Posted: 03-Jun-25
Location: Santa Cruz, California
Type: Full Time
Salary: $50-55 per hour
Categories:
Salary Details:
Required Education:
Kirby School in Santa Cruz, an independent grade 6-12 school, is looking for a 50% time, in person, College Counselor. Kirby’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in our hiring process; members from diverse communities are encouraged to apply including racial and ethnic minorities, veterans, people with disabilities and the LGBTQ community. This is a great opportunity for an individual with excellent experience and strong people skills to join a highly respected independent school. For information about our academic program, mission, and philosophy, please visit https://kirby.org.
Overview of Position:
The primary responsibility of the College Counselor is to manage all aspects and strategies for guidance and support in placing Kirby students in colleges and universities. The College Counselor is responsible for establishing and coordinating the outreach and parent presentations regarding college admission. The College Counselor provides information about options for life after Kirby and is available to counsel students and their parents, including assistance with completing college applications. Also responsible for administering and coordinating standardized tests and assisting with summer programs. Some evening and weekend hours are required. Reports directly to the Academic Dean.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The College Counselor will:
- Plan and conduct college application presentations for parents and students (four a year: one for Freshman and Sophomores, one for Juniors, and two for Seniors)
- Maintain a knowledge base of colleges and universities and current admission practices and trends. This includes maintaining memberships with professional organizations, such as NACAC and WACAC.
- Assist Academic Dean and students in mapping academic goals and course selections
- Meet regularly with students and families to advise on college research, standardized tests, application process, and college selection
- Schedule and supervise College Rep visits at Kirby
- Visit between 10-15 or more colleges a year, usually in the spring
- Attend at least one college counseling association conference a year
- Hold College Application essay writing workshops over the summer, ideally four sessions totaling 12 hours. (Depending on need, provide essay writing time over the weekend or on holidays)
- Oversee submission of student college applications
- Review applications, essays, recommendation letters, transcripts, awards, and test scores
- Consult with Academic Dean and Director of Learning Services as necessary
- Arrange for additional testing or opportunities when need indicated
- Write Counselor Letters of Recommendation for each senior
- Provide information about financial aid and scholarship opportunities to families
- Maintain and disseminate information about standardized tests such as SAT and ACT, and oversee preparation and administration of the PSAT
- Proctor the on-site SAT
- Gather post-graduation data from students regarding matriculation and scholarships
- Stay in communication with students and parents as questions come up (often at night or on weekends, so checking email regularly is important)
Alumni
- Create and maintain a database of alumni college matriculations, graduations, and grad school programs.
- Host alumni events once per year.
- Coordinate and populate the quarterly alumni newsletter.
Pay rate based upon qualifications and experience. This position is Monday through Friday, part time during the school year (and part of the summer), in person and includes partially subsidized health benefits.
Interested and qualified candidates should email counselinghire@kirby.org. Please attach a cover letter, current resume, and at least two letters of reference.