What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Director of College Counseling position at Sidwell Friends School?
Sidwell Friends School, a coeducational Quaker day school located in Washington, DC, seeks an Associate Director of College Counseling to join its experienced college counseling office.
The Associate Director of College Counseling reports to the Director of College Counseling and is responsible for administering all aspects of the college search and admissions process, including educating students and parents/guardians about various colleges and universities, the college admissions process, admissions trends, applying for financial aid and scholarships, and standardized testing options; advising and supporting a caseload of juniors and seniors and their families as they proceed through the college process; and helping students and families select appropriate colleges and universities.
The Associate Director of College Counseling meets with juniors and seniors, individually and in groups, to discuss the college process and individual college choices, co-teaches a comprehensive college counseling class for juniors and seniors, serves as an advisor to a group of students and also provides academic and personal counseling. The Associate Director of College Counseling along with the other members of the College Counseling Office will also hold general informational sessions for students and parents/guardians in grades 9 and 10.
The Associate Director of College Counseling is responsible for maintaining working relationships with college admissions professionals; visiting college and university campuses on a regular basis; maintaining familiarity with important programs and issues in the admissions and college counseling fields; representing the School at meetings and conferences of professional associations; and assisting in the organization of various annual events, such as college night programs and mock admissions programs for students and their parents/guardians.
The successful candidate will possess a sophisticated and current understanding of selective college admissions and financial aid. Candidates should have excellent communication skills and be adept at communicating with transparency, candor, tact, and empathy. Excellent counseling, writing, and communication skills are absolutely essential, as is an enthusiastic commitment to school life and to the mission of Sidwell Friends.
Qualifications:
- Minimum of 3-5 years of college counseling and/or college admissions experience
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- High emotional intelligence and empathy
- Enjoy working closely with students and parents/guardians and building relationships
- Strong collaborative teamwork skills
- Broad knowledge of colleges (academic programs, admissions policies, financial aid, etc.)
- Timeliness and professionalism in communications with students, parents/guardians, faculty, and college admissions offices
- Excellent technology skills (Naviance, Microsoft Office Suite)
- Community-mindedness, immersing oneself in the life of the School by attending school events such as athletic games, performances, chaperoning field-trips, etc.
- Bachelor’s Degree required
College Counseling positions at Sidwell Friends School are campus-based; therefore, this position requires teaching in person.
As a condition of employment, all employees who are employed with the school are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and able to provide proof of such vaccination. To make application for a medical or religious exemption, please contact the human resources department.
Interested candidates should upload a cover letter, resume, statement of teaching philosophy, and contact information for three references via our online application.