Associate Director of College Counseling

The Associate Director of College Counseling works closely with the Director of College Counseling and the five-member college counseling team to support approximately 40 juniors and 40 seniors and their parents/guardians through the college selection, application, and admission process. This role includes writing letters of recommendation, consulting, and meeting with students regularly, advocating to colleges on students’ behalf, hosting college representatives who visit campus, and contributing to the curriculum of college admissions-focused programming provided by the school. This is a 12-month position, with the opportunity to work largely remotely over the summer (at the time of posting). Taft often has Saturday morning programming, and as a part of this role, some Saturday coverage is required throughout the year.

In addition, the Associate Director of College Counseling will also coach/contribute to the afternoon co-curricular program, act as a faculty advisor to students, be involved in all aspects of school life, including evening and weekend duties, and undertake other responsibilities as needed.

College Counseling Responsibilities include:

• In year one, support a cohort of approximately 40 juniors and approximately 40 seniors and postgraduates and their families throughout the college admissions search process.
• Act as a liaison to and resource for families.
• Help lead programming and presentations, both in-person and online.
• Participate in professional development.
• Participate in special projects as assigned, helping to build college counseling curriculum for students and families.
• Coordinate with other key constituents on campus, such as advisors and coaches, to support a student’s college process.
• Write letters of recommendation for all assigned students.
• Visit colleges; develop a broad network of colleagues in the profession.
• Adopt a growth mindset when it comes to our field and our work.

Faculty duties include:

• Serve on at least one standing committee that meets periodically throughout the semester.
• Two seasons, or equivalent involvement, in Taft’s afternoon program (co-curricular) activities (approximately 24 weeks per academic year) unless otherwise stated in the job description for a specific position;
• Responsible for the care and well-being of students in a residential boarding school. Provide a safe and secure experience for all students.
• Presence in the office during the summer as needed.
• Additional duties include serving as a student advisor, seated dinner once a week, dormitory or supervisory duty, occasional student transportation, and additional responsibilities and duties as directed by the head of school.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated commitment to the tenets described in the school’s Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Portrait of the Graduate.
• A Bachelor’s degree and at least three years of relevant experience.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends for special events and projects.
• Availability to travel domestically and internationally for approximately two weeks a year.
• Technology skills include the ability to learn and general proficiency with Axiom/Veracross, Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, College Kickstart, SCOIR, and Internet browsers.
• The ability to inspire and work collaboratively with diverse groups of students, employees, and other invested parties to support and expand programmatic and institutional goals; and interest in joining a residential community that serves a globally inclusive student body.
• Authorized to work in the United States of America and be in possession of a valid driver’s license

This is a benefits-eligible position that includes either campus housing or a housing stipend and use of school facilities, including the grounds, athletics center, and dining hall (position-specific and subject to availability). Additional details about the general responsibilities for faculty positions can be found here.

The Taft School is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of The Taft School to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to age, gender, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, actual or perceived disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran's status, genetic predisposition or any other class protected by law.