College Counselor

We are looking for a College Counselor to support the Admissions and College Counseling Departments for the 2025-2026 school year. The College Counselor is responsible for guiding students through the successful transition to postsecondary education. The ideal candidate must have knowledge of college admissions and financial aid topics and processes, excellent time management and outstanding communications skills of all expressions: personal, written, verbal and technological. Must be willing to travel several times throughout the year to attend professional development workshops and conferences and to meet and network with representatives from colleges and universities.

As a new and developing school, we require individuals possessing an entrepreneurial spirit who view ambiguity as an opportunity. The ideal candidate is resilient, flexible, always learning, and knows how to lead. The ideal candidate will also be creative, innovative, and able to build strong relationships with students, parents, faculty, and external partners. If you are excited about this opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our student's lives, we encourage you to apply.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the College Counseling Department in all aspects of the department's work.
• Represent the school and build relationships with prospective and current students, and their families.
• Inform students, families, and staff of current college admissions policies, procedures, and deadlines.
• Guide students and others in understanding and utilizing the college admission data management systems such as Maia Learning, Slate, PowerSchool.
• Provide financial aid forms and applications to students.
• Write letters of recommendation on behalf of students for college admission as well as for scholarships, internships, and other opportunities.  
• Provide assistance and advice in student course selection and its impact on college selection.
• Provide college materials such as catalogs, viewbooks, applications, directories, and computer software programs to assist students in the college search process.
• Attend workshops concerning college admissions, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities.
• Support the department in organizing and coordinating college related workshops and evening programs for parents and students to attend. (e.g. College Fair, Mock AdCom)
• Support the planning, coordinating and attendance on the annual college tour
• Facilitate college visits for the select student population to local campuses.
• Support the Marketing and Communications manager with regular content related to college counseling. 
• Work with the administration and academic departments to coordinate graduation awards, graduation ceremonies, and other scholarship awards programs.
• Support the department with the planning and execution of various college admission and counseling events for students and families 
• Attend college conferences that are held each year. (e.g. UC, CSU, Mission College, College Board, WACAC, NACAC)
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of colleges and universities, which includes making visits to colleges. Stay current on higher education changes.
• Participate in professional development opportunities that will contribute to the individual’s professional growth and keep the college counseling, counseling and mentoring programs abreast of current developments in college admissions.
• Proctor AP exams.
• Any additional tasks as assigned by the Director of College Counseling and/or Administration

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in counseling or related field 
• Experience in college admissions or college counseling
• Understanding of the college admission process at a variety of institution types and selectivity levels
• Excellent organization, verbal and written skills, as well as outstanding interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
• Must be able to attend occasional meetings and events outside of normal school hours, including evenings and weekends.
• A commitment to the educational philosophy of Stratford Preparatory
• Commitment to equity and inclusion
• Available and willing to work occasional co-curricular events, including overnight field trips.

Preferred:

• Master's Degree in counseling or related field is preferred
• Experience working with high school students from diverse faith, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds.
• Knowledge of relevant applications including Maia Learning, Slate, PowerSchool

General information:

• Reports directly to the Director of College Counseling
• This position is regular, 12 months, full-time, and exempt. Employees in exempt positions are expected to work as many hours as their responsibilities require, which includes evenings and weekends
• Location: 1323 Great Mall Drive, Milpitas, CA