Location:

British International School of Chicago, South Loop

Job Overview:

The Director of College Counseling is responsible for the leadership and delivery of all aspects of the college admissions program at BISC-SL. The post-holder works closely with the Head of High School, high school faculty, students, and their families and with a junior college counselor to ensure that all high school students transition to the best possible college or university for their individual needs and aspirations.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree (preferably in School Counseling)

- Master's degree (preferred)

Experience/Knowledge/Skills:

- Substantive college counseling experience.

- Good cross-cultural, interpersonal & communication skills and an affinity for interacting with diverse nationalities and cultures.

- Good written and verbal communication skills.

- Excellent leadership and management skills.

- Experience of recruiting and training new staff.

- Prior experience of working with children (preferred).

- Prior experience of working in a school (preferred).

Administrative Responsibilities:

- Establish and maintain a college counseling budget.

- Ensure that all counseling activities are logged and recorded on suitable platforms (both internal and external).

- Provide updates/data on college applications as required by SLT.

- Write recommendation letters.

- Oversee completion and submission of college applications (including transcripts and recommendations).

- Prepare students for (and administer) any relevant college admission examinations.

- Attend after-school meetings as required and participate in professional development days.

- Attend Open Houses and other weekend/evening events as required.

- Ensure professional and child protection qualifications remain up to date.

- Other duties as assigned by the Principal.

Working with Students/Families:

- Organize a series of college/university visits to BISC-SL and a program of advisory presentations to high school students and their families.

- Guide students to generate appropriate college lists and support the application process.

- Meet regularly with students/families to support the college selection and application process.

- Arrange and facilitate college visits for students.

- Assist students to find suitable summer programs to support their college applications

- Lead the BISC-SL alumni program.

Working with Staff:

- Train and support faculty to be able to write effective letters of recommendation and monitor their submission.

- Liaise closely with Head of High School and IB Coordinator to ensure student course selections are consistent with college/career aspirations.

- Work with Head of High School and IB Coordinator to regularly review and discuss students’ transcripts.

- Liaise with the Learning Support team to ensure any non-standard testing requirements and learning needs are acted upon during the college application process.

- Provide regular updates to SLT and faculty on student applications.

- Provide information/support to the Marketing, Admissions and Communications team regarding college acceptances etc.

- Lead, support, develop and oversee/quality assure the work of the College Counselor.

Working with External Bodies:

- Maintain strong links with ACT/SAT tutoring companies to ensure BISC-SL students are prepared for these exams.

- Foster strong working relationships with College Counseling teams at other NAE schools.

- Maintain and develop links with colleges and universities world-wide and establish positive relationships with admissions staff at those establishments.

- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of entry requirements for universities and colleges around the world.

- Ensure that the BISC-SL transcripts continue to be appropriate for US colleges (while still accurately reflecting IGCSE and IB grades).

- Participate in professional organizations dedicated to college counseling.

Personal Attributes:

- A warm, personable, and curious character

- Takes personal responsibility

- Actively seeks feedback for improvement

- Collaborates willingly with others

- Self-motivated, flexible, and adaptable to different tasks at hand

- Proactive and able to prompt others to ensure deadlines and targets are achieved, calm working under pressure

- High levels of integrity and professionalism

- Excellent time manager with strong organizational skills

- Proficient communicator both oral and written

- Excellent attention to detail

- Ability to work flexible hours

- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and willingness to contribute to the wider life of the school

CREATE YOUR FUTURE

We are Nord Anglia Education, one of the world’s largest premium international schools' organizations. Every day, our teachers and support colleagues help our thousands of students achieve more than they ever imagined possible.

A transformational education at one of our schools is focused on excellent academic outcomes, creativity, wellbeing, and international connectedness. Our innovative use of educational technology also creates a personalized, 21st century learning experience for all students, while our global scale means we can recruit and retain the world’s best teachers and offer unforgettable events and expeditions.

Our people are empowered to make a difference in their fields of expertise. Our fast pace of growth requires evolution and change from everyone, giving you the chance to define the role you do in the future. This challenges the learning agility of our employees and ensures every day brings interesting new experiences.

Founded in 1972 in the United Kingdom, our first international school opened in 1992 in Warsaw, followed by rapid growth across the world since the 2000s.

When you join our team, you will become part of a global family of experts working for a fast-growing premium international brand.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $94,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work setting:

• In-person

Ability to Commute:

• Chicago, IL 60605 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Chicago, IL 60605: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person