Career Center

The Field School's program is ambitious and bold, and our teachers and administrators are required to embody the mission of the school – students discover their authentic selves and distinctive paths to become empathetic, creative thinkers who act boldly to shape our shared future – in their day-to-day interactions with students, in the design and implementation of curriculum, and in their professional interaction with colleagues.

A flexible and innovative mindset is required. As content experts and students of best practice, all Field faculty are expected to adapt to their students' learning interests and needs. Strong communication skills and a willingness to collaborate are also important, as Field faculty in leadership regularly work with other teachers, student-support teams, department chairs, and academic leadership to ensure that all of our students are being supported and challenged by our mission. 

At Field, we believe that students learn best when they feel a sense of belonging at their school – when they are seen and valued by their teachers, peers, and school community. Our approach to community emphasizes respect for, and the inclusion of, all community members as individuals. We equally value a focus on the common good and the well-being of the school community as a whole. This balance means that we prioritize the community without prioritizing sameness. 

Field is a place where our classrooms and programs are better because they mirror the outside world. We have a diversity of identity, thought, experience, and ability. We believe in the interconnectedness of people and ideas, and we strive to be a learning community at every level of the school. At the core, teaching faculty of any discipline are expected to be committed learners and model community members. While Field is an independent school we are not independent of each other, or our established academic standards. Faculty are members of the larger Field community and expected to shepherd the values of the school.

Specifically, the Director of College Counseling is charged with guiding and counseling the members of each year’s graduating class of approximately 70 seniors, and their families, through the college process.  The Director is responsible for meeting with individual students and their families, as they create a plan and a college list of great “fit” schools for each individual’s college process. This person will write comprehensive and detailed letters of recommendation, read and edit student essays and supplements, assist with the Common Application, and ensure that all students meet deadlines and guidelines in a timely fashion.

The Director is responsible for planning and leading numerous workshops and events for students and families that take place during the school day and in the evenings. Field hosts around 200 college representatives at Field throughout the months of September, October, and November to meet with students, learn about our school, and foster those critical relationships. Additionally, we host two college fairs on campus. College Counseling staff attend the annual NACAC conference and travel to visit college campuses across the country and internationally. Locally, we participate in the Washington Area Independent Schools group meetings, assist in facilitating the WAIS College Fair, and attend breakfasts, lunches, and events as sponsored by individual colleges. 

The office works closely with the senior and junior class advisory teams, the Upper School Division Director, and the Director of Student Support Services to counsel students on academics, course selections, and related issues as they arise. Throughout the year, as we get to know our students and families well, we are able to counsel them appropriately toward those great “fit” schools, and empower students to take on this college process as their own.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Lead and effectively manage a small college counseling department in a highly regarded independent school  
• Advise students and families as they move through the college research, application, and selection process, as well as navigating financial aid and scholarship opportunities
• Develop first generation college student workshops
• Write letters of recommendation
• Schedule the visits of 120+ college admissions representatives
• Work with grade-level advisors and the Upper School Division Director on advising on course selection, registration, and consequences in the college selection process
• Prepare regular electronic communication to parents and students
• Visit college campuses to establish and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with college admission staffs
• Represent The Field School at national and regional conferences
• Guide the work of the Assistant Director of College Counseling which includes approximately half of the junior and senior classes, PSAT's, AP's and practice ACT administrations, transcripts, Scoir management, and general office management
• Prepare regular reports for the Head of school and the Board on the college admission process, placement, and national trends
• Advise and support faculty in their writing of college recommendations, including instruction on Scoir

Qualifications and Competencies: 

• A detail-oriented approach to work and outstanding communication skills including writing, listening, and public speaking
• The ability to work collaboratively with the administration, faculty, and other key members of The Field School community
• Have experience helping students who have diverse talents and interests find their own ideal college path
• Experience working with international university application systems is desirable. 
• The energy, patience, and sense of humor necessary to work effectively with high-school students and their families
• Ideal candidates should have extensive experience in college admissions and college counseling with 10+ years of experience strongly preferred
• A demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion
• An interest in and openness to professional growth and development
• A bachelor’s degree (advanced degree is strongly preferred)

Work Environment: All faculty may be asked to perform their work duties at home (in the event of remote learning) and/or on campus. In both settings, the teacher is required to maintain a professional environment. While on campus, classes and other activities may be operating either in person or in a distributed setting. All faculty are expected to be present and accessible for the entire school day, regardless of the setting. 

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, all faculty are regularly required to talk and hear. This position is active; it requires standing and walking, including stairs, and the occasional moving/rearranging of classroom/office furniture, equipment, and other heavy and bulky items. 

Travel: Occasional travel is expected in this position, for college visits, etc.