The Western International School of Shanghai (WISS) is a private international K-12 day school providing outstanding holistic education within a warm and welcoming community. A member of the Council for International Schools, accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and the first four programme IB school in Mainland China, WISS is an exciting place for young people to awaken a love of learning, develop their talents, and ready themselves for success in an ever-changing world.

Shanghai is famous around the world as the most vibrant and cosmopolitan of Mainland China’s major cities. Whether you are into culture or cuisine, shopping or nightlife, Shanghai has it all. With your accommodation covered by the school, other expenses are low compared to most Western countries. Though imported luxuries are always at a premium, locally sourced goods are great value, with inexpensive local restaurants a treasured part of daily life.

The University Guidance Counselor at WISS works with a team of Academic Advisors to inform and prepare students for application to the best global colleges. Working primarily with Grade 9 to Grade 12 students, teachers, and parents, the University Guidance Counselor provides a comprehensive college and career-focused program to guide our young people as they prepare applications to university. The University Guidance Counselor works in coordination with subject teachers, Academic Advisors, and school leaders to help students discover their interests and passions, explore career alternatives, and find universities that will inspire them to fulfill their hopes and dreams.

Main Responsibilities:

• Maintain a thorough and current knowledge of the US and UK university markets.
• Build up an understanding of the university market in other countries and China regions, such as Canada, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong SAR China, and Korea.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with international universities.
• Review and improve the WISS School Profile.
• Review student transcripts and suggest improvements.
• Advise the students, parents, and school leaders on university expectations and subject-specific prerequisites.
• Work with Admissions, Marketing, and school leadership to update publicity material and present our school positively.
• Develop, improve, and deliver a curriculum for university and career guidance supported by the Academic Advisors and school leadership.• Work with students and their families to understand career alternatives and educational options.
• Train teachers on how to support university applications.
• Supports applications for scholarships and financial aid.
• Present to students, parents, and teachers on the university application process.
• Arrange university visits and fairs.
• Maintains a University Guidance Office, providing materials on global universities.
• Ensure timely information is delivered to students, parents, and teachers.
• Facilitates university entrance examinations.
• Manage the MaiaLearning College Planning Platform.
• Participate in the International Association for College Admission Counseling (International ACAC).

Desired Candidate:

• Fluent in English
• University counseling training or credentials
• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• Experience with the IB Diploma Programme
• 5 years or more experience in University Guidance
• Considerable knowledge of the US and UK university market
• Familiarity with MaiaLearning College Planning Platform or similar
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Culturally sensitive
• Organized and proactive

Please email: Tom Kline-tomkline@slis.net.cn