Director of College Counseling at Pomfret School Incorporated – Pomfret, Connecticut

Job Purpose:

The Director of College Counseling is the instructional and administrative leader of the College Counseling Office. The Director works with and supports individual counselees, is responsible for the design and delivery of educational and discovery programming for students and families, and oversees the growth and evaluation of counseling staff. The Director serves as a key academic leader and member of the Teaching and Learning Committee, and is a liaison between the department, administration, parents, and the greater community.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Essential Functions: Leadership & Administration:

• Departmental Oversight: Serve as the department head for the college counseling office: facilitate department meetings, coordinate professional development, and spearhead program initiatives; manage departmental budget
• Supervision & Evaluation: Annually evaluate and support counseling staff to ensure the highest standards of support and advocacy, and consistent investment in every student; create and monitor college counseling data collectors that assess the program and student/parent satisfaction; ensure compliance with ethical standards and deadlines
• Strategic Vision and Policy Development: Establish departmental vision consistent with the School’s strategic plan; assist in the design and evolution of academic and student life programming to meet the needs of Pomfret’s learners and college applicants.
• College Counseling Program Design: Lead the design and implementation of a four-year counseling curriculum that addresses programmatic engagement, academic achievement, college readiness, writing personal narratives, and social-emotional wellness
• College Admissions Liaison: Stay at the forefront of national college admissions trends; maintain and build relationships with university admissions offices; leverage academic breaks and summer for extensive travel to colleges and universities
• Program Coordination: Oversee large-scale department initiatives, including college fairs, college rep visits and exploration events, parent orientations, and student workshops; recruit college admissions representatives for the W.P. Carey Speaker Series, the junior parent workshop, the junior application workshop, and the teacher recommendation writing workshop

Essential Functions: Counseling & Student/Parent Support:

• Direct Services: Provide individualized guidance to an assigned cohort of students and families; write the School Letter of Recommendation for each counselee; manage electronic platforms critical to the application process; assist alumni/alumnae in exploring college transfers;
• Parent Education and Support: Educate and advise parents on the college process, including financial aid and scholarships, athletic recruitment, exploration through college tours, and application timelines
• Resource Management and Review: Create and maintain resources, calendars, and documents for students and families; communicate via newsletters and direct correspondence; review and update the School’s website; compile and annually update the School Profile
• Professional Growth: Pursue continuous professional growth and development, and stay current with programs and issues in admissions and college counseling; attend and contribute to relevant conferences and seminars on the national (NACAC), regional (Clambake, Snowliners), and local (QC4) level

Essential Functions: Faculty Responsibilities:

• Beyond the College Counseling Office: Serve as an advisor; coach one season, or teach one class; participate in residential and student life programming
• All-School Events: Attend all faculty, school, and departmental meetings, chapel programs, and other required school functions
• Availability and Access: Be available during office hours and outside of the academic day for student support; extend access over breaks during critical application periods and throughout the summer
• Alignment: Know, understand, and commit to the Mission and Vision of Pomfret School; adhere to all School policies as outlined in the Employee Handbook; consistently meet or exceed Pomfret School’s Standards of Behavior, Character, and Engagement

Additional Duties: Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Five or more years of experience in a competitive college admissions office and/or independent school setting as a college counselor
• Empathetic leader and learner with a demonstrated record of success providing student-centered, solution-focused mentoring and program design
• Familiarity with a broad range of colleges
• Ability to coordinate tasks in a deadline-driven environment; familiarity with and adherence to NACAC standards of good practice
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
• Clear and timely communicator; judiciously applies confidentiality
• A team player dedicated to supporting the growth of students and colleagues
• Knowledge of and willingness to participate fully in the life of a vibrant boarding school community
• Possess a strong, proactive work ethic

Work Conditions:

• Primarily sedentary and working on a computer
• May require attending remote or on-campus events and walking across campus
• Up to 20% travel required visiting colleges, universities, and fairs
• Lifting up to 10 lbs