Associate Director of College Counseling

About the Role

Milton Academy is seeking an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Associate Director of College Counseling to join its experienced college counseling team, beginning at the start of the 2026-27 academic year. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a dedication to the social, emotional, and ethical well-being of students and guide a class of approximately 180 students through every stage of the college search and application process. The College Counseling Team’s guiding principle is to help each student find the right academic, personal, and financial fit where they are admissible.

We are looking for someone who can build trust with students and families across a wide range of racial, socioeconomic, neurodivergent, and family backgrounds, and who wants to be part of the broader life of the school, from advising to athletics to residential programming.

Responsibilities

• Guide students and their families through the college search, financial aid, and college application process with enthusiasm and compassion.
• Collaborate with students and families to develop a realistic college plan that identifies a range of colleges providing the best intellectual, personal, and financial fit.
• Build partnerships between families and the College Counseling Office to support each student’s journey.
• Write compelling letters of recommendation for assigned caseload.
• Ensure effective and timely communication with all stakeholders (students, parents/guardians, faculty, and administration).
• Stay current on the changing admissions landscape through research, association memberships, campus visits, and networking with college admissions professionals.
• Assist with college counseling-sponsored programs, events, and workshops.
• Keep underclass students (grades 9 and 10) informed about testing opportunities and counsel them on course selection.
• Participate fully in the life of the school, including serving as a student advisor, attending school events, and engaging in advising, athletics, or residential programming.
• Serve as a resource for faculty, advisors, and administrators on academic matters.
• Visit colleges regularly, invite admissions professionals to campus, and maintain frequent communication with admissions offices nationwide.
• Collaborate with the college counseling team and other school leaders to develop departmental and school-wide programs and policies.

Advising

• Serve as an advisor to a group of up to nine students, engaging in weekly advisor meetings.
• Connect, support, communicate, encourage, and celebrate each advisee.
• Facilitate students’ social-emotional learning and growth through small group meetings.
• Build deep relationships with advisees and assist them in navigating challenges.
• Act as a liaison between the school and advisee families, serving as the first point of contact.
• Review advisees’ grades, comments, and course selections to ensure challenging and appropriate programs.
• Craft formal advisor reports twice per year, offering overarching perspectives on progress and achievements.
• Attend upper school assemblies, programming, special events, class trips, retreats, and social events.

Community Engagement

• Be a visible, accessible presence around campus.
• Contribute to a positive community culture where students are heard, seen, valued, and cared for.
• Enforce school expectations for students.
• Participate in community enrichment activities, such as advising student activities, sponsoring clubs, coaching athletics, or leading affinity groups.
• Complete chaperone and supervisory duties, including leading weekend programming and recreational activities.

Residential Life (if residing in on-campus housing)

• Act as a mentor and role model in the residential program, supporting students’ social and emotional development.
• Contribute to a positive dorm community culture.
• Serve as a dorm parent on duty once a week and on rotational weekends, adhering to all responsibilities outlined in the faculty handbook.
• Facilitate and oversee programming when on duty and supervise recreational activities.
• Communicate regularly with house staff about dorm students.
• Attend at least two dinners per week with the dorm community.

Professional Expectations

• Work cooperatively with students, parents, peers, administration, and community members.
• Act respectfully and supportively toward colleagues, students, and the institution.
• Maintain open and prompt communication.
• Create and maintain inclusive environments reflecting the school’s values related to diversity, equity, and belonging.
• Engage in professional development and collaborative problem-solving.
• Meet deadlines and attend all school-wide, divisional, and faculty meetings.
• Prepare for and participate in key school events (e.g., opening of school, family visit days, graduation).
• Complete required training and abide by school policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (required). Advanced degree in education or related field (preferred).
• Minimum of three years of experience working with students and families in the college admissions process, either in a secondary school counseling office or a college admissions office.
• In-depth knowledge of colleges, universities, and the current college admissions landscape, including financial aid processes.
• Active participation in professional associations such as NACAC, College Board, and ACCIS.
• Experience working in an independent boarding/day school (preferred).
• Proficiency with Veracross, SCOIR, Slate, and College Kickstart (preferred).

Skills

• Team-oriented approach and collaborative spirit.
• Commitment to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive school community.
• Willingness to take on multiple roles within the school.
• Exceptional analytical writing and public speaking abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external constituencies.
• Understanding of confidentiality and related issues.
• Receptiveness to supervision and professional development.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Creative Cloud.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work at a computer for up to 8 hours daily.
• Ability to move around the Milton Academy campus without restriction.
• Ability to lift up to 10 pounds.

Pay

Salary range: $90,000 to $100,000, based on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

Full-time, 12-month position with flexibility to work nights and weekends.