Director of College Counseling

Job Description

Position Overview:
Holy Spirit Preparatory School seeks a dedicated and experienced Director of College Counseling to guide and support students in their academic journey, with a focus on preparing students for college admissions. This full-time position will support the mission of the school to provide integral formation-nurturing the faith, intellect, and character of each student. The Director will collaborate closely with faculty, administration, and families to ensure students are equipped to succeed in both their academic work and college preparation. Reporting to the Vice President of Academics, the Director will engage with students at the Upper School, providing classroom-based instruction on test-taking strategies and other key academic skills, in addition to managing the college counseling process.

Responsibilities:

College Admissions Guidance

Provide personalized college counseling to students in Grades 9-12, focusing on college selection, application processes, and helping students develop their individual academic and extracurricular profiles.
Assist students in Grades 11 and 12 with essay writing, application preparation, and interview coaching.
Collaborate with students in Grade 9 and 10 to explore college options, set goals, and build academic foundations to support their future college aspirations.
Guide students in selecting appropriate courses aligned with their goals and college interests, ensuring academic rigor balanced with their overall well-being.
Foster relationships with college admissions representatives and arrange visits to help students understand different college environments.
Academic Support & Classroom Instruction

Lead classroom-based instruction for Upper School students on essential academic skills, including test-taking strategies, time management, study techniques, and preparing for standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, PSAT, and AP exams.
Support students in developing effective study habits and test-taking techniques, ensuring they feel confident and prepared for major assessments.
Monitor academic progress for students in Grades 6-12, working closely with teachers to ensure students meet graduation requirements and achieve academic success.
Collaborate with the Registrar and faculty to compile and maintain accurate student records, including GPAs, transcripts, and recommendations.
Information Management & Communication

Update and maintain the School Profile and College Search Handbook annually, ensuring that it reflects our Catholic identity and academic rigor.
Keep accurate records of college acceptances, scholarship opportunities, and post-graduation outcomes for each senior class.
Communicate regularly with students and families, including producing monthly newsletters to provide updates on college admissions timelines, financial aid, test dates, and other relevant information.
Parent and Student Education

Organize and lead informational presentations and workshops for students and parents on college admissions, financial aid, and other important topics related to post-secondary planning.
Host college-related events for 8th graders, juniors, and new families, helping to educate them about the college process from an early stage.
Provide guidance on college options, admissions trends, and financial aid opportunities, ensuring that families have the resources they need to make informed decisions.
Professional Development & Administration

Stay current with trends in college admissions, standardized testing, and higher education developments.
Maintain memberships in professional organizations such as the College Board, NACAC, and National Catholic College Admission Association.
Oversee the administration of standardized tests (SAT, ACT, PSAT, AP) and serve as the AP Coordinator.
Participate in school-wide activities such as open houses, registration nights, and other community events.
Additional Duties

Participate in and support school activities and events that foster community engagement, including academic advising for students outside of the college counseling process.
Perform other duties as assigned by administration.
Qualifications:

Commitment to the mission and Catholic identity of the school.
Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in School Counseling or related field preferred.
A minimum of three years of experience in high school college counseling or related academic advising.
Strong knowledge of high school curricula, college admissions processes, and standardized testing.
Experience teaching academic skills and test-taking strategies in a classroom or small group setting.
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Proficiency in counseling software and tools for tracking student progress and activities.
Personal Qualities:

A passionate commitment to guiding students in their intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth in line with the Catholic faith.
Ability to build strong, supportive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
A collaborative team player who is proactive, resourceful, and empathetic.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a focus on providing thoughtful guidance and support.
Qualified candidates who can embrace and advance our school's mission and Catholic identity are encouraged to apply.

About the Employer

Holy Spirit Preparatory School (www.holyspiritprep.org), a Catholic, independent pre-K - 12 school in Atlanta, is based on the Christian concept of the human person. We believe that children are created in the image and likeness of God with a supernatural destiny in Christ, since Christ has rescued them from the darkness of sin and called them to share in divine life, in communion with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Our vision of the human person, therefore, is a vision of faith.

Ministr re non ministr r

Every child has been blessed by God with unique potential; our mission is to inspire each child with an education that is Catholic, Classical & Complete.