Director of College Counseling
Anticipated Start Date: July 2026

The Position

The Director of College Counseling is responsible for all aspects of the college counseling process for all students and families at Holderness School. Overseeing a staff of full and part-time employees, the Director of College Counseling is responsible for articulating and implementing the school’s philosophical approach to college recruitment to both students and parents. The Director of College Counseling is responsible for individual and group meetings about the college process for all grades and with parents at designated times throughout the year. The Director of College Counseling is responsible for supporting efforts related to standardized testing, as well as providing guidance to alumni seeking college advice for transfer applications or those who have taken a gap year and are applying for the first time.

The Director of College Counseling reports to the Associate Head of School.

Overview

Holderness School is a vibrant and caring boarding school community dedicated to our vision of developing people the world needs most. Educating students in grades 9-12, our school is home to learners, adventurers, artists, advocates, and athletes, situated in the heart of New Hampshire's Lakes Region and White Mountains. From epic outdoor experiences and community service to exploring intellectual passions, we are committed to fostering the growth and success of our students - each of whom is respected, known, and challenged.

Diversity Mission Statement

Holderness School is a community that celebrates and supports diversity in its many forms. We value the multiple perspectives and experiences that diversity brings to our community. At all times, Holderness strives to create opportunities for collaboration, broaden the educational experience of all students and adults, and enrich the lives of all community members.

Primary Responsibilities

• In partnership with the Head of School, define, articulate, and communicate the mission-appropriate philosophy of the office. 
• Directly support a caseload of 30-35 students, including writing counselor recommendations.

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the College Counseling Office, including one full-time and three part-time employees, to support a senior class size of 85-90 through the college process. 
• Host college and university admission representatives for on-campus meetings with students. 
• Visit colleges and universities to create and maintain strong relationships.
• Stay current with college and university trends and requirements.
• Educate, support, and counsel students in the college admissions process through individual meetings during the school year and summer, and college counseling seminars to support ongoing preparation for the college admission process.
• Partner with parents and host programming throughout the year to support the college admissions process, including the Anonymous College Fair, Financial Aid Sessions, Panel Discussions, and programming during family weekends.
• Collaborate with faculty, providing guidance on course selections, educating about changes in the college admissions process, and writing recommendation letters for students.
• Provide input to academic and co-curricular program offerings.
• Manage student data throughout the admission process with Maia Learning and College Kickstart.  
• Prepare and present updates to the Board of Trustees about the Holderness College Admission landscape. 
• Assist in organizing the annual LRISCCA College Fair. 
• Support students through the NCAA process and standardized testing options.
• Serve as a member of the administrative team, which may include administrative duties on campus.

 Qualifications

• Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of experience in student mentorship and supporting the college admissions process.
• Proven track record of successfully guiding students through the college admission process.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• An affinity for working and living within a boarding school community.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.

The Process

If interested in this position, please send a resume with a letter of interest to holderness-employment@holderness.org. Priority consideration will be given to applications received before Friday, November 21, 2025. 

Holderness School offers a comprehensive benefit package including health, dental, vision, life insurance, generous retirement match, professional development opportunities, use of grounds and facilities, and meals when school is in session for you and your family. This is a twelve-month position.

All employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.

Holderness School is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate or tolerate discrimination against any employee or applicant in any manner prohibited by law.

About Holderness School

Located amid the lakes and mountains of central New Hampshire, Holderness School is a traditional co-ed independent secondary school, serving grades 9-12. Holderness strives to strike a balance in fostering the resources of the mind, body, and spirit: the mind through a challenging college preparatory curriculum; the body through outdoor activities and required interscholastic athletics; and the spirit through school and community service and affiliation with the Episcopal Church. Holderness remains, by choice, a small school where everybody plays an important role, and where students, faculty, and staff maintain close personal relationships.

Connections working at Holderness School