About this role
POSITION OVERVIEW
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The Associate Director of College Counseling provides comprehensive, individualized college counseling and academic planning to Upper School students and their families, supporting students as they navigate the college exploration, application, and enrollment process. Drawing upon professional experience in college counseling and/or selective college admissions, the position guides students in identifying educational opportunities aligned with their academic interests, personal strengths, aspirations, and individual circumstances.
Working collaboratively within Westminster's College Counseling Office, the Associate Director manages an assigned student caseload, builds meaningful relationships with students and families, prepares individualized recommendations, and advocates for students throughout the college admissions process. The position also contributes to college counseling programming, maintains relationships with college and university representatives, and supports Westminster's commitment to student growth, independence, and informed decision-making.
Division Head: Head of the Upper School
Supervisor : Director of College Counseling
Supervisory Responsibilities : None
Position Status : Salaried, Exempt, Full-time, 11-month
WORK SCHEDULE, TIME OFF & HOLIDAYS
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Hours of Work: This is a full-time position. Typical hours are 7:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some weekend and evening work will be required. Summer work expectations include two weeks on campus and two weeks remote for letter writing.
Scheduled Time Off: The position includes scheduled time off in June and July. Specific dates are established annually by the Division Head based on the academic calendars.
Paid Time Off (PTO): The position is awarded 7 days of Paid Sick Time and 3 days of Personal Time annually, subject to the School's applicable PTO policies and procedures.
School Holidays: The position observes up to 27 paid school holidays annually, in accordance with the School's established holiday calendar and based on the employees scheduled work period. Holidays that occur during the employees non-working period are not provided as additional paid holidays.
REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS
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The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
- Demonstrated professional experience in college counseling, selective college admissions, or a closely related field.
- Strong understanding of college admissions practices, application processes, and the academic and personal factors influencing college selection.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare thoughtful, individualized student recommendations and communicate effectively with students, families, faculty, and college representatives.
- Strong organizational, planning, and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple student cases, application deadlines, and competing priorities.
- Demonstrated ability to provide individualized guidance while supporting student independence, informed decision-making, and personal growth.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop productive, supportive relationships with students and families.
- Ability to exercise sound professional judgment, maintain confidentiality, and handle sensitive student and family information with discretion.
- Proficiency with Google Workspace, college counseling platforms, and electronic student records systems.
- Demonstrated commitment to ethical counseling practices, professional development, and Westminster's educational mission.
- Demonstrated proficiency with college counseling technology and digital platforms, including the responsible use of artificial intelligence tools in accordance with School policies and professional standards.
- Fundamental understanding of and commitment to the Schools culture, mission, and vision (https://www.westminster.net/about-us/fromourfounding) ; a willingness to serve as an ambassador for the School, both internally and externally
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team-oriented environment.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evening and weekend programs, summer responsibilities, and occasional travel.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Counseling, Education, Higher Education Administration, or a related field.
- Experience working in an independent school college counseling office or selective college admissions environment.
- Familiarity with Scoir and other college application management platforms.
- Experience developing and delivering college counseling programs, workshops, and family information sessions.
- Established professional relationships with college and university admissions representatives.
- Experience supporting students through highly selective or holistic admissions processes.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
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- Provides comprehensive, individualized college counseling and academic planning for an assigned caseload of approximately 35–45 students per grade level, guiding students and families through the college exploration, application, and enrollment processes.
- Advises students on college selection, academic preparation, standardized testing considerations, application strategy, and admissions requirements based on individual goals, interests, and circumstances.
- Conducts individual and family conferences to review academic progress, discuss college planning strategies, establish application timelines, and support informed decision-making.
- Prepares thoughtful, individualized, advocacy-centered letters of recommendation that accurately communicate students' academic accomplishments, personal qualities, and contributions to the Westminster community.
- Reviews and provides guidance on college applications, personal statements, supplemental essays, resumes, and other application materials while promoting student ownership and authenticity.
- Monitors student progress throughout the application process, maintains accurate counseling records, and supports timely completion of application requirements and deadlines.
- Communicates regularly and professionally with students and families regarding college counseling programs, admissions developments, application expectations, and individual student needs.
- Collaborates with faculty, advisors, Upper School administrators, and student support personnel to develop a comprehensive understanding of students' academic experiences, strengths, and educational goals.
- Develops and maintains professional relationships with college and university admissions representatives, facilitating approximately 80–100 campus visits annually in collaboration with the College Counseling Office.
- Plans, coordinates, and participates in college counseling programs and events, including college fairs, grade-level information sessions, mock interview programs, case study programs, and university information sessions.
- Participates in approximately 10–15 evening and weekend programs annually, as required to support college counseling activities and broader School responsibilities.
- Co-teaches a 3-week immersive, interdisciplinary class during JanTerm (http://www.westminster.net/JanTerm)
- Attends professional conferences, college visits, and admissions-related programs to remain informed about current admissions practices, institutional priorities, and emerging trends in higher education.
- Collaborates with the Director of College Counseling and other members of the counseling team to evaluate and strengthen office procedures, student programming, communications, and counseling practices.
- Maintains the confidentiality of student and family information and adheres to established School policies and applicable professional standards.
- Supports the broader mission and community of Westminster through participation in faculty activities, professional development, and other assigned responsibilities.
- Performs other duties as assigned
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
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While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, and feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl; and talk and hear. The employee may occasionally lift or move up to 20 pounds. This position requires close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The ability to obtain and maintain CPR, AED, and First Aid certification is required.
While performing the duties of this position, the employee may occasionally be exposed to outside weather conditions and frequently walk on slippery or uneven surfaces. The work environment is often noisy.
Westminster is a drug-free, smoke/vape-free campus.
TRAVEL
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Occasional local or overnight travel may be required for field trips, school-sponsored activities, professional development, conferences, and other School-related responsibilities. Operation of a Westminster-owned vehicle is required, subject to the School's driver eligibility requirements and vehicle use policies.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
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Westminster is committed to equal opportunity in employment. It is Westminsters policy to provide equal employment opportunities and administer terms and conditions of employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran under applicable federal, state, and local laws. EOE/M/F/D/V.