Northbrook, Illinois
Posted: 28-Jan-26
Location: New York, New York
Type: Full Time
Salary: $65,000-$95,000
Categories:
Preferred Education:
The Quad Preparatory School
Associate College Counselor
Anticipated opening for July 2026
Classification: Exempt
Reports to: Director of College Counseling
Annual Salary Range: $65,000 - $95,000
At Quad Prep, we are on a mission — to transform the lives of neurodiverse, twice-exceptional people by redefining the experience of school. Through the collective, collaborative, and empathic work of our teachers and clinicians, we are empowering our students to engage with the exciting and wonderful diversity of this world.
As we enter our 14th year, we are excited to welcome fellow innovators and collaborative colleagues to our team to be a part of this inspiring and impactful mission. At Quad Prep, a New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) Accredited School, we are eager to create challenging and engaging learning experiences for our students, to seek diverse perspectives, and to work together to continuously refine and redefine best practices in neurodiverse education. The Quad Preparatory School actively seeks to advance diversity through its programs and hiring.
Why work at Quad Prep?
- ACCREDITED SCHOOL: Quad Prep was recognized as an outstanding school when it received accreditation through NYSAIS.
- COMMUNITY: We are committed to building a joyful and inclusive culture where everybody is celebrated for who they are.
- COLLEAGUES: Our colleagues are inspiring, consummate innovators and are at their happiest collaborating to create personalized solutions for each student.
- STUDENTS We guarantee that you will learn something eye-opening every single day from our students — and have a lot of joy and laughter along the way!
- DEEP PROFESSIONAL LEARNING: Quad Prep supports mission-driven educators and clinicians to grow their professional skills and influence in the neurodiversity educational space. Close collaboration with colleagues, coaching from supportive leaders, and thoughtful, in-depth professional learning programs keep us growing.
- GENEROUS AND COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS
- Health: Medical, Dental, Vision
- Student Loan repayment
- Retirement Plan contribution
- Group Life Plan
- Disability Insurance
- Generous Parental Leave
- WORK LIFE BALANCE: In addition to a ten-month school year during which our staff are offered on average 33 days off (approximately 7 weeks) for scheduled holidays and school breaks, we provide generous preparation periods throughout each week, limiting the number of after work hours you will need to work — so that you can live the life you wish for — inside and outside of our school. Additionally, our students are dismissed midday each Friday in order for you to meet with your team and division, as well as plan, and prep.
- EXTRAS You can build a private practice or tutor onsite during after school hours at low-cost reduced rates, available only to our Quad Prep staff.
Who We Are
(If Quad Prep is for you, you'll read what's below and feel, "That's me!")
At Quad Prep, we are guided by values that we hold dear and we have developed an innovative set of practices to meet our mission. We are:
Groundbreaking: We ignite our students’ talents and are passionate about their futures. You are:
- Passionate about our work and our mission
- Creative and excited about reaching each and every learner in new ways
- Excited to help create new, evidence-based best practices in this rapidly evolving field
- Able to set high expectations of both students and yourself and discover ways to meet them
Collaborative: We function with an exceedingly deep degree of collaboration. You:
- Communicate effectively with colleagues
- Seek to understand yourself and others in order to welcome new perspectives
- Are generous of spirit and willing to give and receive feedback and input freely
- Are kind, welcoming, and inclusive
Trustworthy: We are steadfast and are accountable to our students and each other. You:
- Can be counted on to do what you say you will do
- Have a high level of ownership for personal and team results
- Can purposefully develop skills to find success in your work and our learning community
- Ask for support when you need it
- Project an unflappable, firm, and kind presence to our students
Constantly Learning and Growing: We value continued growth and learning. You:
- Seek opportunities to learn and grow in your professional practice
- Support colleagues by sharing best practices and nurturing their learning
- Help the organization grow and improve by developing and sharing new ideas and approaches
Resourceful: At Quad Prep, we dig deep to meet our mission. You:
- Are highly effective and dedicated
- Show initiative
- Display good judgment and sensibility
- Excellent at supporting students inside and outside the classroom
Flexible: At Quad Prep, we never give up on each other and are driven by the ethos of “not if, but how.” You are:
- Open to new ideas
- Nimble in fluid, changing environments
- Excited by growth, change, and innovation
WHAT YOU’LL DO
The Associate College Counselor supports students in exploring postsecondary options and navigating the college application process. The role supports the college office under the guidance of the Director of College Counseling.
Expectations:
- Support students on college applications, including timelines, requirements, and submission processes
- Support students with personal statements, supplemental essays, and resumes (review and feedback)
- Educate students and families on standardized testing, admissions criteria, and financial aid basics
- Help students organize application materials and track deadlines
- Conduct one-on-one and small group counseling sessions
- Maintain meticulous student records, notes, and progress reports
- Collaborate with advisors, teachers, and administrators to support student success
- Stay informed about admissions trends, policies, and higher education options
- Must be flexible in working with students where ever they may be
Competencies:
- Excellent knowledge of the teaching and learning process with an ability to work with diverse populations
- A student-centered mindset
- Effective problem solving skills and the ability to collaborate effectively
- Experience and/or understanding of college counseling, college admissions, postgrad transitional planning and career readiness
- Experience and/or understanding of working with and counseling a twice exceptional student population
- Ability to work with families who are oriented toward college as well as those whose students are seeking alternative pathways to college
- Proven, high level of organizational skills and attention to detail in order to effectively coordinate working with students, parents and colleagues
- Knowledge of the college financial aid process
- Ability to advocate for students and to model self-advocacy skills to college bound students and to model self-advocacy skills to college bound students considering an alternative pathway to college. Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Ideally a working knowledge of both local and national colleges and universities, art, music and performing arts conservatories, as well as alternative pathways to college
- Interest in the mission of The Quad Preparatory School and the readiness to continue building the school’s career planning and college counseling program
- Willingness to learn and receive feedback
Required Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Psychology, Counseling, Sociology, or a related field
- Proficiency with basic office software (Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, or similar)
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Advanced coursework, certificates or relevant work experience
- Familiarity with college application platforms (e.g., Common App, UC, FAFSA)
Work Environment:
This job operates in a school setting. The school is located on the ground, fifth, and sixth floors of a building with an elevator. This role requires working in various locations around the school and occasional travel to the Lower School campus approximately two blocks away.
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and listen. This position is active and involves continuous standing, walking, and climbing stairs. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items under 20 pounds. Typing is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:
This is a full-time exempt position in an educational facility that is open eight hours a day. Teachers, psychosocial teachers, and staff clinicians work ten months out of the year according to the academic calendar (late August to late June). Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required, anticipate at least three of these events throughout the year. In general, though, hours are Monday-Friday 8am - 4pm.
Compensation and Benefits:
Compensation is commensurate with advanced degree, relevant coursework, certifications and relevant experience. Students new to college counseling are required to complete specialized training from the NACAC or similar institution.
At Quad Prep full-time (or over 30 hours per week) employees will have access to a full range of benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), pre-tax transit, and dependent care (DC FSA) accounts; a 401K match, and student loan repayment contributions (after one year of employment); and a range of professional development opportunities, including our First Year Support Program for all new facility and staff; our Leadership Development Institute for those wishing to gain supervisory experience; and a full tuition waiver for candidates wishing to participate in our annual Certificate Program in Meeting the Needs of Twice-Exceptional Students.
All staff will engage with colleagues in our ongoing staff wellness groups, relax at our social events, and collaborate in meaningful work as a valued member of our voluntary groups, including our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging; our Staff Ambassador Program; and our Peer Mentorship Program.
Want to learn more about Quad Prep? Connect with us!
Note that all employees are recommended to be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19.
ADA/AAP/EEO Statement: The Quad Preparatory School is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. We take steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact our People and Culture department at peopleandculture@quadprep.org.
The Quad Preparatory School is based on an inclusive philosophy that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital status, creed, sexual orientation, familial status, citizenship, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by law in its hiring procedures and policies.