DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE COUNSELING

Laguna Blanca School is a college preparatory, coeducational day school located on two campuses in Santa Barbara, California. Grades EK-4 are located on a quaint campus in Montecito, while Grades 5-12 are located on Laguna’s historic campus in idyllic Hope Ranch. Laguna Blanca emphasizes its core values of scholarship, character, balance, and community in its programs. 

JOB DESCRIPTION? 

Laguna Blanca School seeks a Director of College Counseling to lead the school’s college counseling program. The Director will supervise the College Counseling Team and report to the Head of Upper School. This position requires a seasoned professional with a strong understanding of the college admissions landscape, exceptional communication skills, and a collaborative mindset. Duties include building close and supportive relationships with 9-12th grade students and parents, guiding families through the college admissions process, cultivating connections with college admissions professionals, hosting admissions representatives on campus, and developing 9-12th grade programs on college counseling and admissions trends. The Director is also expected to be a visible and supportive member of the Laguna Blanca community. Some evening and weekend responsibilities are required.

Please send application materials to employment@lagunablanca.org.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES 

• Lead and develop the vision and strategy for Laguna’s four-year college counseling program.
• Counsel and advise Upper School students and families on college selection, application strategy, course planning, and extracurricular opportunities.
• Conduct individual and group meetings with juniors and seniors and their families.
• Conduct workshops with juniors and seniors to assist with applications and essays.
• Host programs for freshman and sophomore students and families to explore college and career pathways.
• Conduct individual meetings with freshmen and sophomore students and their families, as needed.
• Coordinate visits by college admissions officers and representatives from academic, summer, and enrichment programs to Laguna Blanca.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with college admissions officers and represent the school at regional and national conferences.
• Oversee the accurate recording of official transcripts and coordinate mailing of secondary school reports, mid-year reports, test scores, and final transcripts.
• Supervise the College Counseling team’s facilitation of standardized testing for Laguna students, such as the AP, PSAT, ACT, and SAT. 
• Conduct financial aid workshops and meetings with families and students.
• Maintain the school’s collection of college counseling literature and software.
• Organize and lead comprehensive college preparation programming, including retreats, field trips, college nights, alumni, college, and professional panels, as well as parent workshops to support students and families throughout the college planning process.
• Stay current on national admissions trends and provide professional development for the counseling team.
• Track and leverage college counseling data to tell the evolving story of student success.
• Partner in the creation and continual revision of the School Profile to accurately reflect student achievements and program strengths.
• Build and maintain relationships with nonprofits, businesses, and academic institutions to foster student engagement and create pathways for research, service, scholarship, career, and community-based learning.
• Provide clear and timely communication to Upper School faculty about college counseling initiatives and invite their participation in programming as appropriate, fostering a cohesive student support system.

STAFF AT LAGUNA

Laguna seeks dedicated and mission-driven staff who:

• Demonstrate a passion for supporting an engaging, inclusive, and student-centered learning environment.
• Contribute to a warm, collaborative, and professional workplace that upholds the school’s values and culture. 
• Exhibit strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence in their role.
• Engage in innovative and strategic thinking to enhance school operations, programs, and initiatives.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues, faculty, and leadership to support the school’s mission and goals.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with students, families, and staff as appropriate to their role.
• Demonstrates cultural competency in their teaching, teamwork, and leadership ability.
• Is committed to the values and the ongoing work of inclusion and belonging. Encourages and maintains a culture of mutual respect and equitable practice, both in the classroom and in the school community.
• Participates as an ambassador of the school to build and support relationships with all key constituents. This support includes participating in a range of school functions including but not limited to admission, alumni, and family events.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Must be able to traverse school facility and lead students to safety in the event of an emergency
• Occasionally bend, stoop, squat, and lift up to 40 lbs as part of job duties
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends for school-related events or projects
• Have a current TB Assessment
• Must provide a clear fingerprint test and background check
• Have CPR and First Aid certifications or have the ability to become certified upon employment

Note: To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to meet the physical requirements and perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. In compliance with federal and state laws, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Please direct inquiries to Angela Jevons, ajevons@lagunablanca.org, (805) 969-1085. 

Compensation

$115,000 - $135,000 depending on experience.  Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and retirement.

Laguna Blanca School does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, national origin,  religion, creed, age, disability, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or  any characteristic that is legally protected under applicable local, state, or federal law. This  nondiscrimination policy includes but is not limited to admission, financial aid, educational  programs, athletics, and employment. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in college counseling and/or college admissions.
• Strong network of college admissions contacts and extensive knowledge of college admissions trends.
• Demonstrated leadership, team management, and mentoring skills.
• Proficiency with college counseling software (e.g., SCOIR) and data analysis.
• Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to handle high-stress situations with professionalism, tact, and empathy.

About Laguna Blanca School

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