Associate Director of College Counseling - Episcopal High School, Houston

Episcopal High School is seeking an Associate Director of College Counseling (or College Counselor, depending on experience) that will guide and support students and their families through the college admissions process. The Associate Director of College Counseling will be a 12-month position, reporting to the Director of College Counseling. The responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions:

• Shepherd students and families during all phases of the college admissions process.
• Write letters of recommendation for approximately 35 students.
• Meet with students and families throughout the year.
• Present workshops for parents and students.
• Help maintain a database and help serve as a point-person for students interested in summer enrichment opportunities and student fly-in opportunities for programs serving underrepresented students.
• Establish and maintain productive relationships with college admission officers, including hosting college representatives at EHS and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of college admissions trends, policies, and procedures to provide accurate and relevant information to students and families.
• Participate in professional development opportunities (conferences, networking...) to enhance expertise in college counseling best practices.
• Provide essay writing, training, editing, and support to students.
• Provide course scheduling support to students, families and faculty.
• Assist families with applying for financial aid and understanding aid award offers.
• Help administer and coordinate standardized testing (APs, PSAT, Pre-ACT.)
• Engage in all facets of school life and education, including school-wide committees and co-curricular activities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher
• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience as a college counselor in independent schools
• Experience in selective college admissions or 3-5 years’ experience in college admissions preferred
• High degree of empathy and patience combined with a genuine interest in knowing students 
• Excellent communication skills: active listening, strong writing, and effective speaking
• Desire to work in a team setting advocating for all EHS students/parents regardless of whether or not the student is part of the counselor’s official caseload
• Strong organizational and time-management skills and a demonstrated ability to meet deadlines 
• Ability to respond effectively and timely to needs and requests
• In-depth knowledge of college application and financial aid requirements in addition to experience with the procedures required to access these resources 
• Effective organizational skills, including facility with technology and database management 
• Willingness to develop or try new approaches, procedures, and strategies 
• A lively sense of humor, joyful flexibility, and ability to multi-task 
• Discretion and respect for confidentiality

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

• Occasionally lift up to 30 pounds.
• Generally works in standard office conditions and climate.
• Works in a highly stressful environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines and a varied and diverse array of contacts.
• May work at a desk and computer for extended periods of time.
• Work intermittently in outside weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.