Director of College Counseling

Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart•Lake Forest, IL

17h•Onsite

About The Position

Woodlands Academy is seeking a full-time Director of College Counseling for the 2026-2027 academic year. This position is an 11-month position, August through June. The primary role of this position is to develop and deliver a comprehensive college counseling program to students and families. Dedication to the independent school setting is a must. Woodlands Academy believes that a multicultural perspective is an essential element of education and values diversity in its student body, faculty, and staff. Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart is one of 25 Sacred Heart schools in the United States and Canada. Sacred Heart education at Woodlands Academy is distinctive and emphasizes best practices for the education of girls and innovative practices for academic excellence. Established in 1858, the school forms global citizens and transforms young women through a dynamic of relationships that responds to the dignity of each member of the school community. The Director of College Counseling will report to the Associate Head of School for Academics and will join a highly collaborative, innovative, and experienced faculty.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s Degree preferred) in counseling or a related field
Minimum 3 years’ experience counseling in a school setting, preferably college counseling
Able to be flexible, helpful, patient, and creative
A sound knowledge of current pedagogical theory and practice, and an eagerness to continue learning
The ability to develop and implement an effective and engaging curriculum as a highly competent teacher
Knowledge of adolescent development and effective classroom practice for the high school classroom
The ability to build positive relationships with high school students and be a powerful student mentor
The ability to draw people in for collaboration, curriculum development, and problem-solving and be a trusted and sought-after colleague
A high-level of familiarity and competence across cultures and multiple perspectives
A genuine understanding or willingness to learn/understand the culture, community, and the demands students feel on a daily basis
The ability to differentiate classroom instruction for students with varied learning styles or specific learning challenges
Superb communication skills, including excellent verbal/written skills, in order to collaborate with Student Support Team, parents, students, and faculty
Strong people skills in order to be empathetic to the needs of the students and their parents
A willingness to be an active, enthusiastic member of the WA community
Completion of Virtus: Protecting God’s Children training
Successful completion of criminal offender record information and sexual offender registry information checks.

Responsibilities

Teach College Counseling Seminar classes for Juniors (semester 2) and Seniors (semester 1)
Provide advocacy, counsel, and support for all current Woodlands students and families in the college application process
Provide counsel on course selection and extra-curricular choices for students
Meet frequently with each student and her family to provide guidance on an individual level tailored to each student’s needs and goals
Assemble, analyze, and present data on high school testing, college application results, and academic programs
Keep updated and accurate records of college acceptances, scholarships, and awards
Through travel to campuses and conferences, develop and maintain strong relationships with a broad network of colleges, universities, and professional organizations
Throughout the application process, provide help and support to admission officers seeking additional input on Woodlands applicants
Write a secondary school report and recommendation for each senior and submit transcripts and school profile to each college
Develop a comprehensive parent education program that helps parents throughout the school be aware of the college process
Host grade-level meetings with parents and students regarding curriculum, testing, financial aid, and the college application process
Bring college admission experts to campus to present to families and students
Assist students and families to identify resources for scholarships and financial aid for colleges and universities
Raise the visibility of Woodlands Academy locally, regionally, and nationally
Facilitate and publicize college admission representatives’ visits to campus
Supervise the maintenance and use of SCOIR, our web-based college counseling program
Provide ample and flexible summer hours for rising seniors to work on applications, essays, and interviews
Manage AP, ACT, and other standardized testing (Pre-ACT, PSAT, etc.) needed for our students which includes overseeing all requests for accommodations from College Board and ACT
Create and update all public relations materials and reports related to college counseling including the school profile, year-end statistics, alumnae surveys, website, and bulletin boards
Maintain library and files, including electronic databases, of information on colleges, scholarships, and summer educational opportunities
Develop and oversee the college counseling budget
Oversee the school’s Testing Center
Advising approximately 8 -10 girls (academic counseling, community building, parent communication, conferencing)
Engage in the life of the school (presence at assemblies, meetings, events, etc.)
Support, implement, and model the Goals and Criteria for Sacred Heart Schools
Uphold professional standards of personal presentation, discretion, confidentiality, punctuality, and clear, direct, open communication
Participate in school-wide, departmental, and mentor team meetings.