College Admissions Counselor

Spring Education Group • San Jose, CA

6d • $90,000 - $90,000

About The Position

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley Upper School, a private grades 6–12 school within BASIS Independent Schools, is seeking a College Admissions Counselor. The counselor provides individualized support to high school students as they navigate college and career planning, working collaboratively with school leaders, parents, and faculty to guide all aspects of the college application process. The role also promotes BASIS to prospective applicants and college admissions officers and communicates the strengths and value of a BASIS education.

The counselor supports eleventh- and twelfth-grade students through applications, teaches the College Admissions Course, advises students on testing and application strategies, and helps students develop essays and applications. The role includes presenting to students, parents, and faculty; supporting faculty with recommendation letters; keeping student records and data; and collaborating with colleagues across BASIS and Spring Education Group. Travel to colleges and networking with admissions officers are part of the position.

The position requires a bachelor's degree and at least two years of experience in college counseling or college admissions. A master's degree or higher and experience with highly selective admissions are preferred. All BASIS employees must obtain a fingerprint clearance card. The role involves frequent walking, standing, sitting, squatting, stooping, reaching, kneeling, rising from the floor, twisting, listening, reading, writing, and speaking English. It also often involves carrying, lifting, repetitive or fine hand movements, and occasionally pushing, pulling, or bending. The position regularly requires hearing and clear vision, with or without correction. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• At least two years of experience in college counseling or college admissions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and comfort with public speaking.
• Superior writing ability.
• Positive attitude and ability to work diplomatically with various constituencies.
• Enthusiasm for building positive, healthy relationships with middle and high school students and supporting their academic, social, and emotional growth.
• Experience with or ability to learn the SCOIR college search and application platform.
• Flexibility and comfort working in a collaborative, innovative team environment.
• Must obtain a fingerprint clearance card.
• Ability to perform the essential duties, with reasonable accommodations as applicable, including the stated physical and communication demands.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree or higher.
• Experience in and understanding of highly selective college admissions.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized college counseling to eleventh- and twelfth-grade students throughout the college application process.
• Write comprehensive, personalized recommendation letters for each twelfth grader in support of college applications.
• Work with applicants to develop standardized testing plans and application strategies, and provide feedback on essays and applications.
• Teach the College Admissions Course to eleventh- and twelfth-grade students.
• Present on college admissions topics and trends to students, parents, and faculty.
• Train and support faculty in writing letters of recommendation.
• Collaborate with the college counseling team, faculty, and school administration to provide leadership and insight on college admissions trends.
• Visit colleges and network with college admissions officers to stay informed about admissions trends and promote BASIS Independent Schools and its students.
• Maintain accurate student files and data and exercise strict professional discretion with confidential student and school information.
• Partner with the Spring Education Group Director of College Advisory and counselors at other network schools to share best practices and promote continuous improvement.
• Support the broader mission of BASIS and fulfill other assigned responsibilities.

Benefits

• Competitive salary dependent on education and experience.
• Career growth opportunities focused on continuous learning, mentorship, and professional advancement across the network of schools.
• Retirement options through which eligible participants may receive a 50% company match for the first 10% of employee earnings deferred.
• Three PPO medical plans to choose from.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Flexible spending account option for pre-tax medical, dependent care, and transit expenses.
• Student tuition remission for employees' children to attend the schools.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level