Suffolk, Virginia
Suffolk, Virginia
Suffolk, Virginia
Posted: 09-May-25
Location: Chatham, Virginia
Type: Contract
Categories:
Required Education:
Chatham Hall’s College Counseling Office is seeking a highly qualified, dynamic professional with expertise in college counseling and/or selective college admission to join its dedicated administrative team. An ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced independent school environment and further the College Counseling office’s strong relationships with students, colleagues, parents, guardians, and college partners.
Role & Responsibilities
- Leadership and Management:
- Develop and implement a strategic plan for the College Counseling Office that aligns with the school's overall strategic goals and mission.
- Develop, manage, and oversee the College Counseling Office budget and ensure the efficient allocation of resources.
- Establish and maintain clear office policies, procedures, and systems to support the effective delivery of college counseling services.
- Direct Counseling and Guidance:
- Manage a caseload of 35-45 seniors and their families, providing individualized guidance and support throughout the college search and application process, including course selection, standardized testing strategies, college research, application completion, essay development, and financial aid planning.
- Conduct regular individual and group meetings with students and parents to provide timely information, address questions, and build strong working relationships.
- Teach College Counseling Class and participate in programming for students, parents, and guardians in Grades 9-12.
- Manage the administration of standardized testing for all grades.
- Write compelling and personalized letters of recommendation for students.
- Offer guidance and support to students exploring a diverse range of post-secondary options, including but not limited to four-year colleges and universities.
- College and University Relations:
- Develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with college admissions officers through regular communication, campus visits, and attendance at professional conferences.
- Coordinate and host on-campus visits from college admissions representatives, maximizing opportunities for student engagement and information sharing.
- Represent Chatham Hall and its students at local, regional, and national professional conferences and workshops related to college admissions and counseling (e.g., ACCIS, NACAC, TACAC).
- Data Analysis and Reporting:
- Collect, analyze, and interpret data on student college acceptances, matriculation patterns, and trends in higher education to inform program development and strategic planning.
- Prepare comprehensive annual reports and presentations for the Head of School and the Board of Trustees, summarizing the outcomes and effectiveness of the college counseling program.
- Professional Development and Leadership:
- Maintain a thorough and current understanding of trends in college admissions, financial aid policies, and the broader landscape of higher education through ongoing professional reading, attendance at conferences, and active networking.
- Actively participate in relevant professional organizations, such as NACAC, to stay informed and contribute to the field.
- Provide mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities for members of the college counseling team.
- Other Duties:
- Serve as an advisor to a small group of students, keeping track of their academic progress, social involvement, and creating a family away from home.
- Serve as Administrators on Call and On Duty.
- Actively participate in the broader life of the school community, contributing to a positive and supportive environment.
- Uphold and promote the school's mission, values, and guiding principles in all aspects of the role.
Ideal Candidate Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required, master’s preferred.
- Three to five years of experience in independent school college counseling and/or selective college admission.
- Strong advising, writing, and organizational skills with attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Tech-savvy with experience using college counseling software (Naviance, Scoir, MaiaLearning, or Blackbaud) and Google Workspace.
- Possess a passion for mentoring students with empathy and humor.
- Contribute actively to the academic and social development of students as an engaged member of a close-knit school community.
- Embody and model Chatham Hall’s Core Values.
Additional Information
The job description outlines the key responsibilities and fundamental skills required for this role. It is not an all-inclusive list of duties, expectations, or competencies. The supervisor may assign additional tasks and requirements as necessary. This job description is subject to modification.
This is an 11-month salaried position, with the Director of College Counseling, typically spending parts of June and August visiting campuses and engaging in professional development. Competitive salary and benefits offered, including campus housing.
For consideration, candidates should submit applications to ST Search, along with a current resume and a cover letter explaining their interest in and qualifications for this leadership position.
Questions may be directed to Mr. Jamie Estes at Jamie.Estes@SouthernTeachers.com or 434-295-9122.