Position Scope

The Assistant Director of College Counseling supports students and their families through every stage of the college search, application, and admission process. This role works closely with faculty, advisors, and administrators to promote each student’s academic and personal growth while ensuring they are informed, organized, and empowered to make thoughtful post-secondary choices. The Assistant Director also collaborates intentionally with advisors to align academic planning with college goals and actively cultivates relationships with colleges and universities to advocate for students and represent the school’s mission.

Essential Functions

• Meet regularly with students and families to provide personalized guidance on course selection, standardized testing, extracurricular involvement, summer opportunities, and developing a well-balanced college list.

• Support students through the application process, including essay review, interview preparation, and completion of school forms and recommendations.

• Write and submit school reports and recommendation letters that highlight each student’s accomplishments, strengths, and character.

• Collaborate with advisors to ensure academic planning supports students’ long-term college aspirations and delivers a consistent message across student support systems.

• Plan and deliver grade-level programming for students and parents (e.g., college nights, workshops, mock interviews).

• Build and maintain strong relationships with college admission representatives through campus visits, professional networks, and hosting events that expand opportunities for students.

• Communicate proactively, clearly, and in a timely manner with students, families, and faculty regarding deadlines, requirements, and trends in college admission.

• Partner with faculty, advisors, and administrators to support student development; participate in divisional and school-wide meetings.

• Stay current with changes in higher education and admission practices by attending conferences, visiting campuses, and engaging in professional networks.

• Maintain accurate student records in the school’s counseling software (e.g., SCOIR) and provide timely reports and data for internal use.

• Contribute to other school programs and activities as appropriate and serve as a positive representative of the school’s mission and values.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in education, counseling, or a related field preferred.

• Minimum of three years of experience in college counseling, college admissions, or a related field.

• Strong ability to build relationships with students, families, colleagues, and higher-education professionals.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.

General Expectations

• Support and model The Bolles School mission.

• Build positive partnerships with students, families, and colleagues.

• Contribute to school life through committees, events, and activities.

Physical Abilities

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Ability to move about campus regularly and attend events, meetings, and activities across multiple locations.

• Must be able to occasionally lift up to 15 pounds (e.g., boxes of materials, event supplies).

• Visual and auditory ability to interact with students, families, and colleagues in person and virtually.

• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed for programs, events, and travel.

• Ability to travel locally and nationally to colleges, conferences, and professional gatherings throughout the year.