What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Director of College Counseling position at Portledge School?
About Portledge School:
Portledge School was founded in 1965 and is located on the beautiful North Shore of Long Island. Approximately fifty minutes (28 miles) from NYC by train, Portledge is nestled on a pastoral 63-acre tree-lined campus that is known for its cherry blossoms in spring. Enrolling approximately 535 students in grades PN-12, Portledge offers a competitive college preparatory program in a warm, inclusive community. We seek to inspire our students to realize their individual potential by developing critical thinking skills and moral courage necessary for lifelong learning in an increasingly complex world. Portledge is fully committed to a culturally diverse faculty and student body.
Job Description:
Portledge School is seeking an Assistant/Associate Director of College Counseling, official title to be determined based on the successful candidate’s experience and background. Reporting to the Director of College Counseling, the Assistant/Associate Director will work closely with all members of the College Counseling Office, as well as the Upper School Deans, to guide students through every aspect of the college exploration and application process. Each year, the college counseling office works with approximately 75-80 seniors. This is a twelve-month administrative position. The start date is July 1, 2025.
Key Responsibilities:
Counsel approximately 27-30 students per graduating class in both individual and family meetings.
Establish warm rapport with students and provide guidance, encouragement, and feedback through the college search and application process, including support in writing college essays and completing cohesive applications.
Craft individualized, thoughtful, thorough, and compelling letters of recommendation.
Collaborate with colleagues to co-teach college counseling courses, organize and present at events, and assess and refine programming.
Commit to continually learning about the changing higher education landscape and keeping on top of admission trends by attending college-sponsored events and visits, developing and tapping into a strong professional network, and reading relevant articles.
Actively seek to connect with the greater school community and attend school events such as art, music, theater, athletics and community functions. While not required, current and past members of the office have served as Advisors, student club advisors, chaperones, and coaches and collaborated with Admissions.
Serve as an ambassador of the school with college admissions representatives and beyond.
Qualifications and Personal Attributes:
Exceptional interpersonal, written, and public speaking skills that inspire confidence and trust, reflecting a deep appreciation for working in a secondary school setting with a diverse student population in a high-expectation and fast-paced environment.
In-depth knowledge of colleges and universities, as well as a contextual grasp of the current college admissions and financial aid landscape.
A strong commitment to Portledge School’s mission and values and to the qualities embodied by the Portledge pillars: Kindness, Purpose, Honor, and Respect.
A team-oriented approach and collaborative spirit of engagement in all professional endeavors.
Competence with web and computer-based software systems such as SCOIR, Blackbaud, Google Suite, SRAR, Slate, and Zoom
Strong candidates will have experience in a highly selective college admissions environment and/or college counseling in an independent school. A bachelor’s degree is required.
Start Date: July 1, 2025
