Position summary: The successful candidate will work as a member of the college counseling team, guiding Northside Christian students and their families through all aspects of the college process. This is an 11-month staff position (closed July), and reports to the Director of College Counseling.

Position Responsibilities

• Provide guidance, support, and counsel to students, families and faculty in all phases of the college process

• Facilitates individual meetings with seniors, juniors and sophomores to discuss matters within the appropriate stage of the college-going process.

• Guides students and families in understand MAIA and other pertinent college planning websites

• Collaborate with the College Counseling team to develop and lead various College Counseling programs that meet the developmental needs of students

• Schedule and manage all on campus college visits

• Coordinate logistics for all on and off campus events and programming

• Provide academic advising for students, counsel them about their four-year course plan and discuss course requests

• Craft a personalized standardized testing plan that best aligns with each student’s skills and coordinate student preparation for standardized tests when appropriate

• Write compelling letters of recommendation for all students in caseload required by colleges and universities

• Develop long-term relationships and trust with colleges and universities

• Participate in local and national associations, such as SACAC, NACAC, and NACCAP and actively engage in professional development

• Advocate for students throughout the college application and admissions process

• Stay current with changes in the counseling profession and the field of higher education

• Serve as Community Service School Lead, maintaining x2vol database

• Create and manage ongoing and active scholarship database and coordinate Financial Aid Nights and Scholarship communications and reviews

• Create social media content/newsletter updates to send to NCS admissions for posting

• Take on special projects and assignments as determined by the Director of College Counseling

Essential Skills

• Obvious enthusiasm for working with adolescents

• A Christ-centered mindset and student-centered advising

• Extensive and in-depth knowledge of all aspects of the college admissions and financial aid processes and an understanding of the current college admissions landscape

• A positive attitude and desire to work collaboratively with colleagues and families

• Strong sense of initiative, purpose, perspective, and humor

• Exceptional analytical and narrative writing skills, including the ability to craft illuminating and compelling letters of recommendation

• Strong comprehension of college counseling platforms and databases such as MAIA, Slate, NCAA Eligibility Center, etc.

• Excellent technological skills

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree and/or college counseling certificate preferred

• At least three years of experience in college admissions and/or a strong background in college counseling in independent/christian schools

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Working conditions are normal for an office environment. Travel is required and may involve occasional evenings and weekends.