Director of College Counseling

Job overview

The Director of College Counseling at St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju provides visionary leadership and strategic oversight of the college counseling program, ensuring that all students and families are well-prepared to make informed decisions about post-secondary education. The Director promotes a culture of excellence, ethical guidance, and individualized support, while leading a dynamic team of counselors who serve students in grades 9–12. This position plays a vital role in advancing the School’s mission by preparing students to thrive at selective universities worldwide and by strengthening the school’s reputation among higher education institutions.
Leadership and Program Oversight
Lead the College Counseling Department in developing and implementing a comprehensive, student-centered college counseling program aligned with the mission and values of SJA Jeju.
Supervise, mentor, and evaluate college counseling staff, ensuring consistency, professionalism, and quality of service.
Develop strategic partnerships with universities and higher education organizations to enhance SJA Jeju’s global profile.
Oversee all departmental operations, including scheduling, testing coordination, communications, and annual planning.
Collaborate closely with the Head of School, High School Principal, and academic departments to align the college counseling program with curriculum and academic goals.
Student and Family Counseling
Provide direct counseling to an assigned caseload of high school students and families regarding college selection, application strategy, essays, interviews, testing, financial aid, and scholarships.
Write comprehensive and personalized recommendation letters for each assigned student.
Lead large-group workshops, parent information sessions, and evening programs for different grade levels.
Advise students on standardized testing options (SAT, ACT, TOEFL, etc.), including registration, accommodations, and score reporting.
External Relations and Communication
Serve as the primary liaison between SJA Jeju and global college admissions offices.
Host visiting university representatives, both in-person and virtually, to promote SJA Jeju students and programs.
Represent SJA Jeju at regional and international conferences (e.g., NACAC, IACAC, EARCOS, International ACAC).
Maintain accurate and current records of admissions outcomes, matriculation data, and alumni success stories to inform school reports and communications.
Professional Growth and School Service
Engage in ongoing professional development and stay current with global admissions trends.
Participate fully in the life of the school, including events, committees, and community-building initiatives.
Support the School’s mission of fostering intellectual, social, and emotional growth in a caring and inclusive environment.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Head of School or High School Principal, including occasional evening or weekend commitments. Including running our SAT testing on weekends occasionally throughout the year.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Deep knowledge of selective college admissions processes, both U.S. and international.
Proven experience leading or significantly contributing to a high-performing college counseling team.
Strong interpersonal and intercultural communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with students, parents, faculty, and university representatives.
Excellent organizational, analytical, and written communication skills.
Proficiency in counseling software and technology platforms (e.g., SCOIR, Cialfo, Naviance, Maia Learning, College Kickstart, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office).
Commitment to the ethical standards and best practices outlined by NACAC and International ACAC.
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays when needed to meet student and school needs.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in education, counseling, or a related field strongly preferred.
Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in college counseling or university admissions, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory capacity.
Experience in an international or independent school setting preferred.
Strong record of successful university placements across a range of global institutions.