Catlin Gabel School seeks to employ the best qualified individuals from available applicants and to provide them with opportunity for advancement in a manner that does not discriminate because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected under local, state, or federal equal employment opportunity laws or regulations.

The School believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to the school’s success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. Therefore, this position description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications, and job scope, but not limit the incumbent nor the organization to just the work identified. It is our expectation that each employee will offer their services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors. 

POSITION IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED.  INTERVIEWING WILL BEGIN IN NOVEMBER, WITH A PLANNED START DATE IN 2023 (Tentatively February, depending on availability.)    

POSITION SUMMARY

The Associate Director of College Counseling supports and guides students and families as they plan for life after Catlin Gabel.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist and cooperate with the Director of College Counseling to design and implement a program that offers individual guidance, group meetings, evening events, and virtual programming to guide students as they search for, apply to, and enroll in college, make gap year plans, or pursue employment and other opportunities outside higher education.
• Hold individual, family and grade level meetings with eleventh and twelfth graders to assist them in researching colleges, completing applications and making enrollment decisions.
• Offer regular group meetings that cover college counseling topics including building an appropriate list of colleges, completing applications, considering college costs, essay writing, standardized testing, and other relevant topics.
• Coordinate family programming that keeps parents and guardians appropriately informed of college counseling topics.  Communicate regularly with families as appropriate throughout high school to educate and support them on the college admission process.
• Write a School Report letter in support of each student’s application.
• Stay informed about and connected with colleges and universities, including their application and admission processes and policies.  Supervise the coordination of college admission representative visits.
• Stay informed on standardized testing policies and procedures, and advise the school community on this topic.
• Represent the school in the larger higher education community including attending workshops, conferences and forums regarding college admission, and visiting college campuses.  National and international travel is regularly required.
• Advise school administrators and take part in curriculum conversations as they relate to college admission.
• Coordinate and administer standardized tests, including PSAT exams.
• Provide information and counsel on alternative opportunities to students who wish to defer college enrollment or pursue a path outside higher education.
• Act as a member of the Upper School faculty, including leading or co-leading a homeroom group, acting as primary academic advisor for a group of students, attending faculty meetings and professional development opportunities, and performing extracurricular duties that could include class trip attendance, immersive instruction, coaching, club or affinity group leadership, etc.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• This position does not supervise other employees.

INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS

• Interactions occur most routinely with students, parents, other faculty members, and college admissions representatives.
• Many informal and formal interactions with students and Upper School faculty occur routinely.
• Regular contact and collaboration with school colleagues, particularly those working in the Upper School is expected.

COMPETENCIES

• Understanding of the developmental context of adolescents and their families
• Explicit understanding of the processes of college admission
• Cultural competence and enthusiasm for working with a diverse community
• High energy, commitment, initiative, self-direction, adaptability, imagination
• Strong interpersonal skills, including good listening, humor, tact, intuition, confidentiality
• Excellent writing, communication and public speaking skills
• Ability to create responsive, caring and appropriate relationships with students, families, and colleagues
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills and digital literacy
• Understanding of the dynamics of a school community
• Ability to assess and respond to the needs of the school and act as a representative of the school
• Commitment to professional growth and education
• Ability to function well under stress

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred
• Minimum of two years’ experience in college counseling or college admission
• Experience working with adolescents preferred

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The requirements listed below are representative of physical requirements and may not be all-encompassing.  Incumbents must be able to perform job duties with or without accommodations.

• Ability to remain in a stationary position (primarily at a desk) for prolonged periods of time
• The ability to move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces.
• Frequent and consistent operation of a computer and other office machinery (e.g. copier, printer, fax) requiring manual
• Occasional bending, squatting, stooping and kneeling related to filing or other record keeping
• Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds in materials related to position (e.g. office supplies)

SCHEDULE

This is an 11-month, full-time position often requiring hours outside of the 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. workday. The ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, is required. This position includes breaks during the academic year and four weeks of vacation during the summer.

COVID-19 Vaccination is required.