Associate/co-Director of College Counseling

ABOUT US:

Founded in 1869, Oregon Episcopal School today occupies a wooded 59 acre campus where 880 students in Pre-K through 12th Grade share an excellent faculty, an inquiry based curriculum, and a strong sense of community. The Upper School also includes a small boarding program of international and domestic students who live and learn together enhancing the vibrancy of the school community.

The School values employees who seek to continually develop the OES Essential Competencies in themselves and others and are prepared to engage in a vibrant, diverse learning community. Committed to the professional development of our faculty, teachers are guided by the Learning and Teaching at OES faculty growth model.

As an Episcopal school, we are rooted in a rhythm of gathering and reflection that values and respects all beliefs and cultures. As such, we educate toward a larger purpose - toward inclusion and respect, service and justice and commitment beyond ourselves.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Associate Director of College Counseling works as part of a team to carry out the OES college counseling program. This position reports directly to the director of college counseling.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Guide and counsel approximately half of the junior and senior class through the college search and application process, including writing counselor recommendation letters.

Hold regular meetings with students and parents to assist in all aspects of the search and application process, including selection of a college. Be prepared to guide students considering alternative paths and gap year options.

Help plan and participate in class meetings, parent events, and college counseling programs at OES, including some programming and individual support of students and parents in grades 9 and 10.

Assist with hosting college reps who visit OES.

Assist with OES testing programs as needed: PSAT and AP Exams.

Prioritize educating and guiding students and parents toward an informed and effective approach to the college search process and a reasonable and balanced approach to navigating academic and extracurricular choices in a college prep school.

Stay informed on topics relevant to college admission and work with adolescents (trends, admission process, college options, standardized testing, financial ad, resources, and international students).

Engage in professional development through college visits, local and national conferences, meetings, and workshops as well as reading relevant books and articles.

Assist with other responsibilities as requested by the director.

Attend division meetings and all school employee meetings.

Participate in the life of the school by attending school activities, events, meetings, and conferences.

Engage fully in OES-sponsored Diversity Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-racism (DEIA) development activities as assigned.

Serve as an advisor to a small group of students.

At the discretion of the Head of Upper School and Director of College Counseling, other areas of Upper School involvement may include attending an opening of school grade level overnight trip, supporting a Winterim course, and/or leading an Activity second semester.

Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

BA/BS or equivalent in an appropriate field

Three years of experience as a high school college counselor or college admission officer

Intercultural competence, ability to work with sensitivity and effectiveness with students, families, colleagues of diverse backgrounds and identities

Digital literacy; proficiency in MS Office Suite, Veracross, Google Docs/Sheets, and other web-based applications, as appropriate to job duties, flexibility and openness to learning as digital tools evolve

Ability to pass a criminal background check

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Advanced degree in an appropriate field

5 years of experience as a high school college counselor or college admission professional

Experience working with boarding and international students

Experience working with international colleges and universities

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to connect with high school students, ability to work well on teams

Knowledge of developmental issues experienced by adolescents

Awareness of how to support students with learning differences, executive function challenges, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds

An understanding of the culture and operations of school communities

Verbal and written communication skills, including effective public speaking skills, ability to manage confidential information in compliance with the law and best practice

Ability to collaborate and work effectively on teams

Strong organizational skills, ability to track and manage details and competing deadlines

Ability to contribute to strong and positive connections with high school students and to maintain collegial relationships with colleagues

Ability to consistently apply principles of equity, inclusion, and anti-racism on a day-to-day basis in work with students and families, in the broader workplace community

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to sit at computer and keyboard for moderate periods

Mobility sufficient to move about the campus

Sight and hearing adequate to perform the duties of the job, ability to communicate clearly

Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds on occasion

Candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Sarah Grenert-Funk via this link (https://secure5.saashr.com/ta/OESG20.careers?ShowJob=402994370).

Job descriptions are reviewed periodically and changes made based on the needs of the school and the position.

Oregon Episcopal School does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (including gender identity or expression), disability, national or ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristic or status.