Associate Director of College Guidance

The Chapin School seeks an experienced Guidance Counselor to join its College Guidance office. Currently, this team includes a Director of College Guidance, a College Guidance Associate, and a full-time College Guidance Office Manager. 

Responsibilities of the Position:

• Counsel a caseload of approximately 30 students through all aspects of college admissions processes and practices, financial aid, and scholarships and help with finalizing all applications.

• Write highly individualized letters of recommendation for assigned caseload of students.

• Educate parents, students, faculty, administrators, and trustees regarding all aspects of the college application process.

• Co-teach the College Seminar course to class 11 and class 12.

• Conduct community-wide meetings and special programs related to the college application process.

• Use tools including Naviance and College Kickstart to effectively track students' college applications.

• Consult regularly with college admissions representatives on current practices and admissions trends to advocate on behalf of student applicants through phone conversations, email interactions, attendance at conferences, participation in visitation programs, and hosting college admissions representatives at Chapin.

• Assist with department communications including class letters, weekly newsletter, a School Profile, the College Guidance section of Chapin website, and other relevant material.

• Pursue opportunities for professional growth and school exposure through participation in professional organizations such as the Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools (ACCIS), the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the New York Association for College Admission Counseling NYSACAC), the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), College Board, the ACT, Naviance.

• Collaborate with the Director of Academic Program, Head of Upper School, and other members of the Upper School Leadership Team in regard to the expectations of the academic program and promote student engagement in their own learning.

• Assist the Class Dean as a homeroom team member, contributing to shared duties such as advising and chaperone responsibilities.

• Attend college tours and network with colleagues in college counseling and college admissions at other independent schools.

• Actively participate in the greater Chapin community through possible committees, and other school-wide initiatives or programs.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree; master’s degree preferred, in relevant discipline.

• The ideal candidate is an experienced college counselor in a high school setting and/or college admissions professional with at least 5 years’ experience. 

• Knowledgeable of colleges, and the application process. Experience with highly selective college admissions is especially valued.

• Strong analytical writing skills and the ability to craft individualized letters of recommendation for each student.

• A history of building relationships with students.

• Active participation in local and national associations relevant to the profession, including NACAC, College Board, and ACCIS. 

• The candidate is communicative, and thoughtful, yet transparent regarding expectations with students and parents. 

• The candidate will have the ability to respond effectively to the needs of a diverse, highly motivated, all-girl population.  

• Maintain effective relationships with parents, faculty and staff, and college admissions professionals.

Preferred qualifications

• Clear communicator, comfortable speaking publicly in both small and large venues.

• Ability to respond to all constituencies effectively and efficiently (parents, college representatives, etc.).

• A sense of humor.

• Collaborative and inclusive decision-making style.  

• Confident and self-directed.  

• Interest in continual professional development.

• Commitment to working in an inclusive office and school community.

To Apply 

Interested and qualified candidates should send an email by February 7 with the following attachments: 

• Cover letter expressing interest in the Associate Director of College Guidance position

• Current résumé  

• List of 3 references including their names, phone numbers, and email addresses

Salary will be commensurate with experience, the range is $135,000-165,000 annually

Salary : $135,000 - $165,000