Associate Director Of College Counseling

Greenwich Country Day School is an independent, co-educational day school with a current enrollment of over 1400 students in grades N-12, and a faculty and staff of over 350. The original Old Church Road campus is home to grades N-8. The new High School, established in 2019, is located less than two miles away on Stanwich Road. Founded in 1926, Greenwich Country Day School is a family school where innovative teaching is encouraged as teachers model and foster a love of learning, challenge and inspire children toward academic excellence, and cultivate students’ interests and talents outside of the classroom. We value purposeful and personal learning in a joyful environment, with emphasis on the development of character, creativity, and a sense of personal value along with strong academic skills. GCDS is committed to graduating ethical, confident leaders who possess a strong sense of purpose.

Due to the growth of the high school program, Greenwich Country Day School seeks to expand the College Counseling office with the addition of an Associate Director, to start in July 2024. Successful candidates will have at least 5 years of experience in selective college admissions or College Counseling in independent schools. 

With a student/counselor ratio of 30:1 to 35:1, the Associate Director will work closely with the Director of College Counseling, two Associate Directors, an Office Assistant, and the Upper School administration to guide 11th and 12th-grade students through all aspects of the college exploration and application process. Such guidance includes, but is not limited to counseling students and parents about college options, planning standardized testing strategies, developing student recommendations, assisting with all aspects of the financial aid process, and reviewing applications and transcripts. In addition, the Associate Director will also participate in teaching GCDS’ College Seminar course and play a meaningful role in student life. 

As an ambassador of the School, theAssociate Director of College Counselingwill have extensive contact with college admissions officers, helping them to understand and appreciate our students. This is a twelve-month administrative position and reports to the Director of College Counseling. Occasional evening and weekend commitments are expected as well as some travel. Diversity is a core value at GCDS, and we seek candidates who demonstrate a commitment to equity and inclusion. Candidates from underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply. GCDS is pleased to offer transportation support and accommodations, as needed, along with an introduction to the local area, for those candidates who travel from outside of the region for on-campus employment interviews.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree 
• 5+ years of successful experience working with students and their families in the college admissions process in either a secondary school College Counseling office or a college admissions office
• An in-depth knowledge of Colleges and universities as well as a contextual grasp of the current college admissions landscape
• Intimate knowledge of the financial aid process
• An interest in project-based educational pedagogy and a commitment to guiding students with a wide variety of academic and extra-curricular interests and abilities
• A desire to work intensively and collaboratively with each grade of approximately 120 families, eagerly welcoming conversations and encouraging interaction among students, parents, and the College Counseling office
• Strong analytical writing skills
• An ability to engage students in a classroom setting and teach a course geared towards the college search and application process
• Active participation in local and national associations relevant to our profession, including NACAC, College Board, and ACCIS, as well as interest in attending college tours and networking with colleagues in College Counseling and college admissions
• Strong public speaking skills and the desire to participate in events for students, parents, and colleagues
• A team-oriented approach to all aspects of the College Counseling process and a collaborative spirit of engagement in all professional endeavors
• Commitment to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive school community
• Willingness to take on multiple roles within the school
• Personal traits appropriate for nurturing the growth of children - must be energetic, creative, flexible, patient, and have the ability to connect with a wide range of students

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in education or related field
• Experience in and desire to build culture and community with both adults and students 
• Experience as an academic advisor
• Experience advising independent and original student research
• Athletic coaching experience
• Demonstrated experience in establishing collaborative relationships with external partners/organizations in the design and implementation of learning experiences

Interested candidates are invited to use the link provided to submit a cover letter and resume to Raquel Salcedo, Director of Recruiting & Talent

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