JOB SUMMARY

Mid-Pacific Institute is a distinguished preschool through high school college-preparatory community rooted in Christian values. We cultivate compassionate and responsible lifelong learners and global citizens by nurturing intellectual, emotional, artistic, spiritual, and physical strengths. Innovation and inclusion are integral to our ethos, fostering a dynamic and progressive educational environment.
We are seeking an Associate Director of College Counseling who embodies a profound dedication to fostering student success through innovative, student-centered practices. As a member of our dynamic team, you will play a pivotal role in guiding students through the transformative journey of postsecondary planning, ensuring that each student finds a path that aligns with their unique strengths, aspirations, and values. Our ideal candidate possesses a visionary mindset, a steadfast commitment to equity and inclusivity, and a track record of implementing progressive approaches in college counseling.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Postsecondary Planning and Advising

• Spearhead comprehensive one-on-one and group counseling sessions, workshops, and presentations that transcend conventional practices, empowering students and families with the knowledge and skills necessary for navigating the postsecondary landscape.
• Demonstrate an acute understanding of the multifaceted social and emotional dynamics inherent in the postsecondary search and application processes, providing tailored support that addresses the diverse needs of our student body.
• Innovate postsecondary planning classes for high schoolers, instilling in them not only the requisite logistical know-how but also a deep sense of self-awareness and agency in shaping their futures.
• Cultivate a culture of student empowerment and advocacy, guiding students to assertively advocate for their aspirations and values in the postsecondary planning process.

Exceptional Postsecondary Application Support

• Champion an ethos of inclusivity and authenticity in the postsecondary application process, prioritizing student fit and personal fulfillment over superficial markers of prestige.
• Offer nuanced guidance on crafting compelling application materials, ensuring that each student’s unique narrative and potential shine through authentically.
• Uphold the highest ethical standards in college admissions, promoting fairness and integrity in alignment with the National Association for College Admission Counseling’s Guide to Ethical Practice in College Admission.

Advocacy with Colleges and Universities

• Craft meticulously personalized letters of recommendation that genuinely capture each student’s essence, positioning them as holistic individuals poised for success in higher education.
• Forge and nurture collaborative relationships with college admission offices, advocating tirelessly to ensure our students receive fair and holistic evaluations.
• Serve as a staunch advocate for our students, leveraging direct communication and strategic advocacy calls to champion their diverse talents and contributions.

Innovative Technology Integration and Data Management

• Champion a forward-thinking approach to integrate cutting-edge technology into our counseling processes, amplifying student empowerment and departmental efficiency.
• Implement innovative tools and platforms to streamline communication, data management, and information sharing, ensuring seamless coordination within the College Counseling department.
• Uphold stringent standards of confidentiality while maintaining meticulous records of student progress, application deadlines, and scholarship opportunities.

Professional Development and Commitment to Equity

• Stay at the vanguard of evolving trends and best practices in college admissions, actively engaging in ongoing professional development activities to enhance our services.
• Champion equity and access within the broader educational landscape, actively participating in professional associations and community initiatives dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion in higher education.

Thoughtful Engagement in the Mid-Pacific Community

• Act as a visible and engaged member of our vibrant school community, fostering meaningful connections with students, colleagues, and stakeholders alike.
• Collaborate seamlessly with fellow educators and administrators to ensure that college counseling harmonizes seamlessly with our Mid-Pacific’s overarching educational mission.

SCHOOL SAFETY

• Participate in the development of a safe and healthy workplace.
• Comply with the instructions given for their own safety and health and that of others, in adhering to safe work procedures.
• Take reasonable care to ensure their own safety and health and that of others.
• Report any injury, hazard or illness immediately to their Supervisor and Human Resources.
• Not place others at risk by any act or omission, not willfully or recklessly interfere with safety equipment.
• Act as a role model by demonstrating safe work behaviors.
• Identify, assess if necessary, and control hazards within the area of responsibility.
• Ensure that equipment/supplies are properly maintained.
• Maintain relevant knowledge of safety laws.
• Mandatory reporting of sexual abuse to law enforcement or child protective services, and Human Resources. Sexual abuse includes child molestation, any actual or alleged illegal or otherwise wrongful sexual conduct with a minor, and serial sexual misconduct, any actual or alleged illegal or otherwise wrongful sexual conduct with more than one victim; and committed by or alleged to have been committed by any perpetrator who is not a student of an included entity.
• Develop safe work procedures and ensure adherence to procedures.
• Ensure compliance of safety policies and procedures.
• Communicate safety issues with employees.
• Ensure that employees are provided with information, instruction, training and supervision that they need to work safely.
• Ensure that employees are aware of and abide by all relevant safety procedures.
• Encourage early reporting of incidents and forward information to Manager and Human Resources immediately.

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrating Professional Body of Knowledge: A professional demonstrates an understanding of practice area knowledge and appreciates learning more about this practice area and beyond.
• Professional as a Learner: A professional engages in career-long professional learning and ongoing critical reflection to identify opportunities for improving leadership, mentoring, and collaboration. The inherent nature of a professional staff member is a keen, lifelong passion for learning, and a deep curiosity and wonder about people, events, and places.
• Fostering Effective Relationships: A professional builds positive working relationships with colleagues, other departments, and the community.
• Establishing an Inclusive Environment: A professional creates a safe, caring environment that is inclusive of and engaging for others.
• Professional as a Leader: A professional seeks leadership opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in counseling, education, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated experience of at least 3 years in college admission and/or college counseling within a college-preparatory environment.
• Exceptional proficiency in college admissions processes, coupled with outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven track record of leveraging data-driven insights to inform strategic decision-making.
• Familiarity with MaiaLearning or similar college counseling software is advantageous.
• Prior experience working with a diverse student population and demonstrated equity and inclusion mindset. Candidates should be aware of their own identity and biases, consider how privilege impacts the college process, possess a curiosity about the unique stories of all students, and take into account how students’ college experiences may vary according to racial, cultural, and financial backgrounds.
• Team player and self-starter who can both collaborate effectively as well as think independently – we capitalize on the different skills and expertise that each of our college counselors brings to the team and expect each member to contribute insight and new ideas that will bring constant improvement to our program.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Our campus consists of multiple buildings on 44 hilly acres that requires frequent walking including uphill and stairs. The individual is required to talk and hear, often required to sit and use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel and to manipulate keys on a keyboard. The employee may be required to stand, walk, lift and carry approximately 10-15 pounds, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, bend, kneel, crouch or crawl. Requires close vision.

MENTAL DEMANDS

On a daily basis, must frequently problem solve, make decisions, interpret data, organize, speak, write, plan, and clearly communicate.

EQUIPMENT USE

Telephone, computer, iPad - frequently;

Copier, printers and other hardware – occasionally

WORKING CONDITIONS

Indoor - frequently;

Outdoor, Loud Noise, Cold and Hot Temperatures – occasionally

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK SCHEDULE

This position is scheduled for 10.5 months, aligning with the academic calendar plus two weeks of work in the summer. This schedule allows for rest and relaxation during scheduled school breaks.

Regular work hours are Monday through Friday 7:30 am - 4:00 pm, however, these hours may vary depending on several factors. Must be flexible to work outside business hours to meet deadlines.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Mid-Pacific Institute provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, marital status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.