Alexandria, Virginia
Posted: 09-Apr-26
Location: St. George, Virginia
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Required Education:
The Opportunity
Blue Ridge School is an all-boys, all-boarding college-preparatory school serving upwards of 190 students on a 751-acre campus situated along the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Just 20 miles from Charlottesville, Virginia, Blue Ridge School is innovative in its approach to educating young men. Passionate teachers, small classes, strong relationships, lots of opportunities to participate in athletics and co-curricular activities, and a rigorous but supportive college prep curriculum empower Blue Ridge graduates to thrive in college and beyond.
For the academic year 2026-2027, Blue Ridge School seeks a visionary, dynamic, empathetic, and collaborative leader to serve as its Director of College Counseling. This individual will provide strategic leadership and complete oversight of the college counseling office, shaping a comprehensive, student-centered program that empowers young men to navigate the college process with confidence, purpose, and authenticity.
Reporting to the Assistant Head of School, the Director will guide the philosophy and execution of all aspects of college counseling, ensuring a program rooted in wellness, balance, student empowerment, self-advocacy, and meaningful self-reflection. The Director will work closely with students, families, faculty, and college admission partners to support each student in identifying and pursuing best-fit postsecondary opportunities aligned with their goals, values, and aspirations.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a committed educator who is, at their core, student-oriented, collaborative in nature, willing to work with others in full support of student success. Candidates should have:
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- Significant experience in college counseling, college admissions, or a related field, with demonstrated leadership experience.
- Proven ability to lead and manage a team, set vision, and execute strategic initiatives.
- Exceptional writing, communication, and public speaking skills, with the ability to engage effectively with students, families, faculty, and external partners.
- Deep understanding of the college admissions landscape and a commitment to ethical, student-centered counseling practices.
- A thoughtful listener who builds trust and fosters strong, supportive relationships with students and families.
- A collaborative, team-oriented leader who brings energy, enthusiasm, and a growth mindset to their work.
- Commitment to the mission of a boarding school environment and a willingness to contribute broadly to school life, including advising, coaching, teaching, and residential or weekend duties.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic vision, leadership, and day-to-day management of the college counseling office, including supervision, mentoring, and evaluation of counseling staff.
- Oversee the design and delivery of a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate college counseling curriculum for grades 9–12.
- Counsel a cohort of students and their families through all aspects of the college search and application process with expertise, empathy, and integrity.
- Guide students in developing balanced and thoughtful college lists with a clear focus on institutional fit.
- Write compelling, personalized letters of recommendation and oversee the quality and consistency of all office communications and application materials.
- Serve as the school’s lead expert on college admissions trends, financial aid, and standardized testing, ensuring families and faculty are well-informed.
- Oversee all standardized testing coordination (PSAT, SAT, ACT, AP) and related preparation resources.
- Lead the planning and execution of college counseling programming, including workshops, family education events, college fairs, and early engagement initiatives for underclassmen.
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with college admission representatives, including coordinating and hosting campus visits.
- Oversee the management and strategic use of SCOIR, including data integrity, scholarship and summer program resources, and communication systems.
- Direct the planning and execution of college tours and school-based travel opportunities.
- Partner with school leadership to analyze outcomes, track trends, and continuously refine the college counseling program.
- Serve as a key ambassador of the school’s mission and values within the broader college admissions community.
- Contribute actively to the life of the school through advising, teaching, coaching, or residential responsibilities, as appropriate.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Assistant Head of School.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
Teaching credential or certification preferred; not required
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 25% sitting, 25% walking, and 50% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.
