Faculty Position - Associate Director of College Counseling

Job DetailsJob Location: The Potomac School - McLean, VA 22101Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: 4 Year DegreeJob Category: EducationThe Associate Director of College Counseling is a full-time position reporting to the Director of College Counseling and the Head of the Upper School. This is a ten month role with a requirement for some additional work days during school breaks, including summer. This position has a shared responsibility for guiding the approximately 120 members of each year’s graduating class through the transition to postsecondary education. As a member of a four-person college counseling team, the Associate Director has responsibility for approximately a fourth of the class and prepares a narrative letter of recommendation for each student assigned to her/him. The Associate Director will fully engage in the life of the upper school community, which may include advising, chaperoning, coaching, or taking on other roles, as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities


Provide strategies, advice, support, and guidance to students and their families throughout the application process to make the best individualized choice for college. 


Manage a caseload of students and work directly with students and their families in the college counseling process. 
Advise students on course selection and its impact on the college admission process.
Meet individually with students and parents, as needed. 
Assist students in identifying resources for scholarships and financial aid. 
Write comprehensive narrative recommendations for students applying to college.
Help students and families understand their financial aid packages.


Cultivate relationships with admissions professionals 

Attend professional conferences as budget and other duties allow
Visit college campuses
Meet with college representatives when they visit Potomac
Advocate for Potomac students with college admissions professionals


Contribute to the collaborative team-oriented nature of the office 

Assist in adapting, adjusting, and improving the college counseling program each year
Prepare and present programs to educate Upper School students and parents on colleges and the college search process
Teach college counseling curriculum for students in small-group and full-class sessions.
Participate in events and educational outreach for both students and parents


Regularly prepare scheduled communications targeted to each grade level for parents and students 
Engage in professional development to stay abreast of current trends and hone skill sets
Maintain a database of summer programs, campus fly in opportunities, and scholarships for juniors and seniors
Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required with at least 3 years prior experience in college counseling or college admissions
Successful track record working with students from first contact to college admission
Outstanding interpersonal and organizational skills
Demonstrated skill using technology (i.e., SCOIR, College Kickstart, Veracross, Google Platform)
A strong work ethic, flexibility, integrity, and a willingness to coordinate efforts with others are expected
Patience, a lively sense of humor, and enthusiasm for teaching adolescents and working with parents of adolescents is essential


In striving to fulfill its mission, The Potomac School seeks candidates of diverse backgrounds who embody our core values of courage, integrity, humility, perseverance, and respect