Associate Director of College Counselor - Potomac School (VA)

The Associate Director of College Counseling is a full-time position reporting to the Director of College Counseling and the Head of the Upper School. This is a ten-month role with a requirement for some additional work days during school breaks, including summer. This position has a shared responsibility for guiding the approximately 120 members of each year’s graduating class through the transition to postsecondary education. As a member of a four-person college counseling team, the Associate Director has responsibility for approximately a third of the class and prepares a narrative letter of recommendation for each student assigned to her/him. The Associate Director will fully engage in the life of the upper school community, which may include advising, chaperoning, coaching, or other taking on other roles, as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide strategies, advice, support, and guidance to students and their families throughout the application process to make the best individualized choice for college. 

  • Manage own caseload of students and work directly with students and their families in the college counseling process. 

  • Advise students on course selection and its impact on the college admission process.

  • Meet individually with students and parents, as needed. 

  • Assist students in identifying resources for scholarships and financial aid. 

  • Write comprehensive narrative recommendations for students applying to college.

  • Help students and families understand their financial aid packages.

• Cultivate relationships with admissions professionals 

  • Attend professional conferences as budget and other duties allow

  • Visit college campuses

  • Meet with college representatives when they visit Potomac

  • Advocate for Potomac students with college admissions professionals

• Contribute to the collaborative team-oriented nature of the office 

  • Assist in adapting, adjusting, and improving the college counseling program each year

  • Prepare and present programs to educate Upper School students and parents on colleges and the college search process

  • Teach college counseling curriculum for students in small-group and full-class sessions.

  • Participate in events and educational outreach for both students and parents

• Regularly prepare scheduled communications targeted to each grade level for parents and students 

• Engage in professional development to stay abreast of current trends and hone skill sets

• Maintain a database of summer programs, campus fly in opportunities, and scholarships for juniors and seniors

• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required with at least 3 years prior experience in college counseling or college admissions

• Successful track record working with students from first contact to college admission

• Outstanding interpersonal and organizational skills

• Demonstrated skill using technology (i.e., Microsoft Office, SCOIR, Veracross, Google Platform)

• A strong work ethic, flexibility, integrity, and a willingness to coordinate efforts with others are expected

• Patience, a lively sense of humor, and enthusiasm for teaching adolescents and working with parents of adolescents is essential

In striving to fulfill its mission, The Potomac School seeks many different voices, viewpoints, and backgrounds. We recognize that differences are a source of strength, and we know that everyone is enriched when each person's contributions and perspectives are valued.