Posted: 14-May-25
Location: Brookline, Massachusetts
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Dexter Southfield is an independent school where boys and girls in Pre-K through Class 12 develop their individual talents and build an ethical foundation for life. Students learn to lead and serve with character, confidence, and compassion. Our 36-acre campus is located on the Brookline-Boston line, just minutes from the city’s best museums, libraries, hospitals, performing arts venues, colleges, and universities, all serving as an extension of our classrooms. At Dexter Southfield, we approach everything we do with enthusiasm and commitment, living by our School’s motto: “Our Best Today, Better Tomorrow.”
Essential Job Functions:
- Advise individual students (approximately 30 per grade) and families, beginning in 9th grade. Provide supplemental academic advising and targeted counsel leading toward and through the college application and selection process in 12th grade
- Collaboratively refine programs, policies, and procedures that enhance the college counseling program.
- Help students and parents explore and research post-secondary opportunities while demonstrating professionalism, sensitivity, and utilizing a personalized approach
- Stay up to date on higher education trends
- Write thoughtful and comprehensive letters of recommendation in support of students’ candidacies
- Teach and engage 11th and 12th graders in classroom “College Seminars,” held twice weekly for portions of the academic year
- Develop and present programming, targeting students and families, on all aspects of the college search and application process
- Assist with the administration of in-school exams: e.g. the ACT, SAT, PSAT and AP Exams
- Host and connect with college admissions reps during their annual visits to Dexter Southfield
- Other duties as assigned
- Bachelor’s degree; advanced degree in counseling, education, or related field preferred
- Experience providing college counseling in a secondary school environment
- Understanding of the academic, social, and behavioral characteristics of teenagers and excitement about engaging and educating students
- Effective oral and written communication skills
- A proactive and responsive approach to working with students and families
- Ability to manage competing priorities; strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Familiarity with data systems such as Naviance and College Kickstart is desirable
- Knowledge of the financial aid process
Requirements:
This job requires one to lift, carry, push, and/or pull materials and equipment weighing up to 20 pounds, as well as the ability to stand, sit, walk, and effectively use extremities to reach, hold, touch, push, pull, lift, and carry. Incumbents must also effectively communicate (oral, written, non-verbal) with others. This job typically requires 50% sitting, 25% walking, and 25% standing and is performed under minimal temperature variations in a generally hazard-free environment. Depending on the classroom assignment, this role may require one to relocate classrooms throughout the day and require ascending and descending stairs. Incumbents will occasionally be required to work extended hours, including after school, evenings, and weekends.
Dexter Southfield’s 36-acre campus is composed of several buildings, playing fields, and outdoor learning spaces, which are accessible via internal and external walkways, stairs, nature paths, hills, and uneven terrain. This position requires one to transfer between these areas in all weather conditions.
All employees of Dexter Southfield are required to verify employment eligibility and successfully complete CORI, SORI, and fingerprint-based background checks as a condition of employment.