Posted: 20-May-26
Location: Sun Valley, Idaho
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Required Education:
Sun Valley Community School seeks an experienced, student-centered, and inspiring Director of College Counseling to lead a dynamic college counseling program serving students in grades 9–12 beginning on or before July 1, 2026. This leadership position guides students and families through every stage of the college search and application process while helping shape a culture of thoughtful advising, academic exploration, and student advocacy.
The Director of College Counseling serves as a trusted advisor, strategic leader, and visible member of the Upper School community — collaborating closely with students, families, faculty, and colleges nationwide. The ideal candidate combines empathy, excellent communication skills, organizational strength, and sound judgment with a genuine enthusiasm for working with adolescents in a close-knit independent school environment.
Community School educates many highly competitive and high-achieving student-athletes, including nationally and internationally competitive skiers, and seeks a counselor who understands how to support students balancing academics with demanding training, travel, and competition schedules and students who are looking to compete at the collegiate level or beyond.
Position Overview
The Director of College Counseling leads and continues to strengthen a comprehensive, student-centered college counseling program. Responsibilities include individualized advising, oversight of standardized testing, collaboration with faculty and school leadership, and maintaining strong relationships with colleges and universities across the country.
This role requires strong collaboration within the college counseling team, as well as a close partnership with advisors and teachers to fully support students throughout the admissions process.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and strengthen a comprehensive college counseling program for grades 9–12
- Guide students and families through all aspects of the college search and application process, including standardized testing and financial aid
- Collaborate closely with Upper School administration, faculty, advisors, and the College Counseling Associate
- Advise students on course selection and academic planning in relation to college goals
- Support faculty advisors and teacher recommenders throughout the admissions process
- Write and oversee thoughtful, honest student recommendations and provide appropriate advocacy for students
- Build and maintain strong relationships with colleges and universities through regular communication and professional travel
- Host visiting college representatives on campus
- Oversee PSAT, SAT, and AP testing coordination and support student preparation efforts
- Stay informed on trends in college admissions and higher education while continually refining the counseling program and student experience
Community & Culture
Community School educators value meaningful relationships, intellectual curiosity, and engagement beyond the classroom. Many students are highly involved athletes — including competitive skiers and other student-athletes — and faculty work closely with students to support demanding travel and competition schedules through flexibility, planning, and communication.
This is a collaborative, joyful, and mission-driven school community that values both professional excellence and balance. Candidates should embrace the culture of a small independent school and the unique opportunities that come with life in Sun Valley.
Compensation & Benefits
This position includes health insurance benefits. Sun Valley Community School may also assist relocating employees with housing transition support through access to rental housing in the Wood River Valley, depending on availability and individual circumstances. Finalists will complete state and federal background checks as part of the hiring process.
About Sun Valley Community School
Nestled among five mountain ranges in the heart of iconic Sun Valley, Idaho, Sun Valley Community School is a PreK–12 day and boarding college preparatory school serving approximately 450 students. Our students are intellectually curious, adventurous, and deeply engaged with both the natural world and the broader global community.
At Community School, academic vigor is balanced with challenge, exploration, creativity, and authentic connection. We value critical thinking, inclusivity, collaboration, and a healthy sense of humor. Faculty and staff embrace the opportunities that come with living and working in a vibrant mountain community where meaningful relationships and life beyond the classroom matter deeply.
Mission
From our campus to the wilderness, Community School’s mission is to inspire students to think critically, engage confidently, embrace challenges, and lead impactful, purposeful lives.
To Apply
Interested candidates should visit www.communityschool.org to learn more about the school and complete the online application.
Questions may be directed to:
Jessica Wasilewski, Head of Upper School
jwasilewski@communityschool.org
Sun Valley Community School is an equal opportunity employer and seeks qualified applicants regardless of age, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or physical ability, with reasonable accommodation provided as needed.
Qualifications
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Outstanding writing, communication, organizational, and public speaking skills
- The ability to manage multiple priorities with initiative, discretion, and attention to detail
- Empathy, flexibility, patience, and a collaborative spirit
- A demonstrated commitment to accessibility, belonging, and student support
- Experience in independent school college counseling, college admissions, or a related field
- A bachelor’s degree (advanced degree preferred)
- Enthusiasm for living and working in a close-knit mountain community
