The College Preparatory School

Associate Director of College Counseling

Location: Oakland, California

July 2024

Position Overview:

The College Preparatory School, an independent high school in Oakland, California, seeks a talented and dynamic individual to serve as the Associate Director of College Counseling. This is a full-time position. The person in this role will function primarily as part of the College Counseling team, and will also be responsible for a project or duty in some other administrative area of the School, to be determined based on interest and school needs. The ideal candidate will thrive in a tight-knit, detail-oriented, high-touch college counseling office, possess a deep understanding of practices and trends in college admissions, excel at working with invested parents who care deeply about student success and higher education and participate actively in professional organizations affiliated with the college admissions field.

Responsibilities and duties:

• Provide personalized guidance to students throughout the college application process, including advising on extracurricular involvement, developing standardized testing strategies, and supporting essay writing.

• Foster a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel empowered to explore their interests, values, and aspirations related to their college goals.

• Team-teach the Purpose & Pathfinding 11th-grade college counseling class, providing students with valuable insights and guidance regarding the college application process, self-awareness, and post-secondary planning.

• Maintain accurate records of student academic profiles, college applications, and admissions outcomes using college counseling platforms such as SCOIR, Slate, and College Kickstart, in addition to our school's counseling software and databases.

• Organize and interpret data that supports healthy, realistic college plans for a highly aspirational demographic of students and parents, including coordinating research on alumni success.

• Engage with families from grades 9-12 and alumni to provide guidance, resources, and connections that support students' educational journey and college counseling process.

• Represent the school at college fairs, conferences, and professional networking events to promote our institution and build relationships with educational partners and industry professionals.

• Participate in the life of the College Prep community through annual traditions and events and other exciting opportunities as they present themselves.

Qualifications and Desired Characteristics:

• Extensive experience in undergraduate admissions at a college or university and/or significant experience in the college office of an independent school.

• A demonstrated commitment to supporting a diverse student population.

• Exceptional writing and communication skills, including the ability to craft distinctive narratives that showcase each student's unique strengths and contributions.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty and staff in an intellectually rigorous environment.

• Ability to think innovatively and strategically about program building and growth.

• Patience, flexibility, and a collaborative spirit to engage with students, colleagues, alumni, and invested parents.

The College Preparatory School offers a stimulating educational environment that encourages professional development, and collaboration. Join us in empowering students to pursue purposeful education and ethical lives in college and beyond. As an equal opportunity employer, College Prep welcomes candidates representing diversity of all kinds.

Benefits include medical and dental coverage, a retirement plan for eligible employees, and daily prepared lunches. College Prep typically does not sponsor applicants for work visas. For more information about our school, visit our website at www.college-prep.org.