Executive Director of School Counseling Academics & Student Wellness

Sacred Heart Academy, a premier all-girls Catholic college preparatory school on Long Island sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood, seeks a dynamic, experienced and faith-filled leader to provide visionary leadership for a comprehensive, student-centered counseling program that supports academic excellence, college readiness, social-emotional growth, and ethical character development.

Start Date: August 1, 2026 (12-month position with modified summer schedule)

Responsibilities

• Leadership & Program Management
  • Lead and supervise the school counseling department, including counselors and social worker.
  • Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive 9th-12th grade level counseling program aligned with SHA’s mission and strategic goals.
  • Support counselors in delivering consistent, developmentally appropriate social-emotional learning (SEL) classroom instruction throughout the year.
  • Establish clear departmental expectations, procedures, and standards of professional excellence.
  • Analyze student data and trends to improve academic outcomes, student wellness, and college placement success.
  • Oversee IEP and 504 Plan requests, reviews, and administration.
  • Responsibilities include a student caseload of approximately 150, 11th-12th grade students.
  • Facilitate regular departmental meetings, professional learning, and program review initiatives.
  • Collaborate with school leadership on policies, scheduling, student support systems, and crisis response planning.
• Academic Counseling
  • Guide students in course selection and academic planning consistent with college preparatory expectations and academic excellence.
  • Monitor student academic progress and intervene proactively when concerns arise.
  • Collaborate with the Assistant Principal to create a Master Schedule.
  • Support students in developing strong study skills, time management, resilience, self-advocacy and leadership skills that define a SHA education.
  • Work closely with teachers, learning specialists, and administrators to support student achievement.
  • Ensure equitable access to advanced coursework, enrichment opportunities, and academic support services.
• College Counseling & Postsecondary Planning
  • Work closely with the SHA Director of College Counseling to provide a highly effective college counseling program focused on top, selective college admissions and best-fit outcomes.
  • Maintain strong relationships with colleges, universities, and educational organizations.
  • Ensure timely preparation and submission of transcripts, recommendations, school reports, and supporting data management, record keeping and documentation.
• Social-Emotional & Student Wellness Support
  • Promote a safe, inclusive, and supportive school environment for adolescent young women.
  • Provide leadership in responding to student mental health concerns, crisis situations, and referrals to outside professionals when necessary.
  • Support initiatives related to student wellness, belonging, character education, and healthy decision-making.
  • Collaborate with families and outside agencies to support student needs.
  • Ensure counseling practices reflect confidentiality, ethical standards aligned with SHA’s mission, and legal requirements.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in School Counseling, Educational Leadership, Psychology, or related field required.
• Appropriate state certification/licensure in school counseling required.
• Minimum of 10 years of successful counseling experience in a secondary school setting preferred.
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience strongly preferred.
• Deep knowledge of college admissions, academic advising, adolescent development, and counseling best practices.
• Strong special education experience with IEP and 504 Plan implementation.
• Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead with professionalism, empathy, discretion, and high expectations.
• Commitment to Catholic education and the integration of the mission of SHA’s founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph.

Desired Characteristics

• Demonstrate unwavering commitment to student growth and achievement.
• Thrive in a rigorous academic environment with high expectations.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
• Lead collaboratively while maintaining accountability and excellence.
• Balance compassion with firmness and sound professional judgment.
• Exhibit initiative, flexibility, and strong problem-solving skills.
• Foster a culture of integrity, inclusivity, wellness, and continuous improvement.

Work Environment

This position operates in a fast-paced, faith-filled, college preparatory school environment serving ~650 9th-12th grade young women that values academic rigor, innovation, collaboration, and student-centered leadership. Evening and occasional weekend commitments may be required for parent programs, college events, and school functions.