Associate Director of College Counseling

Reports to: Director of College Counseling

Position Type: Exempt, Full-time, 12 month position

Established in 1920, Bentley School is a K-12 co-educational, independent day school located on two campuses in Oakland (K-8) and Lafayette (9-12), California. Bentley School is an inclusive community that shares a vision of academic achievement, balance, and the cultivation of character.

Position Overview:

The Associate Director brings energy, expertise and guidance to students and families through the college search and application process. The counselor manages a caseload of approximately 30-40 students monitoring the progress and completion of each advisee’s applications. The Associate Director contributes to a program philosophy that is student-centered committed to helping each student find a college that is the right fit.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Student and Family Advising

• Guide students and their families through the college application and selection process, including building individualized college lists, advising students regarding their applications, and personal statements
• Serve as a knowledgeable and passionate advocate on behalf of each student.
• Coordinate and facilitate a variety of informational programs for students and families throughout the year, including panel discussions, application workshops, and other parent/guardian education.
• Respond to student and parent/guardian college inquiries of all grade levels.
• Provide substantive written and verbal feedback on personal statements and supplemental essays across multiple drafts, with attention to voice, authenticity, and interests.
• Compile information for – and write – thoughtful and supportive letters of recommendation for each counselee.
• Maintain and cultivate relationships with college admission officers, including hosting them during their visits to campus, and participating in all activities (including travel to colleges and conferences) required to sustain and advance a productive and dynamic college counseling program.
• Advise students on gap year programs, and non traditional post secondary pathways as part of a comprehensive, student-centered approach.
• Serve on school committees, as needed.
• Attend school and community-wide events, including some evenings and weekends.
• Ensure the college counseling information on the Bentley School website and SCOIR is kept up to date and relevant.
• Advise students regarding standardized testing timelines related to college admission.
• Provide college financial aid information and scholarship opportunities to students and families jointly with our partnership with College Money Method.
• Prepare students on how to conduct themselves in interviews, coach on presentation, self-advocacy and what to expect.

College Relations and Professional Development

• Participate in professional organizations, such as NACAC, WACAC, College Board, BAISCC, ACCIS that support our expertise.
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with college admission officers
• Meet the ethical standards of the college admission profession as articulated by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree preferred.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in college counseling and/or college admission; experience as a college admission reader or officer is a distinct advantage.
• An understanding of highly selective college admission.
• Enthusiasm for working with high school students and their families.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, strong public speaking skills, and outstanding interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Strong technological skills required, including proficiency with email, internet research, and the Google suite of programs.
• A high degree of patience, empathy, trustworthiness, and decisiveness.
• Personal and professional integrity and respect for absolute confidentiality.
• Respect for confidentiality and appreciation for diversity in all of its forms.
• The candidate should possess strong collaboration and cross-cultural competency, and demonstrate a commitment to student well-being and balance, and to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• A team-oriented approach and collaborative spirit to all aspects of the college counseling process.

Pay Range:

Bentley uses a competitive salary scale, which takes into account experience, education, and skill level. The starting salary for this position ranges from $100,000 – $125,000.