The Associate Director of College Counseling works closely with the Director of College Counseling and the five-member college counseling team to support approximately 40 juniors and 40 seniors and their parents/guardians through the college selection, application, and admission process. This role includes writing letters of recommendation, consulting, and meeting with students regularly, advocating to colleges on students’ behalf, hosting college representatives who visit campus, and contributing to the curriculum of college admissions-focused programming provided by the school. This is a 12-month position, with the opportunity to work largely remotely over the summer (at the time of posting). Saturday mornings in the office are on a rotating basis.

In addition, the Associate Director of College Counseling will also coach/contribute to the afternoon co-curricular program, act as a faculty advisor to students, be involved in all aspects of school life, including evening and weekend duties, and undertake other responsibilities as needed.

College Counseling Responsibilities include:

• In year one, support a cohort of approximately 12 postgraduate students through their college process during their PG year; beginning in November, absorb a full caseload of juniors (approximately 40) to counsel. 

• Act as a liaison to and resource for families.

• Help lead programming and presentations, both in-person and online.

• Participate in professional development.

• Participate in special projects as assigned, helping to build college counseling curriculum for students and families.

• Coordinate with other key constituents on campus, such as advisors and coaches, to support a student’s college process.

• Write letters of recommendation for all assigned students.

• Visit colleges; develop a broad network of colleagues in the profession. 

• Adopt a growth mindset when it comes to our field and our work.

Faculty duties include: 

• Serve on at least one standing committee that meets periodically throughout the semester.

• Two seasons, or equivalent involvement, in Taft’s afternoon program (co-curricular) activities (approximately 24 weeks per academic year with 5 days per week or equivalent as standard commitment) unless otherwise stated in the job description for a specific position.

• Responsible for the care and well-being of students in a residential boarding school. Provide a safe and secure experience for all students.

• One week of in-office work during the summer and other time as needed to prepare for the school year.   

• Additional duties include serving as a student advisor, seated dinner once a week, dormitory or supervisory duty, occasional student transportation, and additional responsibilities and duties as directed by the head of school.  

Requirements:

• Demonstrated commitment to the tenets described in the school’s Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Portrait of the Graduate.

• A Bachelor’s degree and at least three years of relevant experience.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Willingness to work evenings and weekends for special events and projects.

• Availability to travel domestically and internationally for up to two weeks a year.  

• Technology skills include an ability to learn or a general proficiency with Axiom/Veracross, Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, College Kickstart, Naviance, SCOIR, and Internet browser skills. 

• The ability to inspire and work collaboratively with diverse groups of students, employees, and other invested parties to support and expand programmatic and institutional goals; and interest in joining a residential community that serves a globally inclusive student body.

• Authorized to work in the United States of America and be in possession of a valid driver’s license