We are currently seeking a Director of University Counselling Office who will lead a team of university counsellors in designing and implementing a visionary strategy that reflects the ever-changing global admissions landscape. The Director will ensure that the UCO provides individualized, culturally competent guidance, fostering an environment where every student is empowered to achieve their potential. The Director will work closely with the Head, Upper School and the academic team to ensure alignment between UCO strategy and the College’s strategic priorities, including the support of students enrolled in the College’s new graduation pathways. The Director of the UCO will be a relationship builder, representing the office to our families, faculty and staff, and external partners.
Key Responsibilities and Tasks
Strategic Leadership and School Culture
Partner with the Head of Upper School to provide leadership in moving the school towards its future direction and lead the development of a 5-year strategy for the UCO, considering the growth of strategic partnerships with post-secondary institutions and supporting students from all of our graduation pathways in achieving admission to desired post-secondary institutions;
Foster a culture of teamwork, collaboration, and mutual respect; lead an office that is open, welcoming, and accessible to students, families, faculty and staff;
Maintain and communicate core standards, expectations, and code of conduct and policies of the Upper School; act as a visible role model for the community;
Forge and maintain collaborative working relationships with all employees and assist in the development of policies relevant to the Upper School.
People Operations & Departmental Management
Lead hiring (with the Head of Upper School), training, and development of staff; assign work and provide constructive feedback;
Lead the departmental Growth and Evaluation process, modeling a culture of continuous learning;
Ensure the delivery of employee wellbeing, health and safety, change management, employee engagement and diversity and inclusion priorities;
Build team capacity in issues relating to implicit bias, stereotype threat, and institutionalized prejudice;
Implement technology initiatives to increase efficiency and maintain accurate student records in accordance with regulations and policies.
Academic Alignment & Student Support
Collaborate with the Director of Academics to ensure aligned communication with students regarding program options and graduation pathways;
Utilize the resources of your office to facilitate collaboration between faculty and student services, through participation in committees related to our academic program and student support, collaborate with partners across the school to provide holistic support to our students;
Lead the development of the Career Studies curriculum to support students in exploring future career paths.
University Admissions & External Partnerships
Provide post-secondary admissions counselling for students and parents; assist with program/school selection and scholarship applications (including mock interviews);
Guide students on academic issues, course selection, and study habits, as well as personal or social challenges that impact school life;
Prepare and review graduate recommendation letters and provide one-on-one counselling to address individual concerns;
Maintain strong communication links with admissions officers; encourage and build partnerships with post-secondary institutions;
Stay current on global application procedures (US, UK, Canada, etc.) and share up-to-date information regarding admissions and scholarships;
Understand best practices for supporting students through the application process;
Consult with families for feedback to address gaps in service and represent the College at scholarship presentations and association events (e.g., CAIS, ACCIS).
Job Requirements
Experience, Knowledge and Competencies:
University graduate with university admissions and/or college counselling experience;
Several years of progressive work in university admissions or college counselling and mentoring, including team leadership experience or the capacity to lead a team;
Experience with Canadian, US, and UK university admission policies and practices, with further international experience an asset;
A track record of championing equity, diversity, and inclusion;
Knowledge of the theories and principles of behavioural and academic counselling
Knowledge of the admissions requirements, programs, and learning environments of post-secondary institutions;
Knowledge of scholarship, bursary, and other financial support opportunities for students, and the corresponding application requirements and processes considered an asset;
Knowledge of emerging trends and issues related to post-secondary education and career selection;
Well-developed organizational abilities;
Ability to successfully implement programs, initiatives and projects at the Upper School that support the strategic direction of the College;
Ability to analyze data and information to reach valid conclusions and make evidence-based recommendations;
Ability to review and assess activities to determine if goals are being met;
Ability to organize people to achieve by setting goals and providing clear direction;
Ability to analyze and evaluate situations and develop new solutions as needed;
Ability to identify and address the concerns of employees;
Ability to assess individual employees’ performance, determine mentoring needs, and support constructive improvement;
Ability to identify and assess issues that can affect student academic and social success;
Ability to research, assess, and apply current and new techniques for assisting and supporting students in overcoming issues and achieving optimal academic success;
Ability to assess individual and group student issues and their potential impact on success in a post-secondary setting;
Ability to prepare and deliver speeches and workshops;
Ability to inspire a culture that embraces innovation and upholds the highest standards of excellence;
Ability to work successfully with experienced faculty and administration;
Ability to attract and retain outstanding talent;
Capacity to work with parents and students and to mediate and resolve emerging issues;
Superior communication skills: verbal, listening, written, presentations;
Ability to motivate students and staff to realize their potential;
Ability to communicate effectively to inspire and motivate others;
Ability to build positive working relationships with employees, students, parents and guardians;
Ability to effectively engage in challenging conversations or difficult conversations with students, employees, parents, and other colleagues;
Ability to engage students in open discussions about concerns and issues, and find collaborative solutions;
Ability to confer with parents, faculty, and other professionals in understanding and finding solutions to student challenges;
Ability to build and maintain links with post-secondary educational institution admissions offices, to share information and support student applications.
What We Offer
Unparalleled opportunities for professional development including workshops, networking sessions, a leadership program, and visiting experts and scholars;
Flexibility to substitute statutory holidays in recognition of diverse religious and cultural practices;
Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans, including health care and lifestyle spending accounts;
Pension plan, generous vacation time, self-funded sabbaticals, parental leave top-up;
Significant support for personal and family wellbeing and mental health, including the Employee and Family Assistance Program;
Paid volunteer time off for involvement in the communities that matter to you;
Social events for colleagues and their families;
Collaborative and supportive team members and colleagues;
Free on-campus parking.
About UCC
Upper Canada College (UCC) is focused on making the world a more just and inclusive place through dialogue and teamwork. With a commitment to equity and fairness, students learn that what makes us different as individuals makes us stronger as a community. A rigorous academic program is supported by accomplished faculty, exceptional co-curricular programming, and state-of-the-art facilities.
The UCC experience is underpinned by five core values: learning, pluralism, service, community, and well-being. Among its strategic goals is UCC’s ambition to become more diverse and inclusive. This is supported by a recognition that no learning community is whole without the inclusion and amplification of multiple voices; UCC is committed to fostering belonging, striving for justice and peace among all people, and addressing systemic and structural forms of oppression.
UCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity, encouraging applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ and historically marginalized persons. UCC embraces pluralism – celebrating differences, cherishing similarities, and giving voice to multiple perspectives.
This job is for an existing vacancy. Compensation is based on qualifications and experience. The range for the position is $147,800 - $172,000
Please share your resume and cover letter at careers@ucc.on.ca by Wednesday, 18th February 2026 no later than 3:00PM. We thank all candidates in advance; however, we will contact only those selected for an interview.? Artificial intelligence tools may be used at certain stages of the recruitment and selection process.
