Reports to: Director of College Counseling

Position Type: Exempt, Full-time, 12 month position

Established in 1920, Bentley School is a K-12 co-educational, independent day school located on two campuses in Oakland (K-8) and Lafayette (9-12), California. Bentley School is an inclusive community that shares a vision of academic achievement, balance, and the cultivation of character.

Overview of position:

The Associate Director of College Counseling is responsible for providing organized and energetic support of students, guiding their assigned students in their college search, monitoring the progress and completion of each advisee's applications, and participating in all activities (including travel to colleges and conferences) required to sustain and advance a productive and dynamic college counseling program.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Guide students and their families through the college application and selection process, including helping students build college lists, advising students regarding their applications and essays, serving as a knowledgeable and passionate advocate, and helping students and families find good college matches.
• Coordinate and facilitate a variety of informational programs for students and parents.
• Respond to student and parent inquiries of all grade levels.
• Compile information for - and write - thoughtful and supportive letters of recommendation for each counselee.
• Maintain and cultivate relationships with college admission officers, including hosting them during their visits to campus.
• Lead an Upper School Student Advisory.
• Serve on school committees, as needed.
• Attend school and community wide events, including some evenings and weekends.
• Ensure the college counseling information on the Bentley School website and SCOIR is kept up to date and relevant.
• Advise students in regard to standardized testing related to college admission.
• Read and evaluate college application essays.
• Provide college financial aid information to students and parents.
• Prepare students on how to conduct themselves in interviews and what to expect.
• Participate in professional organizations, such as NACAC, WACAC, College Board, BAISCC, etc.
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with colleges and universities.
• Meet the ethical standards of the college admission profession as articulated by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).
• Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree preferred.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in college counseling and/or college admission.
• An understanding of highly selective college admission.
• Enthusiasm for working with high school students and their families.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, strong public speaking skills, and outstanding interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Strong technological skills required, including proficiency with email, internet research, and the Google suite of programs.
• A high degree of patience, empathy, trustworthiness, and decisiveness.
• Personal and professional integrity and respect for absolute confidentiality.
• Respect for confidentiality and appreciation for diversity in all of its forms.
• The candidate should possess strong collaboration and cross-cultural competency, and demonstrate a commitment to student well-being and balance, and to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• A team-oriented approach to all aspects of the college counseling process and a collaborative spirit.

Requirements:

Bentley School requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters.

Pay Range:

Bentley uses a competitive salary scale, which takes into account experience, education, and skill level. The starting salary for this position ranges from $100,000 - $125,000.

How to Apply:

Please submit a letter of interest, and a CV/resume. A list with the names and contact information of three (3) references should also be included. No phone calls, please.

Bentley School is an equal opportunity employer and seeks rich diversity among faculty and administration. Bentley School offers equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and all employees without regard to sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, race, color, caste, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, religious creed, sexual orientation, age, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic characteristic or genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, citizenship, medical leave or other types of protected leave, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. An applicant who does not meet the minimum qualifications of the position(s) for which the applicant applies will not be considered for employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview for the position, or otherwise participate in the hiring process, please notify Human Resources.