Assistant Dean of College Counseling

Durham Academy (DA) is accepting applications for an Assistant Dean of College Counseling to begin on July 1, 2025. The Assistant Dean of College Counseling reports to the Senior Dean of College Counseling and works collaboratively with the other Deans of College Counseling and College Counseling Assistant. This is a full-time, 11-month position with competitive salary and benefits.

Specific Responsibilities Include (but are not limited to):

• Serving as the primary contact for 10th-grade students, offering 1:1 meetings to all sophomores and assisting in their major and career exploration. 
• Contributing to all existing College Counseling programs and office responsibilities and working with the 10th-grade class deans on advisory and community programming
• Engaging with community members (alumni, parents, local colleges & businesses) to document and share summer program and internship opportunities available for our students. 
• Advising, guiding, and supporting a cohort of students in each class and their families through the college search and application process, including essay consultation, academic course advising, college list development, financial aid & scholarship advising, and summer planning.
• Crafting effective, persuasive letters of recommendation and communicating with colleges throughout the application process.
• Cultivating relationships with college representatives throughout the application cycle, including welcoming 100+ college representatives to campus each fall.
• Traveling to professional development opportunities provided by NACAC, SACAC, ACCIS, and other organizations, as well as university-sponsored tours.
• Maintaining and monitoring the College Counseling Office’s presence across social media platforms.
• Acting as the Local Coordinator for North Carolina Governor’s School, including promoting the program and assisting with the selection and submission of candidate’s application materials.
• Collaborating with CC team, faculty, and staff to create programming to inform students and families about post-high school college and career opportunities.
• Fulfilling other responsibilities assigned.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A Master’s degree and/or at least five years’ experience as an admissions officer at a selective college/university and/or as a college counselor at an independent school – preferably in a leadership role;
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills – both verbal and written – including the ability to listen actively, craft persuasive prose, and speak effectively one-on-one in small groups or large auditorium settings.
• Exceptional organizational skills, the ability to meet deadlines and work both independently and collaboratively with others.
• Eagerness to participate actively in all aspects of school life and to be a public presence on campus.
• A college counseling philosophy that aligns with Durham Academy’s values, mission, honor code, and commitment to diversity.
• A strong commitment to working with high school students, parents, and faculty through a process focused on identifying the best possible college fit for each student.
• The positive energy, patience, and sense of humor are needed to work effectively with high school students and their families, especially during potentially stressful situations.
• The flexibility, adaptability, and collaborative spirit to work as part of a team of colleagues and school leaders to support students and their families throughout the college admissions process.
• A broad knowledge of selective colleges and their academic programs, admissions policies, and selection processes.
• Interest in and understanding of data management and analysis related to college admissions data and trends.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), SCOIR, and College Kickstart.

Durham Academy Faculty

• Are culturally competent and believe in the central importance of diversity and equity in the life of the school.
• Model a student-centered approach to their work
• Possess a command of pedagogical best practices, eagerly seek feedback on all aspects of their professional life, and are committed to lifelong professional growth.
• Collaborate authentically and actively while building and maintaining collegial relationships with colleagues.
• Are eager to build supportive relationships with students, successful partnerships with parents/caregivers and participate actively in the life of the school beyond the classroom.
• Understand that student wellness is central to the student learning experience.
• Use technology thoughtfully and creatively
• Innovate and experiment to discover the most compelling learning experiences for students.

Our School

Founded in 1933, Durham Academy is an all-gender, independent day school with 1,252 students in Pre-kindergarten through grade 12 on three campuses. The purpose of a Durham Academy education is to prepare each student to live a moral, happy and productive life. DA’s Strategic Vision commits to preparing students for life, meeting the needs of our learners and innovating more boldly, with a foundation broadening and deepening our work with diversity, equity and engagement. Our DA is accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS). Durham Academy is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC) and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). 

Diversity, Equity and Engagement Mission Statement
Diversity enlivens, improves and enriches the intellectual and social environment of an academic community and encompasses all aspects of humanity including racial identity, sex, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ability, age and gender identity. We are committed to an ongoing process to increase the diversity of our community and to implement policies, programs and practices under which all members of our community feel welcomed, empowered, responsible and safe. Amidst our diversity we stand united in the pursuit of academic excellence and development of individual capabilities. Find out more about DA’s commitment to diversity, equity and engagement here.

(Adopted by the Durham Academy Board of Trustees in 2004 and updated in 2008)