Upper School College Counselor

Heathwood Hall Episcopal School; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Heathwood Hall Episcopal School seeks an Upper School College Counselor to guide students and families through the college admission process. The role emphasizes building strong relationships, coordinating college visits, counseling on applications and essays, and writing personalized recommendations.

The counselor will collaborate with the Upper School and other divisions, participate in programming, and support the Episcopal identity and diversity initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred.
• Experience in college counseling or related roles.
• Passion for working with high school students and families; strong relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with discretion, diplomacy, and professionalism.
• Strong attention to detail and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Schedule one-on-one counseling sessions for about 30–40 students per graduating class and communicate with parents.
• Coach students through drafting and revising college applications, essays, and statements.
• Write compelling letters of recommendation.
• Coordinate college visits and build partnerships with admissions colleagues.
• Plan and implement college counseling programs, events, and activities.
• Travel for college visits, conferences, and professional development to stay current.
• Plan and chaperone Winterim experiences as needed.
• Serve on committees and support after-school activities.
• Support the School's Episcopal identity and diversity commitments.
• Collaborate with Upper School and other divisions.

Skills

Teen development

Parent communication

Multitasking

Empathy & teamwork

Organizational skills

Lifting capability

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Slate

Common Application

Cialfo

Google Suite

Student Information Systems

Web-based programs

Job description

Upper School College Counselor

Reports To: Dr. Kenetta Dash, Director of College Counseling

Dr. George Scouten, Upper School Head & Asst. Head of School

Work Schedule: Regular, Full-Time Staff Schedule

Position Summary

The Upper School College Counselor is responsible for providing personalized guidance to Upper School students and families within a highly collaborative and supportive environment. The ideal candidate has experience with college counseling, whether working at the secondary or post-secondary level. Additionally, the ideal candidate brings a passion for working with high school students, understands the value of relationship building, and possesses strong attention to detail and deadlines.

Essential Functions

• Schedule one-on-one counseling sessions with approximately 30-40 students from each graduating class, provide personalized curricular, college, and financial aid and scholarship guidance, and maintain regular communication with parents.
• Coach students through the drafting and revision process for college applications, essays/personal statements, and supplemental writing.
• Write compelling, memorable, and authentic letters of recommendation.
• Assist in coordinating college representatives visiting Heathwood and cultivate strong partnerships with higher education admissions colleagues.
• Assist with the creative planning and implementation of college counseling-specific programming, events, and activities.
• Travel as needed for college visits, conferences, and professional organizations to stay current with the changing college admissions landscape.
• Pursue professional development opportunities.
• Be willing to help plan and chaperone weeklong Winterim experiences.
• Serve on Exhibition Committees, Upper School Committees, and school-wide committees as necessary.
• Attend and support after-school activities and programs (e.g. athletics, concerts, theater, and class programs).
• Support the School's Episcopal identity and practices.
• Support the School's commitment to diversity and multicultural education.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues in the Upper School and across divisions.
• Complete required H.R. training each year (CPR, first aid, mandatory reporting, handling of hazardous materials, etc.)

Specific Job Skills

• A passion for working with teenagers and a thorough understanding of the specific developmental needs of high school students.
• High comfort level working directly with parents and families, navigating challenging situations with discretion, diplomacy, and professionalism.
• Successfully manage and achieve multiple tasks within a high-expectations environment.
• Energy, empathy, flexibility, and collaboration.
• Good organizational, written, and oral communication skills.
• Ability to lift 50lbs.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred.
• Experience working in college counseling, college admissions, or higher education student development roles preferred.
• Experience with Student Information Systems, Slate, Common Application, Cialfo, the Google Suite of tools, and web-based programs preferred.

Working Conditions

• Primarily indoor with occasional field trips to college campuses. Some evening and weekend commitments. The Upper School College Counseling office is housed in the Robinson Center.
• Expansive school campus with 122+ acres, must be able to travel between buildings independently. Must be comfortable working in both inside and outside environments.
• Frequent walking, standing, stooping, and bending may be required throughout the day at various intervals.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

A Final Note

Heathwood Hall Episcopal School believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to its success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. Therefore, this position description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications, and job scope, but not limit the incumbent nor the organization to just the work identified. It is our expectation that each employee will offer his/her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors.

NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE.

Heathwood Hall Episcopal School is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Heathwood Hall Episcopal School participates in E-Verify, as mandated by South Carolina law. This position will require a Criminal Background Check.