Summary:

Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart seeks a visionary professional to elevate the existing college advising program. He/she is a natural leader who inspires greatness in a team of college advisors and confidence in students and parents alike. He/she will propel Duchesne into the future through innovative approaches to college placement and a willingness to embrace the ethos of Duchesne Academy’s mission as defined in the Goals and Criteria. Well-versed in the college placement landscape, the ideal candidate will understand the importance of relationship building, both internally and externally, and be poised to market the goals of Duchesne’s unique program and schedule. Experience with various admissions strategies and a robust understanding of transcript design are essential for success. 

Primary Responsibilities 

• Supervise college advisors
• Cultivate and maintain good relationships with admissions departments at a vast array of colleges and      universities, serving as a liaison with college admissions offices.
• Provide thought leadership and vision around curriculum initiatives. 
• Develop and implement a college counselling program beginning in Grade 9. 
• Oversee the college application process for Grades 11th and 12th students.
• Provide guidance for all aspects of the college advising process and support students and families through the application process.
• Plan student and parent events regarding the college admissions process, trends, procedures, testing, financial aid, etc.
• Plan auxiliary programs such as on-campus college fairs, financial aid presentations, and workshops.
• Direct the dissemination of information about standardized tests such as SAT and ACT. Help to administer AP exams.
• Track and study data:
  • Applications and standardized testing results.
  • Test scores.
  • AP scores and grade distributions.
• Keep abreast of changes in the college application and admission procedures and financial aid programs and mitigate impact.

Actual Duties

• Strategically assess and compile the annual School Profile.
• Cultivate and maintain good relationships with admissions departments at a vast array of colleges and universities.
• Manage relationship with registrar, maintaining accurate records, GPAs and transcripts.
• Manage correspondence with colleges on behalf of students.
• Present at Admissions events.
• Pitch and reinforce the benefits of a Duchesne Academy education to internal candidates for US (Grades 7-8).
• Plan and develop two classes for Grades 11th and 12th students on Common App essays, personal statements, etc. 
• Chaperone, plan, and coordinate travel to colleges, universities, and professional meetings.
• Chaperone, plan, and execute the Grade 10 College Tour.
• Coordinate the selection of College Book Award winners for Upper School Prize Day.
• Write individualized counselor letters that highlight each student’s extracurricular and personal strengths.
• Other duties as assigned by the Head of Upper School.

Minimum Education/Prior Experience/Qualifications Required

• Bachelor’s degree (advanced degree and/or counseling degree preferred).
• A minimum of five years of experience in selective, recommendation-reliant university admissions and/or college counseling.
• Supervisory experience preferred
• Exhibit a high level of competence using technology.
• Ability to anticipate the academic calendar, to work independently, and to collaborate with team members on policies, procedures, and events. 
• Ability to make independent decisions along with maintaining the confidentiality of privileged and sensitive information.
• Strong references to convey your abilities.

Core Competencies:

• Creative, strategic, and thoughtful approach to assessing and improving current programs.
• Genuine affinity for working with students and families in an educational setting.
• High level of emotional intelligence (EQ).
• Strong ability to cultivate and maintain good      relationships.
• Ability to make independent decisions.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of privileged and sensitive information.
• High level of competence using technology.
• Analytic approach to data.
• Outstanding collaborative skills.
• Proactive and growth mindset.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Flexibility and willingness to change course when necessary.

Upon Hiring

• Successful completion of criminal offender record information and sexual offender registry checks.
• Successful completion of CMG Safe Environment Training.
• Current CPR certification. 

Essential Expectations

All faculty and staff members at Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart are expected and required to do the following: 

• Overtly support and act in accordance with the Goals and Criteria of the Society of the Sacred Heart; this expectation includes attendance at and applicable participation in faith-based practices. 
• Foster a safe, predictable, and supportive environment. 
• Interact with colleagues in a respectful and collegial manner that contributes to a healthy school culture. 
• Demonstrate appropriate planning and preparation and fulfill routine responsibilities in a thoughtful and timely manner. 
• Uphold professional standards of personal presentation, professional courtesy, discretion, punctuality and attendance at all required meetings and events. 
• Appropriately carry out specific duties as determined by the Head of School and/or supervisor. 
• Maintain professional credentials and complete required training. Participate in and provide documentation for at least one professional development opportunity per year in addition to those required and provided by the school. 
• Respect the confidentiality of the school, its employees, students, and families. 
• Comply with the policies and procedures as articulated in the faculty and staff handbook. 
• Authentically engage in the school’s self-reflection process that requires written goals and measured progress towards them.

Nothing in this Job Description restricts Duchesne’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time. This position is at will, which means that either the employee or Duchesne may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice and for any reason or no reason.

Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart is committed to providing equal opportunity in all of its employment practices, including selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation, to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (gender), age, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.