage in open dialogue about living and learning in a diverse environment inside and outside the classroom. We see this work, with its creative tensions, as a catalyst for individual and collective growth. On a daily basis, we are committed to making this vision of a democratic, pluralistic, and progressive school a reality.

Position Summary
The Associate Director of College Counseling will serve as a member of the College Office in the Upper School. The Associate Director will assist each assigned student with a comprehensive college search process that includes but is not excluded to: helping students research colleges and coordinating college visiting trips, facilitating the financial aid process, understanding standardized testing requirements, and helping each student construct an authentic and accurate college application for submission.   

The Associate Director will serve as a visible and vital member of the Upper School with a responsibility to administer accurate and timely guidance while developing meaningful and authentic partnerships with Upper School faculty, students, parents and college admission officers.

The hiring range for this position is $115,000-$125,000.  When determining the salary for an offer, ECFS considers factors including, but not limited to:  the scope and responsibilities of the position, internal peer equity, key skills required for the role, the candidate’s work experience, education and training, as well as market and organizational considerations.

Please note that this is an onsite role and not performed remotely. Ethical Culture Fieldston School retains its right to modify job duties in accordance with changing operational needs.

Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities of the Associate Director of College Counseling will include:

• Writing letters of recommendation for assigned students; 

• Assisting with college research, application review and interview preparation for each student;

• Advising students and families through course selection and standardized testing options; 

• Maintaining an accurate knowledge of the admissions and financial aid process and counsel families as needed; 

• Working collaboratively with the College Counseling team and Form Deans;

• Assisting the Director of College Counseling with the coordination of the Junior College Symposium, Junior Parent Program, and other evening programs and events; 

• Traveling to colleges and universities over the summer as well as during the academic year for selected counselor programs; 

• Attending and presenting at local, regional and national conferences;

• Maintaining an unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion as an advocate for every student regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious preference, and physical ability;

• Identifying and prioritizing tasks particularly during peak cycles of the college admission process;

• Cultivating and sustaining relationships with college admission professionals as well as secondary school counselors in partnership with the Director of College Counseling;

• Leading efforts in data collection for admitted students as well as retention analysis for matriculated students;  

• Assisting the Director of College College Counseling with publication, resource library and website updates;

• Effectively advocating for each student along with articulating the mission and curriculum of the Ethical Culture Fieldston School to college and university admission officers;

• Guiding families through the college process with discernment, expertise and empathy;

• Fostering  positive relationships with team members and various stakeholders;

• Maintaining a commitment to being knowledgeable regarding historical and current trends in financial aid and college admission; and

• Performing and assisting with other projects, initiatives, and duties as needed and assigned.  

Position Requirements
The successful incumbent will possess:

• A Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred; 

• A minimum of 2-4 years as a college counselor or admission officer at a selective college admission office;

• Comprehensive knowledge of the college admission process and financial aid requirements;

• The ability to prioritize tasks, shift priorities, meet deadlines and remain flexible during a demanding fall and spring application cycle; 

• An interest in intellectual inquiry and ease in helping families manage the transition from high school to college; 

• Superior writing ability, strong organizational and time management skills; 

• A genuine desire to work with high school students and their families; 

• A high degree of patience, empathy, trustworthiness and decisiveness; 

• A respect and appreciation of diversity in all of its forms;

• A high degree of professionalism, stress tolerance, and the ability to manage conflicts is needed; 

• A commitment in handling confidential materials with discretion;

• The ability to serve as a calming, logical, inspirational and rational voice among students and parents as needed;

• A high degree of energy, adaptability, innovation, creativity, and drive;  

• A commitment to building collaborative relationships with faculty, administrators, the student and parent community;

• Demonstrated resourcefulness and self-reliance in working without constant supervision;

• A positive attitude, consistently taking initiative to help improve processes;

• Ability to work independently at times and also collaboratively in a group settings; 

• The ability to be reliable and punctual with consistent attendance; 

• Proficiency with technology (e.g Google Workspace, etc.);

• The ability to listen effectively and be receptive to feedback; and

• The initiative to study changing trends, analyze data, and present to various constituencies is highly desired.

To Apply
All candidates should visit our employment page at www.ecfs.org to apply. Please submit the following materials as separate PDF documents:

• Resume;

• Cover letter; 

• Writing samples: two redacted letters of recommendation written about a former or current student and another sample of a communication piece directed at parents or community;and

• A list of three professional references.
  
  

EEO
ECFS is an equal opportunity employer. Our goal is to be a diverse community of professionals that broadly reflects the people of the metropolitan New York City area, our students, and families. We aim to align our hiring process with our mission and institutional goals. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion or religious practices, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national origin, age, ability status, military status, unemployment status or any other category protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws. ECFS takes affirmative action in support of its policy to employ and advance all qualified candidates.

Salary : $115,000 - $125,000