Title: Director of College Placement
Department: Guidance
Reports To: Principal
Classification: Exempt/ 12 months Full-time
Notre Dame High School, a ministry of the Catholic Diocese of Trenton, is a dynamic, diverse Catholic community dedicated to educating young women and men to realize their full potential through a faith-filled environment, a challenging college-preparatory program, extensive co-curricular activities and a commitment to citizenship and service in the community.
Position Summary:
We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated College Placement Counselor to join our team Notre Dame High School. The ideal candidate will possess a passion for guiding high school students through the college preparation process, helping them make informed decisions about their future. This individual will design and direct a program of activities to assist students with meeting college searches, school and financial aid applications, scholarship searches, testing, recommendations and transition to college. The College Placement Counselor will work collaboratively with students, parents, and faculty to develop tailored college plans, curate a balanced college list for each student, and maintain an extensive network with colleges to ensure students have access to a variety of opportunities
Key Responsibilities:
1. Individualized Counseling:
- Provide one-on-one counseling sessions to students, assessing their academic strengths, interests, career aspirations and create a personalize plan of action (academic options, careers, college selections)
- Assist students in identifying and curating a balanced list of colleges that align with their goals and aspirations.
2. College Application Guidance:
- Guide students and their families through the college application process, including essay writing, interview preparation, and understanding application requirements.
- Offer workshops and resources on college applications, personal statements, and other essential materials.
3. Scholarship and Financial Aid Navigation:
- Educate students and families on scholarship opportunities, financial aid options, and the FAFSA process.
- Maintain relationships with scholarship organizations and financial aid advisors to provide up-to-date information and resources.
4. College Connections:
- Develop and maintain strong connections with admissions representatives from various colleges and universities.
- Organize college visits, information sessions, and panel discussions with college representatives to expose students to diverse opportunities.
5. Workshops and Seminars:
- Facilitate group workshops on topics such as college selection, interview skills, resume building, and time management.
- Host seminars for parents to educate them about the college admissions process and how they can support their children.
6. Data Management and Reporting:
- Track student progress and maintain accurate records of student interactions, college applications, and outcomes.
- Provide regular reports to school administration on student college placement statistics and trends.
7. Collaboration and Communication:
- Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and outside organizations to create a comprehensive college preparation program.
- Communicate regularly with students and parents to keep them informed about important deadlines, events, trends and opportunities.
Education Requirements:
· Master’s Degree preferred in School Counseling, Higher Education Administration or a related field
· Certification as a school counselor is preferred
Experience Requirement:
· College Counseling Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience in college counseling, college admissions or a related field, preferably within a high school setting.
· Knowledge of College Admissions: Strong familiarity with the college admissions process, including application procedures, essay writing, scholarship opportunities, interview readiness and financial aid processes.
· Networking Skills: Proven ability to establish and maintain relationships with college admissions representatives, scholarship organizations, and educational institutions.
· Experience in Workshop Facilitation: Demonstrated experience in leading workshops or seminars related to college preparation, application processes and essay writing.
· Evidence of high levels of organizational skills and the ability to work closely and effectively with students, parents, and colleagues in the school.
· Dedication and expertise in counseling a range of students in the career planning and college process.
· Interest in the mission and educational goals of Notre Dame High School; readiness to continue building the school’s career planning and college counseling program, and the ability to advocate for the school & its students in the college process.