College Transition and Success Coordinator

Position Title: College Transition and Success CoordinatorLocation: McLean School, Potomac, Maryland
Start Date: As soon as possible, no later than July 2025
Status: Full-time, 12-month position

About McLean School

McLean School is a K-12 co-educational, independent school in Potomac, Maryland, committed to transforming the lives of its students. For over 70 years, McLean has provided an academically rigorous yet nurturing environment where bright, college-bound students, including those with dyslexia, ADHD, academic anxiety, and organizational challenges, receive the support they need to realize their full potential. The School emphasizes developing self-advocacy skills, resilience, and confidence through its unique Abilities Model® that recognizes and cultivates each student's strengths.

Position Overview

McLean School is seeking a highly motivated and compassionate individual for this new position designed to support and guide McLean graduates during their transition to college and throughout their college journey. This role will focus on helping McLean alums with executive functioning and other learning challenges navigate while they are in college the complexities of college life, maximizing their success, and thriving academically and socially.

Reporting to the Director of College Counseling, the College Transition and Success Coordinator will serve as a mentor and resource for McLean alums as they enter and progress through college. This individual will build and maintain meaningful relationships with students throughout their McLean high school career. Working closely with families, college counselors, and other McLean faculty and staff, this individual will ensure that students have the support they need to succeed in their post-high school lives.

Why This Role is Important

For all students, the four-year college graduation rate is sobering. And for those with learning differences it is alarmingly low. Succeeding in college requires not just academic abilities but exceptional organization, advocacy, and study habits. These skills must be cultivated early in a student's college journey. However, once at college, it’s too easy for students to get swept up in the demands of larger classes and the social distractions of campus life.

The first semester is a critical growth point when students must put into practice the organizational skills and self-advocacy techniques that will serve as the foundation of their college careers. Successful students hit the ground running, beginning their college journey with effective study habits, time management, and self-advocacy skills that will help them maintain a high GPA while balancing extracurricular activities, internships, and social opportunities.

The College Transition and Success Coordinator will play an essential role in helping McLean graduates navigate these challenges. This role includes building strong, ongoing relationships with students and providing ongoing mentorship and coaching as they transition to college, helping them succeed academically, socially, and personally. This coaching for alums will include:

• Organization and Time Management: Helping students develop systems for staying on top of assignments, managing their time, and maintaining an organized study schedule.
• Self-Advocacy: Supporting students in advocating for their needs with professors, tutors, and campus resources, including disability services.
• Study Skills: Working with students to put into practice study skills developed at McLean, including techniques for previewing and reviewing class materials and strategies for exam preparation.
• Holistic Support: Providing emotional and social support as students navigate the challenges of college life, from making connections to balancing academics with extracurriculars.

Position Responsibilities

• • Student Engagement: Develop relationships with students while at McLean by helping to organize and participate in college-related and social events. Lead after-school activities for grades 9-12 students and teach life skills courses in the School’s CORE Program. 
  • College Transition Support: Provide personalized guidance and resources to help McLean graduates transition smoothly to college life, focusing on academic and social challenges. This includes identifying and accessing needed campus resources, such as academic tutoring, counseling services, disability support offices, and other relevant services.
  • Ongoing Mentorship: Maintain relationships with McLean alums throughout and after their college careers. Organize workshops and panels for alums when they return from college (e.g., during Winter Break) and identify opportunities for them to engage with current McLean students. 
  • Data Management: Collect, analyze, and maintain alum data to track alum progress and identify opportunities to strengthen this new program. 
  • Travel and Outreach: Travel to campuses and participate in occasional evening and weekend events to stay connected with students and support their success. Develop an understanding of the support services offered and key personnel at the colleges and universities McLean alums attend to be able to best support and direct alums seeking assistance. 
  • Collaboration with School Community: Work closely with faculty, staff, and families to ensure alignment between McLean’s support systems and the needs of alums in college. The work the Coordinator does with alums while they are at college will remain confidential, although the Coordinator will notify parents/guardians if any health or safety concerns arise. 

• Professional Development: Stay current with trends in college admissions, student success strategies, and support services available at colleges and universities. Participate in conferences, workshops, and networking events to enhance skills in counseling, alum relations, and college transition support.

This role offers a unique and impactful opportunity to help McLean students thrive in their college careers by providing the tools, guidance, and mentorship they need to develop the key habits and confidence that will lead to long-term success. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in counseling, higher education, or related field preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience in counseling, college counseling, or higher education support.
• Strong understanding of executive functioning challenges and learning differences, particularly ADHD, dyslexia, and anxiety.
• Experience in mentoring or supporting students transitioning to college.
• Proficiency with college planning platforms (Blackbaud, SCOIR, etc.) and data management tools.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage with students, parents, faculty, and external stakeholders.
• Self-starter with strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• High energy, positive attitude, and a passion for student success and well-being.
• Ability to travel as needed for campus visits, alum outreach, and other related events.

Salary Range: $70,000-$90,000 depending on experience

How to Apply

McLean School is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, disability, genetic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you need a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the recruitment process, please contact Director of Executive Support and Recruitment, Robin Speller. Interested applicants should complete an online Application and upload their cover letter, résumé, and a list of references.

Salary : $70,000 - $90,000