What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assoc./Assist. Director of College Guidance position at University School of Milwaukee Corporation?
General Summary: Support USM’s mission by knowing and valuing students, and helping them and their families to make well-informed decisions regarding all aspects of the college preparation, search, and application process.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Effectively build relationships with a diverse group of students and parents, adapting counseling practices to each student in order to establish trust and rapport.
- Guide students and families through course selection, extracurricular activity engagement, and the college search and application process throughout grades 9-12.
- Possess knowledge of a wide variety of colleges, universities, post-graduate, and gap year programs and their admission policies and practices.
- Commit to professional development and growth, including attendance at conferences, engagement with college admissions representatives at college fairs, and college campus visits.
- Write knowledgeable, compelling counselor recommendation letters for assigned students.
- Communicate clearly, compassionately, and punctually with teammates, students, and families in writing, particularly via email
- Assist students and families in navigating financial aid applications and scholarship searches.
- Conduct college counseling classes for juniors and seniors, class and small group meetings, and evening programs.
- Counsel students on all aspects of standardized testing, including test preparation, registration, fees, accommodations, and score submission; provide support for administration of standardized tests at USM.
- Work collaboratively within the college guidance team and with other school faculty and staff to effectively support students during their Upper School experience and their transition to college.
- Help create and maintain a supportive learning environment for all students that encourages social interaction, active engagement in learning, self-reflection and self-motivation.
- Participate actively in the life of the school and in administrative, departmental, and faculty meetings and in-service events.
- Complete other duties as deemed appropriate by the Upper School Administration, which may occasionally occur on school holidays, evenings, and weekends.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Strong working knowledge of selective college admissions and financial aid processes.
- Familiarity with private or independent college-preparatory schools and wide variety of colleges and universities.
- Cultural awareness and the ability to establish strong working relationships with people of varying perspectives and backgrounds.
- Secure knowledge of best practices and ethical guidelines in college admission counseling.
- Technological proficiency in Google Drive, Microsoft Office and familiarity with college counseling-related platforms, including Naviance & College Kickstart.
- Desire to work with a diverse and high-achieving student and parent body.
- Collaborative approach and a strong ability to cultivate positive, professional relationships.
- Excellent writing and communication skills, including public speaking.
- Strong sense of initiative, eagerness to contribute to the continuous improvement of USM’s College Guidance program.
- Excellent organizational skills with a strong degree of self- direction and motivation.
- High level of maturity and integrity, including discretion with confidential student records.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree; Master’s Degree in Counseling or Education preferred
- 3-5 years counseling experience
- Experience in educational technology
