Associate Director of College Counseling

Bentley School•Lafayette, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Bentley School, a K-12 co-educational independent day school, is seeking an Associate Director of College Counseling. This role brings energy, expertise, and guidance to students and families navigating the college search and application process. The counselor will manage a caseload of approximately 30-40 students, overseeing the progress and completion of their applications. The Associate Director will contribute to a student-centered program philosophy, dedicated to helping each student find a college that is the right fit.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in college counseling and/or college admission
Experience as a college admission reader or officer is a distinct advantage.
An understanding of highly selective college admission.
Enthusiasm for working with high school students and their families.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, strong public speaking skills, and outstanding interpersonal skills.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
Strong technological skills required, including proficiency with email, internet research, and the Google suite of programs.
A high degree of patience, empathy, trustworthiness, and decisiveness.
Personal and professional integrity and respect for absolute confidentiality.
Respect for confidentiality and appreciation for diversity in all of its forms.
Strong collaboration and cross-cultural competency.
Demonstrate a commitment to student well-being and balance, and to diversity, equity and inclusion.
A team-oriented approach and collaborative spirit to all aspects of the college counseling process.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Guide students and their families through the college application and selection process, including building individualized college lists, advising students regarding their applications, and personal statements.
Serve as a knowledgeable and passionate advocate on behalf of each student.
Coordinate and facilitate a variety of informational programs for students and families throughout the year, including panel discussions, application workshops, and other parent/guardian education.
Respond to student and parent/guardian college inquiries of all grade levels.
Provide substantive written and verbal feedback on personal statements and supplemental essays across multiple drafts, with attention to voice, authenticity, and interests.
Compile information for - and write - thoughtful and supportive letters of recommendation for each counselee.
Maintain and cultivate relationships with college admission officers, including hosting them during their visits to campus, and participating in all activities (including travel to colleges and conferences) required to sustain and advance a productive and dynamic college counseling program.
Advise students on gap year programs, and non-traditional post-secondary pathways as part of a comprehensive, student-centered approach.
Serve on school committees, as needed.
Attend school and community-wide events, including some evenings and weekends.
Ensure the college counseling information on the Bentley School website and SCOIR is kept up to date and relevant.
Advise students regarding standardized testing timelines related to college admission.
Provide college financial aid information and scholarship opportunities to students and families jointly with our partnership with College Money Method.
Prepare students on how to conduct themselves in interviews, coach on presentation, self-advocacy and what to expect.
Participate in professional organizations, such as NACAC, WACAC, College Board, BAISCC, ACCIS that support our expertise.
Develop and maintain good working relationships with college admission officers.
Meet the ethical standards of the college admission profession as articulated by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).