Director of College Counseling

THE POSITION: DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE COUNSELING

The Director of College Counseling is a full-time position, reporting to the Head of Upper School. The ideal candidate will be a team-oriented, effective manager and leader with a demonstrated interest in and capacity for working with high school students, their families, college representatives, faculty, and administrators.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leading and effectively managing the college counseling department and all programs associated with the college preparation and college admissions process.
• Counseling a cohort of seniors and their families through the college preparation and admissions process.
• Working in collaboration with the college counseling team in the continued development of a comprehensive college counseling program (Pathways) that meets the needs of the Webb community.
• Oversee the publication of the Academic Profile of the school.
• Work effectively with the Admissions Office to accurately and regularly market the school and chare college related news.
• Writing compelling and personalized letters of recommendation.
• Communicating regularly and effectively with parents regarding the college preparation and admissions process.
• Keeping abreast of current trends in college admissions by attending national and regional conferences and visiting colleges to promote and market the Webb curriculum, as well as forging relationships with college admissions officers.
• Participating in local and national associations relevant to the profession, including NACAC, SACAC, the College Board.
• Being willing to engage actively in the Webb school community in an appropriate and visible way.
• Being a faculty advisor to upper school students.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL:

• Demonstrate relevant and current knowledge of the college admissions landscape.
• Possess strong analytical writing skills and the ability to craft letters of recommendation filled with relevant student information.
• Exhibit strong public speaking skills and the desire to lead and participate in events for students, parents, and colleagues.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic, excellent organizational skills, and attention to detail in order to meet deadlines.
• Have the ability to develop strong relationships with students and to assist them in relating their abilities, aptitudes, and interests to current and future goals and college plans.
• Have the ability to work collaboratively with administration, faculty, and other members of the Webb community.
• Prioritize the building and maintaining of trusting relationships with parents and families.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; master’s degree preferred.
• Extensive experience in college counseling and/or college admissions.
• Knowledge of a wide range of universities, including Ivy League, State University systems, and Liberal Arts programs.
• Knowledge of independent schools and selective college admissions.
• Superior interpersonal and communication skills with students, parents, faculty/administration.
• Flexibility, independent initiative, and effectiveness in an energetic environment.
• A sense of humor and the ability to work as part of a collaborative administrative team that values each member’s voice.
• A student-centered focus throughout the college admissions process.
• A familiarity with or willingness to learn relevant college counseling digital resources and platforms.
• Creativity and openness to innovation coupled with the capacity to understand the existing culture and rich history of the School.

This is a 12-month academic administrative appointment that begins no later than July 1, 2022. An earlier start date is possible.

Webb School is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding employees through a compensation plan that compares favorably with those of peer schools. A full benefits package includes retirement, paid holidays and summer vacation, and generous medical/dental coverage.

THE SEARCH PROCESS & APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants should submit the following:

• A cover letter indicating the candidate’s particular interest in and qualifications for the position.
• A current resume.
• The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references. (We will obtain permission from the candidate before contacting references.)

Materials should be submitted to:

Matt Macdonald, Head of Upper School, at matt_macdonald@webbschool.org.

Note: Candidates are encouraged to initiate the application process as soon as possible. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by April 15, 2022.  After an initial review of applicants, the school will conduct interviews with selected candidates. Finalists will be invited to Webb for a more comprehensive series of interviews