College Advisor - The First Academy

The College Advisor reports to the Upper School Principal and is responsible for administering all aspects of the college search and admissions process. The position provides strategic planning for students as they plan for matriculation in college and higher learning.  The College Advisor will be a Christian who will inspire students and contribute to their development as mature Christians, consistent with The First Academy's philosophies, vision, and mission statement.  This is a 12-month, full-time position.

Essential Job Functions:

Evidence of a mature personal Christian faith consistent with The First Academy Statement of Faith including:  being a born-again Christian and active Church member, exhibiting a close personal walk with Jesus Christ, modeling an exemplary Biblical lifestyle, and evidence of maturity in the understanding and integration of sound Biblical principles.

Educating students and parents about colleges, the college admission process, trends, procedures, and testing.

Advising and supporting assigned grade level students one-on-one to discuss college aspirations, academic goals, and personal interests.

Providing guidance on the college application process, including essay writing, completing applications

Testing coordination or assistance for SAT, ACT, PSAT, and AP Exams.

Meetings with juniors and seniors (sometimes parents included), individually and in groups, to talk about the college process and individual college choices.  

Making informational presentations to parents, such as the annual presentations to parents of eighth-twelfth grader students.

Assisting with areas of need in various projects in the Upper School Guidance office.

Participate as a member through the National Association of College Admission Counseling, Southern Association of College Admission Counseling, and Consortium of Central Florida Private School Counselors. 

Tracking student grades and identifying any academic concerns.

Assisting students in developing and maintaining an academic plan that meets college admission requirements.

Collaborating with teachers, administration, and other school staff to support student success.

Events planning for group meetings, parent sessions, college fairs, elective fairs, and any other college guidance-related events.

Maintaining accurate student records related to college applications, transcripts, college acceptances and enrollment data.

Create student academic reports through the usage of FACTS.

Student caseload is approximately 190 – 200.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Demonstrate an understanding of and a commitment to the distinctive qualities of Christian education

Feels called by God to The First Academy

BS or BA degree required

Master’s Degree in Counseling or Higher Educational Leadership a plus

Experience in college admissions or high school college counseling, specifically working with high school seniors on college applications

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organizational ability and the ability to meet deadlines

Excellent organizational skills to initiate and execute several tasks and projects simultaneously

Ability to problem solve and offer various solution options for various cases

Teaching experience a plus

Working knowledge of Apple computers and general computer skills are needed