The Awty International School

Compensation

Full Description

Director of College Counseling (Full-Time) At Awty, we believe that students learn best and faculty perform best in a culture of vibrant diversity. Diversity is an essential quality of our school environment; our commitment to learning and the pursuit of excellence can occur only in such a context. It helps us guide our students to become responsible world citizens. Our commitment to learning about and respecting one another’s diversity brings distinct richness to the Awty experience for students, alumni, employees, and parents. Description: The Director of College Counseling provides strategic leadership for Awty's comprehensive college counseling program, overseeing all aspects of career counseling and the college planning and placement processes. This leadership role involves supervising the college counseling team, managing curriculum development, and ensuring program excellence while maintaining direct counseling responsibilities with students and families. The Director works in coordination with faculty, school administration, and families to guide students in discovering their strengths and interests, exploring careers, and understanding which institutions of higher learning will meet these interests, strengths and values. Reports To: Head of Secondary Required Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree • In-depth knowledge of and familiarity with international and American universities • Experience with the French Baccalauréat and International Baccalaureate • International and/or independent school experience • Minimum of 7 years’ experience as a College Counselor with demonstrated leadership experience • Experience in team management and program administration Preferred Qualifications: • Master’s degree • Relationships with international & American universities’ admissions departments • Technologically competent with various application platforms, ie. Parcursoup, Common Applications, Google Suite, and College/ Career Platforms such as Cialfo, Naviance, etc. • Bilingual in French or Spanish and English Applicants Should: • Demonstrate strategic thinking and program management capabilities • Have a strong vision for college counseling including best practice and innovative approaches • Possess strong communication skills, both written and verbal • Be well-versed in current research and best practices in teaching and learning and curricular development • Have a positive attitude, flexible approach, and strong organizational skills • Possess the ability to work independently and manage a team • Work collaboratively with faculty, staff, administration, students, families, and key contacts at other organizations Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: Program Leadership & Curriculum Management: • Oversee and continuously update the College Counseling Curriculum/ Programming • Lead weekly team meetings to communicate program updates and initiatives • Oversee grade level presentations and content development for parents in collaboration with the team • Extend program curriculum with guest speakers/authors as needed • Follow best practices and ethical guidelines of NACAC • Stay abreast of admissions changes and trends to inform program development • Lead parent coffees and information sessions to inform and educate parents on college admissions trends/information • Ensure a comprehensive plan & vision to develop Awty’s brand with international and American universities • Work closely with Communications and the Senior Graphic Designer on Awty collateral including our school profile, website updates, and external communication Administrative & Team Management: • Deliver board presentations of previous class results and trend updates • Communicate program updates to parents, teachers, and administrators • Ensure the team follows consistent protocols and timelines • Oversee Administrative Assistant tasks including weekly communication, performance reviews (twice yearly), time management, and professional development • Manage teacher recommendation process for college applications Hiring & Staff Development: • Screen résumés to generate shortlists of candidates for college counselor interviews • Participating actively in the interview process • Organize finalist visits when applicable • Recommend hiring decisions for college counseling positions Individual Counseling & Student Support: • Conduct one-on-one counseling sessions with students to discuss their academic and career goals • Provide personalized guidance on college selection, application strategies, and scholarship opportunities • Assist students in exploring potential majors and career paths based on their interests and skills • Administer PSAT admissions practice test in Grade 11 • Provide Grade 10 practice tests for U.S. Admissions tests (ACT and SAT) College Application/ Admissions Support: • Guide students through the college application process, including assistance with essay writing, resume building, and interview preparation • Keep abreast of college admission trends, application requirements, and deadlines • Collaborate with students and families to create a comprehensive list of suitable colleges and universities • Maintaining student records, with the Registrar, related to college admissions • Assisting faculty with student recommendations • Managing college entrance testing for all eligible students • Write letters of recommendation for Grade 12/Terminale students • Create and present information to students and families regarding the College and Career Process in English and French College Fairs and Information Sessions: • Organize and participate in college fairs, information sessions, and campus visits to keep students informed about various higher education options • Foster relationships with college admissions officers to enhance opportunities for student admissions and campus visits/ information sessions Financial Aid and Scholarships: • Provide information on financial aid options, scholarships, and grants • Assist students in completing financial aid applications and understanding the financial aspects of attending college Career Counseling: • Offer guidance on potential career paths, internships, and extracurricular activities that align with students' interests and goals. To Apply: Submit your application through the school's website. All applicants should include a cover letter detailing experience with College Counseling, a current resume, current résumé, and three professional references (including your most recent direct supervisor). Direct inquiries (cover letter, CV, references) to Thomas Oden, Head of Secondary at toden@awty.org. The Awty International School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ethnic or religious beliefs, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship, and athletic and other school-administered programs or in its employment practices. We actively seek diversity among faculty and administration as well as among students. The position is a one-year renewable contract, with competitive salary and conditions. Applications should be submitted as soon as possible.