Details
Posted: 20-Apr-22
Location: Spartanburg, South Carolina
Type: Full Time
Required Education: Masters
Categories:
College Counseling
Position Description
As an integral member of the Upper School’s leadership team, the Director of College Counseling works closely with the Head of School, Head of Upper School, grade deans, guidance counselors, and faculty to foster an inclusive, positive, and engaging school culture that reflects the school’s mission: to provide a superior educational experience, in a community of trust, that prepares students for a life well-lived.
The Director of College Counseling role is charged with the comprehensive responsibility of leading, organizing, and facilitating the college-going culture of the school in a manner that is age appropriate for the social and interpersonal wellbeing of students. Most notably, the Director works closely with families in guiding them through the college search. The Director will also be responsible for shaping the supporting members of the College Counseling Office. Reporting to the Head of Upper School, the Director of College Counseling works closely with the assistant director of college counseling, grade deans, guidance counselors, director of VISTAS (student support services), division assistant, and faculty.
Responsibilities
- Advise students and parents through the entirety of the college search, with an outlook that seeks matches between family and college values.
- Represent the school at regional and national conferences for professional development and collegiality.
- Foster healthy relationships between the school and college admission offices.
- Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of the college advising program and staff.
- Create and edit the school profile.
- Coordinate college representative campus visits.
- Plan and facilitate grade-level and family college advising events.
- Plan appropriate communication and meetings with parents and students.
- Review student transcripts in coordination with the Head of Upper School.
- Compose letters of recommendation for college advisees; oversee the composition and transmission of faculty letters of recommendation.
- Manage the college advising budget to support the goals of the program.
- Attend Upper School faculty and grade dean meetings.
- Serve as a member of the Upper School Academic Advisory Council, which advises the Head of Upper School on the academic life of the division.
- Play an active role on the school’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.
- Prepare annual summative reports for the Board of Trustees and faculty.
Qualities and Skills
- An interest in and dedication to working with students to reach their full potential.
- Positive, collegial outlook
- A sense of humor
- Personal integrity
- Commitment to uphold the standards of the school
- Discretion above reproach in all dealings
- Empathy in interactions with all of the school’s stakeholders
- Collaborative mindset in fulfillment of the mission of the school
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Outstanding communication skills in writing and speaking
- A keen observer and active listener
- Outstanding organizational skills
School Description
Spartanburg Day School is a college preparatory independent school with an enrollment of 525 students in grades 2K-12. Founded in 1957, the school has a highly qualified faculty and staff, a physical plant value in excess of $30 million and an endowment of $35 million. Accredited by SAIS-Cognia, SDS is also affiliated by membership with IB (lower school), NAIS, SAIS, PAIS, NBOA, MISBO, CEEB, NACAC and Green Steps. For more information visit: www.spartanburgdayschool.org
Spartanburg Day School welcomes people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs. We are committed to creating an environment of respect for our faculty, staff and students. Spartanburg Day School is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a policy of non-discrimination in the treatment of employees or applicants of employment without consideration of race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, national or ethnic origin, age, veteran status, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity or the presence of disability.
Degree Requirements and Experience
Master’s degree and independent school experience in college counseling or college and university admissions.