Academica and Higher Education Adviser ( College Counsleor)

Job overview

The Academic and Higher Education Adviser reports to the High School Principal and Head of School and is responsible for administering all aspects of the college search and admissions process, including the following:
*Educating students and parents/guardians about colleges, the college admissions process, trends, procedures, and testing; advising and supporting over 200 high school students and families as they navigate the process; and helping students and families set realistic aspirations and make informed choices.*Meeting with Grade 11 and Grade 12 students, individually and in groups, to discuss the college admission process and individual college choices.*Conducting higher education sessions for Grade 11 and 12 students to assist with their university research and prepare them for university applications.*Conducting higher education sessions for high school parents/guardians to help them understand options, timelines, requirements, and ways to support their children.*Advising Grade 9 and Grade 10 students on curricular choices, as needed, and working with all students to understand college admissions processes worldwide.*Arranging one-on-one meetings (a minimum of once in Grade 10, twice in Grade 11, and once in Grade 12, with additional meetings available upon individual request), providing personalized and individualized guidance to students according to their needs and background.*Collaborating with the DP Coordinator and HS Assistant Principal to support Grade 10 students with their Grade 11/12 subject choices and monitoring/advising learning and higher education pathways for all Grade 11/12 students.*Communicating and coordinating with teachers to collect and distribute IB Predicted Grades, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and alignment with IB Diploma Programme timelines and university submission requirements.*Meeting with all college admissions representatives who visit our campus and facilitating meetings between college representatives and our students.*Arranging for students to attend University and College Fairs throughout the year (e.g., the Kanto Plain Fair held at St. Mary’s, ASIJ, or Hiroo Gakuen in September). *Organizing the hosting of college fairs on our campus based on rotating responsibilities across KPASS and other schools.*Informing students and parents/guardians of additional opportunities for weekend/online college fairs and/or information sessions.*Arranging university visits within Seisen and outside of school, and posting all events on the university visit calendar for high school students and parents/guardians.*Updating the Seisen School Profile, ensuring universities are aware of the updates, and uploading it onto the school’s website in coordination with the school’s admissions office and public relations coordinator.*Working with the admissions office and main office staff to maintain records on high school students, including report grades and transcripts.*Writing an official school recommendation for each senior by gathering information from parents/guardians, teachers, school records, and students. The Academic and Higher Education Adviser also completes all School Report and mid-year report forms or any other documentation requested by colleges, including evaluations of students.*Providing guidance and support to teachers in writing letters of recommendation for students, offering examples, templates, and feedback to ensure consistency, accuracy, and alignment with university expectations.*Keeping track of admission decisions and statistics, and reporting to the high school leadership team and Head of School using a higher education platform (currently Cialfo).*Staying informed about issues and trends in college admission, higher education, and standardized testing requirements, as well as keeping up-to-date about specific colleges and maintaining membership in professional organizations: the College Board, International Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC), *Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), and Education Testing Services (ETS).*Maintaining and disseminating information about standardized tests such as SAT, ACT, and TOEFL.*Coordinating and administering PSAT exams for grades 9 through 11.*Arranging for final IB results for Grade 12 students to be sent to desired universities.*Providing post-IB results higher education support and guidance to students and parents/guardians.*Supporting alumni applications for up to 3 years following graduation.*Researching, developing, and coordinating student internship opportunities by building partnerships with parents/guardians, alumni, and local organizations.*Maintaining strong connections with Seisen alumni to support current students through mentoring, university insights, and regional guidance abroad.*Engaging alumni to share experiences, offer tutoring, and participate in student talks, strengthening Seisen’s global network of lifelong learners.*Providing students and families with information and guidance on summer enrichment and academic program options, including Seisen International School’s own summer school program and additional opportunities in Japan, abroad, or online.*Understanding that key aspects of this role extend into school breaks, particularly during the summer period when IB Diploma Programme results are released. *Providing timely support and communication to students and families regarding higher education placements, results, and university admissions during this time.*Collaborating with the high school leadership team and the social-emotional counselor to support students’ transition to college and university life, preparing them for the academic, social, and personal aspects of independence, well-being, and cultural adjustment.
While the responsibilities outlined above represent the core expectations of the role, the scope of duties may be adjusted throughout the year to reflect the evolving needs of each student cohort. Additional responsibilities may be added or removed as required to support the goals and priorities of the school.
Attributes of successful candidate
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Strong organizational ability and attention to detail.Ability to manage multiple deadlines effectively.Prior experience in college admissions, university counseling, or secondary education.Strong interpersonal and intercultural communication skills, with the ability to support a diverse international student body.Familiarity with independent or international school environments and the IB Diploma Programme.Knowledge of global higher education systems (e.g., academic programs, admission policies, financial procedures, etc.) including, but not limited to, U.S., U.K., Canadian, Australian, Korean, and Japanese universities.Strong technical proficiency with managing and navigating learning/higher education management systems, including Cialfo and ManageBac.Ability to collaborate effectively with students, parents/guardians, teachers, and school leadership to support student growth and post-secondary readiness.Demonstrates initiative, flexibility, ethical decision-making, and a student-centered approach in all aspects of work.