Career Center

Merion Mercy Academy, an independent Catholic college preparatory school for girls grades 9-12 outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, seeks an innovative and student-centered college counselor well versed in best practices in independent education to begin in August 2023.

The College Counselor is a highly visible and energetic school leader who guides and supports students through the college application process. The ideal candidate will be a role model for girls with strong leadership, communication and organizational skills, and possess the ability to engage effectively with students, parents and faculty and staff as well as representatives from colleges and universities.

Reporting directly to the Assistant Head of School for Academics, the College Counselor’s duties include but are not limited to :

• educating and counseling students and parents about the college search and application process;
• composing compelling school letters of recommendation for each senior advisee (average load is around 50 students in each grade level);
• overseeing a comprehensive college counseling program for students and parents in grades 9-12; including teaching a College Seminar course for gr. 11 and 12
• meeting regularly with students (juniors and seniors) and their parents;
• providing parent and student programming for all grade levels;
• reading and providing feedback on college essays and supplemental application questions;
• planning and conducting college information programs regarding college admissions, office procedures, financial aid, etc.;
• creating and maintaining strong professional ties with college admissions officers;
• attending national and regional conferences, college tours and local college events;
• organizing the administration of the PSAT;
• serving as the AP Coordinator and organizing on-site AP Test administration;
• assisting with or managing special projects such as communications calendar, scholarship database, website upgrades, school profile, social media, college fair/case study events, and tracking graduates;
• advising current students with course selection and assisting students accepted to the Diocesan scholar program;  
• serving as an academic advisor for a group of 8-20 students.

Interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter and statement of educational philosophy along with three professional references to Valerie Prucnal, the Assistant Head of School for Academics at vprucnal@merion-mercy.com.

Merion Mercy Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its hiring practices.

Position Requirements Include

• a Master’s Degree in Education or School Counseling (preferred) and/or experience in college admissions or college counseling office;
• excellent writing skills, facility with technology, strong communication and organizational skills;
• appreciation of and commitment to single gender education, diversity and to serving the needs of a diverse population;
• commitment to the traditions and philosophy of a Catholic educational community and a style consistent with the Mercy core values are also important.

About Merion Mercy Academy

Merion Mercy Academy, a leading independent Catholic girls’ school outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a college preparatory school sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, offering a holistic education which encourages academic and personal excellence. Its curriculum stresses mercy spirituality, global awareness, and social responsibility. Within a nurturing community, Merion Mercy Academy educates leaders: young women who live mercy and seek justice.

Connections working at Merion Mercy Academy