Position Title: University Counselor

Accountable to: Director of University Counseling

Location/Department: High School

Contract: 200 days

The High School University Counselor assumes overall responsibility for working with Grade 9, 10, 11 and 12 students to guide them through the university search and application process. This is based on a deep knowledge of the needs, aptitudes and aspirations of each student and by working proactively with students, parents and faculty throughout the process to help students identify and submit strong, well-crafted applications to colleges and universities where they can thrive and achieve their post-secondary goals.

The university counseling team supports students in Grades 9 & 10 with academic and extracurricular development, guiding them in taking meaningful action to pursue authentic interests. University advising formally begins in the fall of Grade 11 and provides a well-structured and comprehensive program that balances student and parent education with personalized attention. The High School University Counselor works closely in collaboration with the School Counselors, High School Administrative team and other members of the ISB community.

Major Responsibilities:

● Counsel students and parents in the university admission process

● Develop an effective, proactive system of communication and support with parents and students regarding the university admissions process

● Support students with all facets of the university admission process (e.g., monitoring and processing applications, essay guidance and feedback, academic advising, partnering with teachers on recommendations, etc.)

● Develop, both personally and within the university counseling team, an in-depth knowledge of higher education systems and requirements in all those national systems to which ISB students apply

● Establish and maintain positive relationships with university admission officers on behalf of the ISB community

● Attend conferences and visit university campuses to maintain up-to-date knowledge of trends in higher education in the US, UK, Canada, and other systems (Japan, Korea, Europe, Australia, etc) throughout the world

● Write counselor evaluations in support of student applications

● Prepare and present a variety of seminars to parents, students, and faculty on the university application process during school hours and evening programming

● Assist students with personalized course planning to meet university requirements and post-secondary goals

● Demonstrate a positive and collaborative approach working with other counselors, classroom teachers, and parents on a regular basis

● Provide accurate and relevant information regarding admissions testing, including SAT and English language proficiency tests

● Participate actively in the life of ISB, through attendance at events, committee membership and leadership of extracurricular activities

● Provide seminars to students and parents to support them in transitioning from high school life to university

Required Skills and Experience:

● Bachelor’s degree

● Minimum five years experience in a focused college/university counseling model, college/university admissions or a combination of the two

● Empathy, compassion and an ability to building positive relationships and rapport with students, parents and faculty

● A commitment to multicultural, inclusive, equitable and differentiated counseling

● Broad knowledge of US, UK and Canadian higher education, entry requirements, and application process

● A flexible approach to work and excellent organizational skills

● Excellent technology skills including experience with such databases/systems as MaiaLearning, College Kickstart, PowerSchool and Google Classroom

● A commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people

● Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

● Strong communication (oral and written) and presentation skills

● Evidence of significant recent and relevant professional development

● Proven ability as a collaborator and team player with colleagues, exhibiting positive energy and a sense of humor

Preferred Skills and Experience:

● Master’s degree

● Social and emotional counseling skills

● Knowledge and some experience of other (Japan, Korea, Australia, Europe, etc) higher education systems, entry requirements, and application process

● Ability to analyze and assess data

● Knowledge and understanding of international and/or independent school communities

● University Counseling experience in an international environment

● Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by their supervisor

Salary and Benefits will be competitive with other large international schools in Asia.