Baylor School Associate Director of College Counseling

Department: College Counseling

Reports to: Director of College Counseling

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Contract: 10½ months

Anticipated Start Date: January 2027

Position Overview

Founded in 1893, Baylor School is an independent, coeducational boarding and day school serving students in grades 6–12 on a beautiful 670-acre campus in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Baylor School seeks an experienced, student-centered professional to join its College Counseling Office as an Associate Director of College Counseling. The Associate Director will work collaboratively as a member of a six-person college counseling team to provide individualized guidance to students and families and to develop and implement programming that supports students throughout the college planning, search, and application process.

Responsibilities

• Work individually with an assigned group of approximately 40 students per class, beginning in the sophomore year and continuing through graduation.
• Build relationships with students early in the college planning process, helping them identify their interests, strengths, goals, and priorities as they begin thinking about life after Baylor.
• Guide students and families through all aspects of the college search and application process.
• Assist students in researching colleges and developing thoughtful, balanced college lists based on their academic records, interests, goals, preferences, and individual circumstances.
• Advise students and families on course selection, standardized testing, application strategy, admission plans, and other aspects of the college admission process.
• Review and provide detailed, individualized feedback on college applications, essays, and other application materials.
• Write thorough and personal counselor letters of recommendation for assigned seniors.
• Help students and families navigate financial aid, scholarships, and college affordability.
• Communicate regularly with students and parents/guardians throughout the college planning and application process.
• Create and present grade-level programs, workshops, and presentations for students and families on topics related to college admission, testing, financial aid, and college planning.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with college admission representatives and meet with representatives visiting Baylor's campus.
• Assist with college fairs, college representative visits, and other College Counseling Office programs and events.
• Maintain current knowledge of trends and developments in college admission, financial aid, standardized testing, and higher education.
• Attend local, regional, and national professional conferences and participate in college tours and campus visits. Occasional weekend travel is required.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues in the College Counseling Office and with faculty, advisors, coaches, administrators, and other members of the Baylor community.
• Participate meaningfully in the broader life of the school.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of College Counseling.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a bachelor's degree; a master's degree is preferred.
• Have previous experience in independent school college counseling and/or admission work at a selective college or university.
• Have broad knowledge of colleges and universities throughout the United States and a strong understanding of both public and private college admission.
• Be knowledgeable and current on trends in college admission, financial aid, standardized testing, and higher education.
• Be committed to working with students with a wide range of academic profiles, interests, talents, and college aspirations.
• Be an excellent listener, clear communicator, engaging presenter, and strong writer.
• Demonstrate exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.
• Enjoy building relationships with adolescents and working collaboratively with students and families.
• Demonstrate sound judgment, flexibility, initiative, and the ability to work effectively as part of a close-knit team.
• Be comfortable using technology to manage the college process; familiarity with SCOIR and the Common Application is preferred.

About College Counseling at Baylor

Baylor's College Counseling Office provides students and families with a comprehensive and highly personalized college planning experience. Beginning in the sophomore year, students are assigned to a college counselor who works with them through graduation, with counseling becoming increasingly individualized as students move through the college search and application process. The office also provides grade-level programming for students and families and maintains strong relationships with colleges and universities throughout the country.

About Baylor School

Baylor School is an independent, coeducational day and boarding school in Chattanooga, Tennessee, serving students in grades 6–12. Baylor's program combines rigorous academics with exceptional opportunities in athletics, the arts, leadership, service, and outdoor education.

As with all openings, Baylor seeks candidates eager to enrich a diverse and inclusive community and support a multifaceted educational program designed to address the needs of the whole person. Successful candidates demonstrate cultural competence, contribute meaningfully to the school community beyond their primary responsibilities, and exemplify the values Baylor seeks to instill in its students.

Baylor School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It does not discriminate on any prohibited basis such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, status as of veteran, or any other protected class.

Applicants should submit as a single, combined PDF: a cover letter, a completed faculty application, a resumé, and transcripts for any/all degrees you hold to Ann Katherine Taylor, Director of College Counseling, [email protected].