Director of College Counseling & Academic Advising

Job Title: Director of College Counseling and Academic Advising
Reports To: High School Principal

Position Overview:

We are seeking a skilled and passionate Director of College Counseling and Academic Advising to join our team at Denver Christian School. This role is the primary administrator responsible for guiding students through the college application process, beginning in the spring of the junior year and continuing through graduation.  In this work, they oversee the functions of our registrar and our college athletics advisors.  The person also works with our Director of Career & Technical Education and high school counselor to support the development of four-year plans for our high school students.  

Key Responsibilities:

College Counseling Program Leadership and Development

• Coordinate, plan and implement all college-related programming including college fairs, hosting colleges, and other communication

• Train faculty on methods and strategies to write effective teacher recommendations 

• Maintain a deep knowledge of trends in higher education and an understanding of the current college admission landscape

• Apply broad knowledge of the college admission process at range of college types with a strong understanding of academic programs, admission policies, institution types, college selectivity, academic programs, standardized testing, athletic recruiting, and financial aid

• Host colleges on campus and nurture and develop strong professional relationships with college admission representatives

• Provide timely communication to all constituencies about college counseling programming and results, including High School Principal, Head of School, and Board of Trustees as requested

• Work with the Director of Admissions to integrate College Counseling in the recruitment and retention process for families at Denver Christian.

College Counseling Caseload 

• Guide and support  juniors (in the spring) and seniors (in the fall) class and their parents/guardians through the college search and application process, including:

  • Educating families about the college admission process

  • Developing customized college lists for individual students based on their college interests

  • Monitoring the progress and completion of each senior’s applications

  • Advocating for each senior throughout the college search and application process

  • Writing a detailed and personal letters of support for each college applicant

Academic Advising

• Partner with our Social-Emotional Counselor and Career Counselor as the support team that advises students to:

  • Develop a four-year Denver Christian journey through high school.

  • Ensure effective use of the MaiaLearning platform.

  • Support the development of the Upper School schedule.

Management 

• Oversee the functions of the Registrar  and Athletic College Advisor

MISSION VALUES & ALIGNMENT

• All employees are expected to support the school’s Christian mission and model professionalism consistent with community standards. Participation in school events, devotionals, and staff culture-building practices is expected.

• Denver Christian is committed to cultivating a world-class staff culture grounded in our call to love God and love our neighbors (Mark 12:30–31). All employees are expected to model our core values in their daily work and interactions:

  • Solution-Oriented – We support one another by approaching challenges with a constructive mindset and using the gifts and abilities God has given us to contribute meaningfully.

  • Relationally-Focused – We recognize that the success and well-being of our colleagues matter as much as our own, and we invest in relationships that strengthen our community.

  • Creatively-Inspired – We seek God’s wisdom and pursue fresh ideas, improved processes, and innovative solutions whenever opportunities arise.

  • Effort-Enthused – We seek to honor God through diligent, wholehearted work, showing integrity and enthusiasm in all tasks and responsibilities across the school.

BENEFITS

• Retirement Savings Account with DC contribution
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Continuation of Coverage Under Group Health and Dental Plans (COBRA)
• Life Insurance
• Paid family leave under Colorado FAMLI Leave
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
• Supplemental Insurance Offering

ADDITIONAL PERKS

• A collaborative, invigorating environment that supports professional and personal growth
• Paid professional development, including continuing education opportunities
• Discounts for the children of faculty and staff:
  • Tuition discount
  • Enrollment fee discount
  • Inclusion discount
  • Accommodation discount
  • Free childcare in Thunder Club during  professional development/in-service meetings and early-release Fridays. 
  • Free registration for Thunder Club
  • Free bus service, if space is available
  • Discount for clubs and camps leaders, when working 
• One free lunch entree when school is in session
• Discounts at Thunder Grounds Cafe and Surge Cafe

ABOUT DENVER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Denver Christian School is an independent, PreK-12 Christian school dedicated to serving students from Christian families across the Denver metro area, including those in early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school. Located on our beautiful Lakewood, CO campus, we have been a cornerstone of Christian education in our city for over a century. 

Partnering with parents and churches, we guide students to flourish in their relationship with Christ. While their journey begins with their families’ faith commitment, our professional faculty walk alongside them, nurturing growth as students own and integrate their faith and learning into their lives.

At Denver Christian, we are committed to developing the whole child. Our core curriculum goes beyond academics, encompassing athletics, arts, and extracurricular activities that engage the mind, body, and heart. Through these rich experiences, we aim to uncover and nurture the God-given gifts and talents within each student.

EMPLOYMENT POLICY

Denver Christian School is a bona fide religious educational institution. As permitted by federal law (Title VII) and Colorado law (CADA), the school considers faith, religious alignment, and adherence to our mission as bona fide occupational qualifications for certain positions.

Except where religious preference is legally allowed, we provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

All employees are expected to support and uphold the school’s Christian mission, values, and community standards

Our school makes reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law. An applicant who does not meet the minimum qualifications of the position(s) for which the applicant applies will not be considered for employment.

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor’s Degree.
• Strongly Preferred: Master's Degree in school counseling, higher education, or related field 
• 1-5 years of experience in the College admission process
• Enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the college process and extensive knowledge of the  college landscape across many institution types (Christian, state, small and large liberal arts, etc)
• Enthusiastic, charismatic, creative; possessing strong leadership skills and individual initiative
• Able to work well with a diverse group of students, families, and colleagues
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent written communication skills and technology skills
• Able to creatively problem-solve while working in a fast-paced school environment
• Strong organizational and administrative abilities, time management, and attention to detail
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends, particularly during admissions season
• Willingness to engage in the life of the school (examples: attending retreats, moderating clubs, chaperoning service trips, etc.)

Salary : $75,000 - $90,000