College Counselor

About the role

The College Counselor at Archbishop Carroll High School is a mission-driven educator who leads the school’s college guidance program with purpose, compassion, and integrity. Rooted in the Augustinian tradition and Catholic identity of the school, the Director empowers students, particularly seniors, to navigate the college application process with confidence, discernment, and a sense of vocation.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary college counselor for all 12th-grade students, guiding them through discernment, application, and post-secondary decision-making processes with a pastoral and student-centered approach.
• Provide one-on-one counseling and family consultations that foster each student’s sense of purpose and personal growth, rooted in their unique God-given talents.
• Lead workshops on college applications, financial aid (FAFSA/CSS), essay writing, scholarships, and transition-to-college readiness.
• Write thoughtful, mission-aligned letters of recommendation that reflect students’ academic, spiritual, and personal growth.
• Help students reflect on their educational and spiritual journeys as they consider their next steps in life with moral clarity and integrity.
• Support students exploring all post-secondary pathways, including two-year colleges, gap years, trades, the military, or service opportunities.
• Collaborate with the 11th Grade College Counselor to build a vertically aligned, comprehensive college counseling curriculum from junior to senior year.
• Develop and maintain a calendar of grade-level programming, including college planning nights, family engagement sessions, application labs, alumni panels, and college visits.
• Ensure the college counseling program reflects the school's Catholic values, encourages self-awareness, and supports diverse post-secondary goals.
• Coordinate the College Preparation course(s) and assist with the integration of faith-based reflection within the curriculum.
• Build authentic and empathetic relationships with students and families, grounded in respect, trust, and shared commitment to the school’s mission.
• Actively cultivate relationships with college admissions professionals to advocate for students and raise awareness of ACHS's mission and values.
• Partner with faculty, campus ministry, student life, and academic advising to ensure wraparound support for each student.
• Serve as a resource to the broader community, supporting teachers, coaches, and staff in preparing letters of recommendation and engaging in student formation.
• Facilitate faith-informed conversations with students about purpose, service, and their responsibility to others as principled leaders.
• Oversee the submission of all college application materials, including school reports, transcripts, recommendation letters, and school profile updates.
• Maintain accurate records and data through Naviance, SCOIR, or other platforms; track application trends, outcomes, and scholarship awards.
• Develop the annual School Profile in collaboration with academic leadership, showcasing the rigor, diversity, and mission of ACHS.
• Regularly evaluate the college counseling program’s effectiveness, accessibility, and alignment with school goals.
• Attend all counseling department meetings as a function of the role of 12th grade counselor.
• Monitor the rigor of student’s course selections for career/college readiness. Advisement - assist students in goal setting based on academic, career, and social/emotional data.
• Assist all students with developing academic, career, and personal/social skills, goals, and plans.
• Collaborate with parents/guardians, teachers, and students to assist students with educational and career planning.
• Facilitate the course selection and schedule change processes.
• Provides guidance, communicates high expectations, and shows an active student progress.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in School Counseling, Education, or related field.
• Professional experience in college admissions and/or high school college counseling (minimum 5 years preferred).
• Practicing Catholic or deeply familiar with Catholic school environments; committed to Catholic education and student formation in faith and character.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and first-generation college students.
• Outstanding written, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple tasks with care.
• Familiarity with Naviance, SCOIR, or similar tools.