Position Overview

At Marshall School, we believe the college journey is not just about gaining admission — it's about discovering a calling, embracing challenge, and launching a future filled with purpose.

The Director of College Counseling plays a transformative role in this journey, guiding students and families through an empowering, student-centered process that reflects the core values of integrity, compassion, and curiosity.

The ideal candidate is forward-thinking, strategic, empathetic, and deeply knowledgeable about the evolving landscape of college admissions and financial aid. They will cultivate a program that ensures every student is seen, supported, and celebrated as they find their best fit for the future. As a key leader within the Marshall community, the Director will work collaboratively with families, students, faculty, and admissions professionals across the country — championing the agency, aspirations, and individuality of every Hilltopper.

The Director oversees and partners with the College Counseling Coordinator and reports to the Head of Upper School.

Key Responsibilities

Student & Family Engagement

• Guide a diverse group of upper school students (~50 per grade level) and families in grades 9–12 through all stages of the college search, application, scholarship, and financial aid processes.
• Inspire students to proactively take ownership of their journey with self-reflection, research, and personal discovery at the heart of the process.
• Offer empathetic and strategic counseling that empowers students to make confident, authentic decisions about their post-secondary plans.
• Organize and lead signature programs including essay workshops, college visits, application weeks, and family information sessions.
• Maintain clear, consistent, and encouraging communication with families throughout the journey.

Program Leadership

• Compose detailed, individualized counselor recommendations and prepare Marshall’s supporting documentation for college and scholarship organizations.
• Steward the school’s use of Cialfo (college admissions software) as a critical tool for application management and communications.
• Maintain and audit student academic records, transcripts, and graduation requirements with precision and care.
• Stay current on national trends, financial aid developments, and shifts in the college admissions landscape to best advise students and families.

Partnerships & Community Building

• Build strong, authentic relationships with college admission professionals across the country and abroad.
• Actively welcome college representatives to campus and foster opportunities for Marshall students to engage meaningfully with admissions professionals.
• Represent Marshall School at local, regional, and national conferences (NACAC, MACAC, ACCIS, MAIS) and on-campus counselor tours.
• Lead thoughtful data collection, analysis, and reporting for Marshall’s administration and Board of Trustees.

School Leadership and Collaboration

• Serve as an advocate for students’ unique strengths and stories both within and beyond the Marshall community.
• Collaborate with the Head of Upper School and faculty to align academic programs, testing, and college readiness initiatives.
• Prepare and manage the College Counseling Office annual budget.
• Support occasional evening and weekend events, embodying a visible and encouraging presence for students and families.

Professional Qualifications and Personal Attributes

• Extensive experience in selective college admissions and/or independent school college counseling.
• Strategic thinker with an empathetic, student-centered approach.
• Superior written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Meticulous organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects with accuracy and warmth.
• Deep knowledge of the full spectrum of college options, financial aid systems, and application platforms (Common App, Coalition, FAFSA, CSS Profile, etc.).
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Enthusiasm for relationship-building, collaboration, and continuous professional growth.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.

About Marshall School

Founded in 1904, Marshall School is an independent day school and international boarding school in scenic Duluth, Minnesota. Marshall is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of Central States and exists as a closely-knit community of approximately 400 students age 4 through grade 12. We believe in a welcoming environment of trust, creativity, and adaptability focused on development of character, high academic expectations, and supportive community - where highly-qualified staff have flexibility and freedom to meet each student where they’re at, and where every student is guided along their own individual journey to success. Possibility thrives here.

Connections working at Marshall School