ISLAND PACIFIC ACADEMY is a college preparatory school that utilizes the Design Thinking framework for our students to fulfill our vision to become “Navigators of Change who Go Forward with Confidence (I Mua Me Ka Ha’aheo). IPA’s mission is to “Value Individuality, Empower Students and Inspire Future Success.”

ISLAND PACIFIC ACADEMY is is seeking a qualified College and Career Counselor for the 2025-2026 school year. The ideal candidate is passionate about guiding students through college admissions, career exploration, and the development of life skills. They will be a self-directed, lifelong learner who integrates social-emotional learning into counseling practices and collaborates with faculty, families, and community partners to support students in their postsecondary goals.

Suitably qualified candidates are invited to send a letter of application, including a resume with at least three references, addressed to Harriet Ngethe, Director of Human Resources, at hngethe@ipahawaii.org.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Providing one-on-one and group college counseling services to students.
• Providing appropriate services to Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior students and families to get them college and/or career ready.
• Guiding students through researching colleges, completing applications, writing essays, and preparing for interviews.
• Hosting annual college readiness information sessions for each grade level.
• Educating students and families on financial aid, FAFSA, and scholarships.
• Supporting students with standardized test registration, prep, and interpretation.
• Overseeing administration and coordination of PSAT, SAT, and AP exams.
• Sharing standardized testing data with faculty and administration.
• Serving as liaison with college admissions officers and maintaining contacts.
• Coordinating on-campus college visits and virtual college events.
• Creating and updating the school’s official college profile.
• Writing official school counselor recommendations for each senior.
• Ensuring compliance with NCAA eligibility and guidelines for student-athletes.
• Assisting students in developing and maintaining college and career readiness plans.
• Helping students explore career pathways using assessments and inventories.
• Collaborating with local organizations to facilitate internships and job shadows.
• Assisting students with resume writing and job interview preparation.
• Teaching students practical life skills including money management and budgeting.
• Promoting social-emotional competencies like goal setting, resilience, and decision-making.
• Working with the Student Support Counselor on academic planning and graduation tracking.
• Advising students on course selection aligned with college and career goals.
• Partnering with faculty to integrate college and career content into the curriculum.
• Providing PD to teachers on writing strong college recommendations.
• Organizing annual events including college fairs, career days, and financial aid nights.
• Facilitating dual-credit and early college experiences through partnerships (e.g., HPU).
• Maintaining current knowledge of trends in higher education and career development.
• Using platforms such as SCOIR to support the college application process.
• Managing the College, Career & Life Readiness budget effectively.
• Participating in advisory, lunch duty, and other community responsibilities as assigned.
• Attending professional development and maintaining memberships in NACAC and College Board.
• Collaborating with the Secondary Administration, Registrar and Curriculum Coordinator on a variety of college pathway responsibilities, including registration.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in School Counseling, College Counseling, Career Counseling, or a related field.
• At least 3-5 years of experience in counseling or related work with high school students.
• Knowledge of the college admissions process, standardized testing, and financial aid systems.
• Experience with career readiness programs and tools.
• Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to support students from diverse backgrounds.
• Commitment to social-emotional learning and life skills education.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certification in college or career counseling.
• Experience using Naviance, SCOIR, or other college/career readiness software.
• Experience organizing college fairs, career days, or life readiness workshops.
• Strong understanding of NCAA eligibility requirements.
• Familiarity with SEL practices and curriculum integration.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with faculty and build community partnerships.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB:

• Able to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds for event set-up as needed.
• Capable of occasional travel for student events or professional development.

SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS:

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

SALARY REQUIREMENTS:

• $50,500 to $70,000

Join our team at Island Pacific Academy, where we “Value Individuality, Empower Students and Inspire Future Success” with the purpose of cultivating values-driven students who positively impact our world.

ISLAND PACIFIC ACADEMY is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences.