College Counselor & Academic Advisor

There is an opening for a full-time, 12-month College Counselor and Academic Advisor at Fayetteville Academy. This position will begin on July 1, 2027.

Join the #1 ranked and leading independent school in the Fayetteville area. Widely known for its commitment to academic excellence, athletics, fine arts, and STEAM programs, Fayetteville Academy is a community of motivated students, engaged families, and talented faculty and staff.

The College Counselor and Academic Advisor is an integral member of the Upper School team and works closely with the Middle and Upper School Directors, Lower School Counselor, Middle and Upper School Counselor, faculty, administrators, students, and families. The successful candidate will bring expertise in college counseling while also contributing broadly to the academic advising, student support, and community life of the school.

Position Expectations

This position includes working closely with Upper School students and their families throughout their high school experience, with particular responsibility for college counseling, academic advising, and the transition from high school to postsecondary education. The position works collaboratively with the Upper School Director, Middle and Upper School Counselor, faculty, administrators, students, and families.

College Counseling

• Guide students and families through all phases of the college search, selection, and application process, beginning with early college awareness and continuing through enrollment.
• Develop and maintain individualized college counseling plans for students in grades 9-12.
• Write a comprehensive letter of recommendation for each senior and support students in developing strong application materials.
• Establish and maintain a professional network with college counselors, admission officers, and representatives from colleges and universities.
• Maintain the school's Scoir account and educate students and families on the effective use of the platform.
• Lead the planning, organization, and presentation of college counseling programs for Upper School students and families, including junior and senior parent programs, 9th and 10th Grade College Planning Nights, financial aid and scholarship programs, and the annual College Fair.
• Coordinate and oversee the submission of school materials required for college applications, including transcripts, school profiles, counselor forms, midyear reports, and final transcripts.
• Advise students and families regarding standardized testing strategies, including SAT, ACT, AP, and other relevant assessments.
• Collaborate with the Upper School team to develop and maintain a comprehensive college counseling curriculum that provides age-appropriate college and postsecondary planning guidance throughout grades 9-12.
• Maintain current knowledge of college admission trends, standardized testing, financial aid, scholarships, and emerging postsecondary pathways.

Academic Advising and Student Support

• Serve as a resource for students, families, and faculty regarding course selection, graduation requirements, academic planning, standardized testing, college admissions, and postsecondary opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Upper School Director on course planning, graduation requirements, academic advising, and student scheduling as appropriate.
• Support students in developing appropriate and challenging academic programs that align with their interests, abilities, and postsecondary goals.
• Work closely with the Admissions Office to review transcripts for incoming Upper School students and develop four-year academic plans.
• Work closely with the Middle and Upper School Directors and Middle and Upper School Counselor to support students' academic, social-emotional, and postsecondary planning needs.
• Collaborate with faculty and administrators to identify students who may need additional academic advising, support, or intervention.
• Participate in the Academic Review Committee and other student-support or academic teams as appropriate.
• Collaborate with the Upper School Director and Middle and Upper School Counselor to ensure continuity of student support as students progress through the Upper School.

Upper School Community and School Responsibilities

• Plan and facilitate the annual Senior Parent Dinner.
• Plan and facilitate Graduation and related Senior Week activities and celebrations.
• Collaborate with the counseling team to facilitate standardized testing and assist with accommodations testing
• Assist the Middle and Upper School teams with the selection of student awards and the planning and facilitation of awards ceremonies and other end-of-year events.
• Serve as a member of the broader school community and actively participate in student life, school events, and community activities.
• Collaborate with faculty and administrators on programs and initiatives that support student engagement, belonging, academic growth, and college and career readiness.
• Maintain appropriate professional memberships and participate in professional development related to college counseling and academic advising.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Middle and Upper Schools and the broader mission of Fayetteville Academy.

Qualifications

Fayetteville Academy actively seeks candidates who participate in the life of the school and possess strong interpersonal skills that allow them to work effectively with students, parents, faculty, and administration.

The successful candidate will have a bachelor's degree, with a master's degree preferred, and at least three to five years of undergraduate admission or college counseling experience. Independent school experience is preferred. Experience with academic advising and supporting students through the high school years is highly desirable.

Effective communication with students, parents, and colleagues is essential. Attention to detail and deadlines, strong organizational skills, the ability to maintain confidentiality, and comfort with technology, including Scoir and other college application platforms, are critical to the success of this position.

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative, team-oriented professional who is willing to step up and step in when needed. The candidate should be self-directed, solution-oriented, flexible, and comfortable working both independently and as part of a team. Strong emotional intelligence, sound judgment, empathy, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude are important qualities for success in this role.

Because this position works closely with students and families throughout their Upper School experience, the successful candidate should demonstrate the ability to build trusting relationships with adolescents, communicate effectively with families, and work collaboratively with colleagues to support the whole student.

References should speak to an applicant's ability to be a dynamic educator, an effective and supportive mentor for adolescents, and a collaborative colleague who communicates with families and other constituencies with empathy, energy, and expertise.

Interested candidates should email a resume, cover letter, and at least three references to mucareers@fayacademy.org.

Fayetteville Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation in administration of its educational policies, admissions, financial aid, and athletic and other school-administered programs. In compliance with the Immigration Act of 1990, Fayetteville Academy will employ only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States. Upon employment, acceptable authorization and identification documents will be required.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $46,655 - $70,052