College Advisor (updated information) - St. Pius X Catholic High School

The College Advisor serves as the Counseling Department’s post-secondary specialist, partnering directly with the School Counselors to guide students through their college search, application process, and their post-secondary transition. Working alongside four School Counselors who oversee social-emotional well-being and academic planning for a student body of 960 students, the College Advisor brings specialized technical expertise in the college admissions and financial aid processes and understands career pathways to complement the department’s comprehensive counseling model while supporting the Catholic mission of the School and the development of the whole person. 

This is a new position at St. Pius X. Start date is January 1, with plans to hire a second College Advisor for the 2027-2028 school year. Interested candidates should send their resumes to mfree@spx.org by November 20.

Responsibilities:  

• Leads and coordinates the 9-12th grade college counseling curriculum, which is implemented in collaboration with School Counselors. 

• Actively network and build professional relationships with college and university admissions offices, attending regional events and networking opportunities to advocate for SPX applicants.  

• Provide specialized, individual counseling for 11-12th grade students in building balanced college lists, refining application strategies, reviewing application essays, and interviews.  

• Work together with School Counselors to advise students regarding academic planning, admission requirements, standardized testing, and post-secondary opportunities. 

• Participates and represents the school in professional organizations including, but not limited to, SACAC and NACAC. 

• Guide families through post-secondary financial planning, including FAFSA/CSS Profile submission local and national scholarship applications, and financial aid package comparisons.  

• Plan and present evening workshops for students and their families on financial aid, college admissions trends, athletic recruiting (NCAA), and the college application process.   

• Partner with School Counselors and other faculty members to write compelling, coordinated letters of recommendation.  

• Host visiting college admissions representatives and communicate campus visits by college representatives to the high school.  

• Plan, coordinate, and execute the annual campus College and Career Fair.  

• Track department post-secondary outcomes data (matriculation rates, scholarship awards) and report trends to the department leadership, school administration, and the OCS.

• Inform School Counselors, School Administrators, and the Office of Catholic Schools of updated admissions data, testing updates, and college representatives’ feedback.

• Maintain accurate and confidential student records and submit transcripts and required school documents in a timely manner.  

• Manage college planning software (Scoir) and coordinate with Counseling Office administrative staff to submit school profiles, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.  

Time Allocation: Full-Time

Education, Training and Experience:  Bachelor’s degree in counseling, education, psychology, or a related field required. Master’s degree in school counseling, counseling, education, or a related field desirable.  Experience in college counseling and/or college admissions required. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  Represents school and the archdiocese in a positive and professional manner.  Ability to maintain confidentiality.  Excellent oral and written communication skills.  Ability to collaborate effectively with students, teachers, administration and parents.  Maintain current driver’s license (some travel may be required).  Organized with the ability to multi-task.  Ability to sit for extended periods of time.  Ability to lift at least 20 pounds. 

Salary: $65,000 to $80,000 

Working Environment: Preference in hiring is given to practicing Catholics in full communion with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. All employees must show respect for the institutions of the Roman Catholic Church.