Director of College Counseling

Description

About Francis Parker School:

Francis Parker School (Parker) is a coeducational independent day school in San Diego, California with 1,330 students in Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12. Founded in 1912, the school’s mission is “to create and inspire a diverse community of independent thinkers whose academic excellence, global perspective and strength of character prepare them to make a meaningful difference in the world.” Parker has two campuses: one in Mission Hills (Lower School, Junior Kindergarten - Grade 5), and a second in Linda Vista (Middle and Upper School, Grades 6 - 12).

Job Description:

The primary responsibilities of the Director of College Counseling are to support, guide and facilitate the college process, from research through application and matriculation. The Director of College Counseling collaborates with the other members of the College Counseling office to provide programming for large groups (i.e. grade levels) and individualized support for students and families. The Director of College Counseling leads the writing of the counselor recommendation for their students and monitors the components of the application process in consultation with the other Directors and the Dean. The Director of College Counseling is included in various campus committees that oversee student interests and the curriculum, and they participate in professional development opportunities that add to their knowledge base and serve the school. Finally, the Director of College Counseling, along with the other Directors of College Counseling, fulfills other duties determined by the Dean of College Counseling to ensure that every student and their families has a positive, supportive experience.

Requirements

 Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Meet with individual students and their families (as assigned) throughout the 4-year college search process to address their questions and provide guidance that meets their specific goals for post-secondary education.
• Maintain regular communication - both in person and electronically - with the student and their parent(s)/guardian(s) throughout the 4-year college search process.
• Maintain clear and accurate records of the 4-year college search process for each individual student. 
• Meet with college representatives (both on campus and through professional development opportunities) to broaden understanding and promote the school and its students.
• Develop programming needs in conjunction with fellow Directors and the Dean so the campus community can be informed on all aspects of the college search and selection process. Sample programs include: college fairs, grade specific sessions, application workshops, financial aid nights, athletics and arts information sessions and case studies, written guidelines relevant to grade levels or other groups. 
• Coordinate with the Grade Level Deans to guide all Upper School students with regard to their 4-year academic and extracurricular plans.
• Draft recommendations for students while overseeing the school information that is shared with colleges and other post-secondary programs.
• Assist in the design of the annual school profile that accompanies college applications and is utilized by several campus departments.
• Keep faculty and staff informed of the college process.
• Support standardized testing programs related to the eventual college search.
• Keep abreast of trends and changes in the field.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree required
• Minimum 3 years experience in the field of college counseling/college admissions
• Interpersonal skills for working effectively with teenagers, parents, faculty, staff and administrators
• Ability to work as part of an office team
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present information to large groups
• Ability to meet the time commitments related to the demands of the job that occur outside the regular school hours
• Ability to keep informed of the field through various professional development opportunities

Salary and Benefits:

Parker is committed to attracting and retaining the highest quality faculty and staff through a substantial compensation plan, including competitive salary, TIAA retirement benefits and full medical/dental coverage. Individual salary is negotiable depending on years of experience and educational background.

Salary Range: $85,000 - $110,000 per year

Non-Discrimination:

Parker values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty, and staff from different backgrounds. All employment decisions are made without regard to unlawful considerations of race, color, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, creed, age, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.