Associate Director of College Counseling

CHARLOTTE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

POSITION TITLE: Associate Director of College Counseling
DEPARTMENT: Upper School
REPORTS TO: Head of Upper School
FLSA: Exempt
TERM: 12 month

Mission Statement
Through excellence in education, Charlotte Country Day School develops the potential of each student by fostering intellectual curiosity, principled character, ethical leadership, and a responsibility to serve.

Overview
Charlotte Country Day School (Country Day) is one of the largest independent, co-educational schools in the Charlotte area and one of the 15 largest in the continental United States. Enrollment is very strong, and the school is thriving. Highly regarded for the rigor of its academic program and the breadth of its offerings in the arts, athletics, community service, and leadership, Country Day is noteworthy for a long tradition of positioning itself at the forefront of curricular innovation.
A strong, forward-thinking institution, Country Day offers every child a chance to shine. The school is a diverse, inclusive community with strong academic and co-curricular programs designed for students to learn to think critically, act respectfully, and show sensitivity to the feelings and needs of others. The unique curriculum offered by Country Day prepares and strengthens students for participation in their local and global communities. With its focus on diversity, service, global study, and technology, Country Day has positioned itself as a school of the 21st century.
Country Day is committed to living as an authentic, inclusive community. Our pursuit of this commitment to community recognizes and affirms the richness brought by difference and discovered through commonality.

Position Details
Charlotte Country Day School seeks an Associate Director of College Counseling to join our highly collaborative and dynamic team in supporting students and families through every part of the college admissions process. This role requires an individual deeply committed to serving our students and families with exceptional care, empathy, and detailed guidance. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills to foster trust and open communication with students, parents, and college representatives; a track record of successful relationship-building; familiarity with the goals and mission of a college preparatory independent school; the ability to respond effectively to the needs of a diverse and ambitious student and family population; a deep understanding of the college admission landscape, including a range of colleges, their academic programs, admission policies, and financial aid policies; and exceptional writing and editing abilities.

Essential Responsibilities include:
• Manage a caseload of approximately 25% of students and families in each Upper School grade.
• Counsel and guide assigned caseload of students and families through college list building, application, and selection of college choice or other post-secondary plans.
• Assist students with writing and revising college essays and activities lists, review each student’s application before submission, and help students prepare for interviews.
• Review and edit letters of recommendation from faculty advisors and academic teachers to accompany applications.
• Manage the timely completion and submission of all supporting documentation for each application.
• Provide financial aid and scholarship information to families.
• Help plan and execute all office programming, including student and family information events, workshops, and joint programs with peer independent schools in Charlotte. Programs require occasional evening and weekend commitments.
• Assist students with academic planning and course selection throughout Upper School.
• Meet with college representatives during their visits to Charlotte Country Day School and steward ongoing positive relationships with college contacts.
• Attend local college counselor events hosted by colleges, as well as travel to colleges for tours and counselor fly-ins during the school year and summer.
• Represent Charlotte Country Day School at relevant regional and national professional conferences.
• Other duties as assigned.

Salary and Benefits
Charlotte Country Day School is committed to attracting and retaining talented employees through nationally competitive salaries and benefits. Individual salaries are determined by background and experience. Some of the highlights of working at Charlotte Country Day School include:
• Annual professional development opportunities that enhance professional skills.
• Full tuition remission for up to two children (full-time educator) based on admissions criteria and availability of openings.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans.
• Financial assistance with relocation expenses.
• On-site physical, mental, and financial health and wellness classes.
• Close informal relationships with major colleges and universities in the Charlotte area.

Qualifications
• A Bachelor's degree is required, and a Master’s degree is preferred.
• Significant experience in college counseling and/or selective college admissions is strongly preferred.
• Experience in, or strong understanding of the goals and mission of a college preparatory independent school.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Application Process
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, current resume, list of references with telephone numbers, and writing sample via the Country Day employment portal at https://www.charlottecountryday.org/employment. The writing sample should be a recent letter of recommendation submitted for a student (identifying information redacted) or another piece of writing recently completed in a professional setting. Review of materials and initial interviews will begin as applications are received. References will only be contacted for applicants that advance in the process.

This position will be open until filled.

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at Country Day will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. CCDS does not discriminate against any employee, any applicant for employment, or in employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law. This policy extends to recruitment, employment, promotion, demotion, transfer, layoff, termination, compensation, training, benefits and all other terms and conditions of employment.