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Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy is a pluralistic Jewish day school for students in grades 6-12. Located in Bryn Mawr, PA (metropolitan Philadelphia), Barrack is the premier Jewish day school in the Delaware Valley, attracting students from Philadelphia and its suburbs, Allentown, southern New Jersey, and Wilmington, Delaware. The school integrates a comprehensive and rigorous college preparatory curriculum with the teaching of essential Jewish and American values and texts. Guided by our four Derech Eretz values of Honor, Moral Courage, Kindness, and Community, Barrack values diversity, celebrates the richness of Judaism's language, culture, and history, and is strongly connected to Israel. Barrack prepares future leaders of the American, Jewish and global communities who work for a better world through acts of justice and compassion. 

Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy has an immediate opening for a Director of College Counseling responsible for organizing and overseeing all aspects of Barrack’s comprehensive and student-centered college counseling program. The Director of College Counseling will report to the Upper School Director and will supervise the Associate Director of College Counseling. The Director and his/her team will ensure that students are well prepared to tell their stories in the college search process, will advocate for students effectively, and will promote the distinctive Barrack experience to colleges and universities. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the College Counseling department embracing the highest ethical and professional standards.
• Track current trends within college admissions and adapt the Barrack college advising system accordingly and proactively.
• Provide strategies, advice, support, and guidance to students and their families throughout the application process to make the best individualized choice for college.
• Create an open and positive atmosphere that encourages students and families to take full advantage of the resources available to them.
• Understand and respond appropriately to the individual needs of students in a way that promotes self-sufficiency and confidence.
• Prepare and present programs to educate Upper School parents on the college search process.
• Advise students on course selection and its impact on the college admission process.
• Write recommendations for students applying to college.
• Submit transcripts, Barrack recommendations, and secondary school materials to each college or university reflected on a student’s Scoir list.
• Advocate for students with colleges ethically and effectively. 
• Actively develop and maintain strong relationships with university deans of admission and admissions representatives by visiting campuses and keeping in touch with higher education colleagues throughout the year to stay up-to-date on programs and opportunities at colleges and universities to which Barrack students apply while also articulating effectively Barrack’s mission, goals, and institutional priorities. 
• Serve as the capable subject matter expert on college admissions for Barrack stakeholders, including parents, trustees, and alumni. 
• Serve as Barrack’s Testing Coordinator for Advanced Placement exams, the PSAT, and other standardized tests as needed.

Note: This is an immediate opening for the 2023-2024 school year. However, candidates interested in a summer 2024 start date will also be considered. Please indicate your availability in your cover letter. 

Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to Debra Nathans, Executive Assistant to the Head of School at dnathans@jbha.org.

Job Requirements: 

• Five or more years experience working in a highly selective secondary school college counseling office and/or college or university admissions office. 
• Demonstrate superior organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including public speaking.
• Be able to share the optimism necessary for the college search and application process, balancing the hard realities.
• Strong technical capabilities, including use of Scoir, Google Suite, and other tools necessary for successful completion of work.
• Ability to serve as a respected and trusted colleague and partner to teaching faculty and advisors who support the college process in various ways.
• High energy and endurance to work extended hours during peak periods.
• Ability to travel occasionally on behalf of the school.

About Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy

Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy is a pluralistic Jewish day school for grades 6-12. Located in Bryn Mawr, PA (metropolitan Philadelphia), JBHA is the premier Jewish day school in the Delaware Valley, attracting students from Philadelphia and its suburbs, Allentown, southern New Jersey, and Wilmington, Delaware. Please check out the academic program, extracurricular activities, and the life of the school at our website, www.jbha.org.

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