Associate Director of College Counseling

Worcester Academy, a day-boarding school serving grades 6–PG in New England’s second-largest city, seeks an Associate Director of College Counseling. The Academy’s mission—Achieving the Honorable through Scholarship, Fellowship, Leadership, Craftsmanship, and Sportsmanship—reflects its commitment to excellence, integrity, and community.

About the role

The Associate Director reports to the Director of College Counseling and joins a collaborative team that includes a Senior Associate Director and an Administrative Assistant. The team supports approximately 140 Grade 12/Post-Graduate students and 120 Grade 11 students through the college search, application, and financial aid processes.

Responsibilities

Direct Student & Family Counseling

• Work collaboratively with students and families to create personalized plans aligned with their goals and potential, emphasizing “fit.”
• Guide all aspects of the college search and application process, including individual meetings with students and parents.
• Write thorough, compelling letters of recommendation.
• Coach students through drafting and revising personal statements and application essays.
• Act as a support system and advocate, ensuring students and parents feel heard and empowered.
• Empower students to explore their passions, strengths, and values for self-discovery.

Programming & Office Initiatives

• Assist in planning and implementing Grade 11 and 12 college counseling seminar classes and family programming.
• Participate in college awareness programming for students in grades 9 and 10.
• Support students with summer program and scholarship applications.
• Engage in broader College Counseling Office initiatives and contribute to the Academy community.

Professional Engagement & Outreach

• Develop collegial relationships with college and university representatives.
• Maintain an active presence in professional organizations to stay current with college admission trends.
• Participate in professional meetings, conferences, and college campus visits.

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience in a high school college counseling office and/or college admissions role.

Expertise & Technical Skills

• Knowledge of the college admission process, including selectivity, standardized testing, financial aid, and athletic recruitment.
• Proficiency with student record databases; experience with MaiaLearning or similar software.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current with higher education trends.

Key Mindsets & Soft Skills

• Strong interpersonal, organizational, public speaking, and writing skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to meet deadlines in a time-constrained, high-expectations environment.
• Sense of humor, flexibility, positivity, collegiality, and independence.
• Enthusiasm for motivating and mentoring high school students in an inclusive, equitable environment.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, teachers, parents, and school leadership.
• Discretion, diplomacy, and professionalism in navigating challenging situations.

Working Conditions

• Some evening and weekend work is required.
• Full-time position with regular and predictable attendance.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Effective communication with faculty, staff, parents, students, and external contacts, both in person and digitally.