University & Academic Counselor

About the role

The University & Academic Counselor (UAC) is a critical player in supporting EF Academy Pasadena students. Each UAC manages a caseload of approximately 100 international students in grades 9 - 12 and oversees all aspects of their academic progress and university planning.

Responsibilities

• Provides individual student academic program planning for optimal course placement and graduation eligibility including scheduling and credit checks.
• Collects, interprets, and maintains student records (i.e. transcripts) to ensure each student successfully meets all school and local graduation requirements.
• Advises and encourages students to make the most of academic and extracurricular opportunities.
• Assists with PSAT, SAT, and AP test administration.
• Conducts workshops, group presentations, and college admission seminars for students in grades 11-12.
• Assists with college/university counseling programs (day and evening) throughout the school year.
• Supports with academic and career planning programming for grades 9-10.
• Schedules and oversees college representative visits to EF Academy.
• Educates students and parents about college/university admission trends, both domestic and international.
• Advocates for students through the counselor recommendation/referee letter, providing feedback on student applications, and assisting in the submission of application support documents as needed.
• Maintains a proactive approach in the retention of students by ensuring they feel supported and best advised through collaboration with parents and EF Academy staff.
• Committing to learning, embracing, and implementing best practices in student-centered, global education through the university counseling process.
• Stays at the forefront of the college admission profession, anticipating changes and guiding students and families as they navigate a rapidly changing admission landscape.
• Continuously monitors the academic progress of students, meeting with students on a regular basis, and updating parents and EF Academy admission offices on the progress of students, communicating any concerns and helping to celebrate successes.
• Supporting with residential duties as scheduled on weeknights and weekends, as well as other duties as assigned.
• Representing the University & Academic Counseling office at school events and contributing to a positive EF Academy community of faculty, staff, and students.

Requirements

Professional Qualifications And Qualities:

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) and prior experience in college counseling, college admission, or other student academic support roles (required).
• Experience with and understanding of U.S. and international colleges and universities: their academic programs, student experiences, and admission practices.
• Outstanding interpersonal communication skills; strong decision-making aptitude.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational, time management, and multi-tasking skills.
• Computer skills (including proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office) and experience with college counseling software, preferably PowerSchool and MaiaLearning.
• Able to demonstrate flexibility, reliability, and initiative in support of all school related activities.
• Ability to understand, adapt, and empathize with social and cultural diversity.
• Able to maintain confidentiality and to work with tact and discretion.
• Maturity and commitment to exercising sound judgment.
• Desire to work as a college counselor in a fast-paced and innovative school setting.
• Demonstrated ability to work and plan collaboratively.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all constituents in a school community.

Qualifications

Professional Qualifications And Qualities:

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) and prior experience in college counseling, college admission, or other student academic support roles (required).
• Experience with and understanding of U.S. and international colleges and universities: their academic programs, student experiences, and admission practices.
• Outstanding interpersonal communication skills; strong decision-making aptitude.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational, time management, and multi-tasking skills.
• Computer skills (including proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office) and experience with college counseling software, preferably PowerSchool and MaiaLearning.
• Able to demonstrate flexibility, reliability, and initiative in support of all school related activities.
• Ability to understand, adapt, and empathize with social and cultural diversity.
• Able to maintain confidentiality and to work with tact and discretion.
• Maturity and commitment to exercising sound judgment.
• Desire to work as a college counselor in a fast-paced and innovative school setting.
• Demonstrated ability to work and plan collaboratively.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all constituents in a school community.

Skills

Professional Qualifications And Qualities:

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) and prior experience in college counseling, college admission, or other student academic support roles (required).
• Experience with and understanding of U.S. and international colleges and universities: their academic programs, student experiences, and admission practices.
• Outstanding interpersonal communication skills; strong decision-making aptitude.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational, time management, and multi-tasking skills.
• Computer skills (including proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office) and experience with college counseling software, preferably PowerSchool and MaiaLearning.
• Able to demonstrate flexibility, reliability, and initiative in support of all school related activities.
• Ability to understand, adapt, and empathize with social and cultural diversity.
• Able to maintain confidentiality and to work with tact and discretion.
• Maturity and commitment to exercising sound judgment.
• Desire to work as a college counselor in a fast-paced and innovative school setting.
• Demonstrated ability to work and plan collaboratively.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all constituents in a school community.

Benefits

This is a 10-month, exempt position. Most of the work is performed during the academic week and often during the academic day, however the nature of this role in a boarding school environment allows flexibility to meet with students outside of academic hours during after school clubs or evening study halls. In addition, all residential and non-residential members of the UAC team support student residential life through some weekend and evening duties spread across the school year. This position includes optional on-campus housing and can be residential or non-residential. The base salary for this position will be paid on the faculty pay scale and range from $70,500 to $85,000 based on years of relevant experience and highest degree earned.

Pay

The base salary for this position will be paid on the faculty pay scale and range from $70,500 to $85,000 based on years of relevant experience and highest degree earned.

Schedule

This is a 10-month, exempt position. Most of the work is performed during the academic week and often during the academic day, however the nature of this role in a boarding school environment allows flexibility to meet with students outside of academic hours during after school clubs or evening study halls. In addition, all residential and non-residential members of the UAC team support student residential life through some weekend and evening duties spread across the school year. This position includes optional on-campus housing and can be residential or non-residential.

About EF Academy

EF Academy is a leading private boarding and day high school, attracting students from around the world to our campuses in Pasadena, New York, and Oxford (England). At EF Academy, we prepare students to thrive academically, personally, and socially helping them build the confidence, skills, and sense of purpose they need to lead fulfilling, successful lives. With a focus on academic excellence, personal growth, and cultural immersion, we empower students to unlock their full potential and develop the lifelong skills they need to thrive in any future they envision. Learn more about EF Academy: https://www.efacademy.org/.