Associate Director OF College Counseling

Full-Time; 12-Month, Exempt

The Associate Director(s) is/are responsible for assisting the Director of College Counseling with the counseling and support of Shady Side students and their families as they prepare for and navigate the college search and application process. Responsible for the management of the College Counseling program in the absence of the Director.

Primary Responsibilities

• Counsel students (approximately 25-30% of each class) and parents, individually and in groups, in all aspects of the college search and application and financial aid process.
• Support an innovative, robust student-centered college counseling program that is responsive to the current college admissions climate.
• Build and maintain relationships with college admission professionals by visiting college campuses, maintaining regular phone/email communication, and welcoming 100+ college admission visitors to campus each year. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of college admissions trends, policies, and procedures to provide accurate and relevant information to students and families.
• Maintain school and individual memberships in professional organizations, including NACAC, PACAC and ACCIS. Attend professional conferences, workshops and networking events.
• Assist with the design and presentation of college counseling programming for a variety of constituents including students and parents of all grade levels, addressing both general college planning and specific areas such as: athletic recruitment, financial aid and fine arts portfolios.
• Advocate for Shady Side students in the application process in person, in writing and on the phone, regardless of whether or not the student is part of the counselor's official caseload.
• Write comprehensive recommendation letters for all college counselees, gathering information from parents, teachers, school records and students. Proof and assure quality recommendation letters written by Academy staff.
• Ensure timely preparation and submission of all SSA school materials for each application.
• Maintain individual electronic appointment system in Outlook and Calendly (or similar.)
• Support College Counseling social media presence.
• Support SSA faculty and advisors in their role in the college application process.
• Assist with accurate data collection and reporting for office use, BOT or BOV reports, etc.
• Maintain detailed and appropriate confidential records relevant to the college process.
• Represent the Academy to the public, prospective families and the greater community.
• Submit college counseling information for parents' e-newsletter.
• Discretion and respect for confidentiality.
• Some evening and weekend work required.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Serve as academic advisor for 8-10 students through SSA's Advisory program
• Present at professional conferences
• Other duties as assigned by Head of Senior School and/or Director of College Counseling