As a member of the College Counseling Department, the counselor supports students with diverse backgrounds and expectations in identifying colleges and universities that best align with their strengths, interests, and qualifications; and in exploring post-secondary options

Essential Job Functions:

• Help shape programs, policies, and procedures that enhance the college counseling program
• Serve as a resource for parents and students while demonstrating professionalism and      sensitivity to diverse backgrounds, learning styles, and other factors
• Help students and parents explore, assess, research, and prepare for post-secondary opportunities
• Visit colleges and universities; attend conferences/forums to remain current on higher education trends
• Advocate on behalf of students; write thoughtful and comprehensive letters of recommendation
• Develop and present educational programming to students and families on the college search and admissions processes 
• Maintain a personalized approach to counseling and working with students and families to reinforce the philosophy that "fit" in the college process is different for every student
• Assist in the administration of in-school standardized exams, including PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams
• Serve as a liaison to college admissions offices; connect with college admissions representatives during their annual visits to campus 
• Actively support an inclusive school community based on cultural competence, diverse identities and perspectives, and respect for all voices
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across all divisions and departments
• Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends, as necessary
• Other duties as assigned, including but not limited to, academic advising, teaching, or coaching

Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; advanced degree in counseling, education, or related field preferred
•  At least five years of related work experience in the college admissions process 
•  Ability to communicate effectively (orally and in writing) and establish and foster appropriate and collaborative working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and parents
•  Timely responsiveness to constituents, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills 
•  Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines under pressure and time constraints
•  Strong public speaking skills to represent the School at internal and external events
•  Ability to engage and teach students in courses on the college search, essay writing, and the application process 
•  Understanding of the academic, social, and behavioral characteristics of adolescents
•  Familiarity with data systems, such as Naviance, Kickstart, or Blackbaud highly desirable
•  Knowledge of the financial aid application process highly desirable
•  Ability to create and contribute to an engaging and inclusive learning environment and workplace
•  History of continued education or professional development 
•  Ability to be flexible, effectively manage stress, and adapt to changing work priorities and     assignments 
•  Willingness to work as a team player and individual contributor
•  Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask and meet deadlines with maximum precision and minimal supervision
•  Excellent communication skills (oral, written, non-verbal) to build trust among constituencies
•  Commitment to actively promote and contribute to an engaging and inclusive workplace 
•  Ability to be flexible, effectively manage stress, and adapt to changing work priorities in a fast-paced work environment

Requirements:

This job requires the ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull materials and equipment weighing up to 20 pounds, as well as the ability to stand, sit, walk, and effectively use the extremities to reach, hold, touch, push, pull, lift, and carry. Incumbent must also effectively communicate (oral, written, non-verbal) with others. This job typically requires 50% sitting, 25% walking, and 25% standing, and is performed with minimal temperature variation in a generally hazard-free environment. Depending on the classroom assignment, this role may require one to relocate classrooms throughout the day and require ascending and descending stairs. Incumbents will occasionally be required to work extended hours, including after school, during evenings, and on weekends. 

Dexter Southfield’s 36-acre campus is composed of several buildings, playing fields, and outdoor learning spaces, which are accessible via internal and external walkways, stairs, nature paths, hills, and uneven terrain. This position requires one to transfer between these areas in all weather conditions. 
All employees of Dexter Southfield are required to verify employment eligibility and successfully complete CORI, SORI, and fingerprint-based background checks as a condition of employment.

About Dexter Southfield

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