The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky seeks qualified candidates for the position of College Counselor and Testing Coordinator. The Gatton Academy is a public residential STEM program established and funded by the Kentucky legislature. It is located on the campus of Western Kentucky University. Students complete their last two years of high school in the program while earning at least 60 hours of college credit. This is a 10-month position that reports to the Assistant Director of Counseling Services. Gatton staff are employees of WKU.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide in-depth college counseling to classes of approximately 100 high school juniors and 100 high school seniors
• Facilitate student and parent workshops on college access and financial aid topics.
• Build relationships with college admissions personnel across Kentucky and the United States.
• Advise students in the financial aid process.
• Coordinate and administer college entrance exams and state exams.
• Develop a supportive community among students consistent with the Gatton Academy’s creed of Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Equality, and Diversity through creative educational, cultural, social, and recreational programming.
• Provide leadership and supervision on Gatton Academy study abroad trips.

Essential Functions

• College Counseling
  • Meet with students individually and in groups to support students in the college and scholarship application process.
  • Write official school recommendation letter for each senior.
  • Facilitate student and parent workshops on the use of Naviance, college fit, essay writing, and the college search, as well as other college access topics.
  • Schedule college admissions representatives visits, facilitate meetings between college admissions representatives and students, and liaise with college admissions offices.
  • Plan and chaperone student trips to visit colleges across Kentucky and beyond
  • Facilitate student and parent workshops on FAFSA, CSS Profile, comparing financial aid award offers, and other financial aid information.
  • Build supportive relationships with students and their parents.
• Testing Coordination
  • Coordinate and administer PSAT and ACT.
  • Coordinate and administer testing related to student graduation requirements such as Kentucky Summative Assessment and Civics Exams, including working with WKU IT to accommodate online testing.
  • Serve as Gatton’s KDE District Assessment Coordinator and Building Assessment Coordinator.
  • Monitor updates from KDE regarding testing requirements and ensure Gatton is in compliance with KDE protocols.
• Administrative or Managerial Functions
  • Compile data related to college access and scholarships, for example specific college acceptance rates, and scholarships offered and accepted.
  • Work with a graphic designer to update Gatton’s annual school profile containing all pertinent details about the current class.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of higher education admissions processes.
• Knowledge of higher education financial aid processes, including familiarity with the FAFSA and CSS Profile.
• Familiarity with Naviance.
• Experience with gifted and talented students.

Compensation and Benefits

• 10-month contract paid over a 12-month period
• Professional development within the Gatton Academy and the University at-large.
• Salary range of $30,000 to $39,000 annually, with benefits package including options for medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, retirement plan (KTRS or ORT), partial University tuition waiver, University Bookstore discount, and reduced price membership to the University’s health and fitness facility.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Counseling, or related field.
• One year of experience assisting students with college applications and applying for financial aid.
• Must be at least 21 years of age and hold a valid driver’s license.
• Must be willing to submit to a state and national criminal history background check.