College Counselor
General Purpose: The College Counselor is responsible guiding students through the entire college admissions process; assisting with the necessary college entrance documentation and ensuring students meet all requirements to enter college upon high school graduation.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
College Counseling and Individual Support
- Providing comprehensive educational, college, and financial aid planning as part of a counseling team, for Vanguard students and their families
- Providing individualized support to students in selecting schools and navigating the application process
- Setting up a college and career office where student can access information and resources
- Working with teachers to develop an advisory curriculum of college readiness with goals and activities for all grade levels
- Collecting and disseminating information to students and their parents on summer opportunities and encouraging and supporting students in making summer plans
Parent Education and Communication
- Providing information sessions and support for families in understanding the college application process and financial aid
- Providing focused outreach and support to first generation college families.
- Supporting students and families in finding scholarships and college funding
- Keeping parents informed through regular communications that might include a newsletter, web portal and/or monthly mailing
Assessments/Admissions Testing
- Maintaining and disseminating information about standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT.
- Coordinating and supporting test preparation activities for college-related exams administered at The Vanguard School
- Helping register students for and administer PSAT, SAT, and AP exams
- Working with the Student Support Services team to arrange for extended time on tests for eligible students with disabilities
Outreach to Colleges and Universities
- Introducing our program to colleges and universities and fostering partnerships
- Compiling a school profile, as well as information on grading and course offerings
- Arranging for college admissions representatives to visit our campus and facilitating meetings between college representatives and our students
- Serving as liaison with college admissions offices and completing all School Report and mid-year report forms requested by colleges
Partnerships
- Establishing partnerships with local and national organizations to support our students with college preparation and scholarships
- Identifying and maintaining partnerships for our students to take college classes. Support students in applying and registering for classes and monitoring the partnership and student participation
Other Responsibilities
- Keeping track of activities and results and making regular reports to the High School Principal
- Being aware of issues and trends in college admission, higher education, testing, as well as keeping up-to-date about specific colleges
- Maintaining membership in professional organizations
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree required
- Master's degree in Student Affairs, Education, Counseling, or related field strongly preferred
- Prior experience as a College Counselor with a successful track record of student admissions to college preferred
- Commitment to the Vanguard mission and serving all students
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work independently
- Willingness to take initiative and work with a dynamic team
- Meticulous organizational and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail
- Strong interpersonal skills in relating to multiple audiences, including students, parents, and educators
- Ability to connect with students and adults across difference and interact with others with grace, competence, and warmt