Director of College Counseling
About The Bishop’s School
Founded in 1909 and affiliated with the Episcopal Church, The Bishop’s School is an independent, coeducational college-preparatory day school for 800 students in grades six through twelve located on a historic campus in the heart of La Jolla, just 10 miles north of downtown San Diego. With a student-teacher ratio of approximately 9 to 1, Bishop’s is known for academic, artistic, and athletic excellence while celebrating character development, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. Last year’s applicant pool drew from 72 zip codes and 168 middle and high schools throughout San Diego County and beyond. Fifty-one percent of the student population self-identify as students of color. Additionally, over $5 million in need-based financial aid is awarded annually.
Anticipated Annualized Base Compensation Depending on Experience: $190,000 - $205,000 per annum
Position Summary Description
The Bishop’s School seeks a Director of College Counseling for the 2025-2026 school year, beginning as early as May 1, 2025, but not later than August 1, 2025, depending on the incumbent's availability. This individual is responsible for overseeing and leading all aspects of the School’s college counseling program, including the deft management of the college counseling team: four associate directors of college counseling, one administrative assistant, and the registrar and test coordinator. The Director is tasked with developing and implementing innovative programming, managing communication strategies, and ensuring the timely and accurate submission of 1500+ student applications. Specifically, they will ensure that all Bishop’s students and families are familiar with the college search and application process, while expertly managing all internal logistics of that process. This includes the timely and accurate document delivery for student applications each year (transcripts, recommendation letters and profiles), faculty recommendation training, and 125+ college admissions representative visits. In addition to these administrative duties, the Director will counsel a full caseload of students, providing guidance on course selection, applications, and financial aid. Finally, as a key representative of Bishop’s, the Director will network within the professional community, attend conferences and campus visits, and participate in outside committees to elevate the School’s reputation.
An Ideal Candidate Will Have:
- A bachelor’s degree (B.A.). An advanced degree in educational leadership, youth services, social work or related field is preferred.
- Minimum of 8 years of experience in college admissions or college counseling at secondary school or collegiate level.
- At least 5 years of supervisory or management experience.
- Educational non-profit experience is a plus.
- Ability to communicate clearly in person and in writing with students, parents, faculty, and staff.
- Strong work ethic and good time management.
- Demonstrated commitment and competency in diversity, equity, inclusion and justice.
- An interest in supporting current co-curricular programs and professional learning communities.
- Commitment to well-being as the foundation for growth.
- Regardless of own religious orientation, an ability to support the School’s mission and values as a school founded in the Episcopal tradition.
- Advanced proficiency with Google Workspace and aptitude for learning new technology.
Core Competencies:
- Uphold the School’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values;
- Demonstrate professionalism, tack and an unwavering positive attitude;
- Strong verbal and written communication;
- Stay up to date on industry standards, trends, developments and legal updates;
- Make timely and ethical decisions both systematically and under pressure;
- Comply with School’s reporting policies and procedures; and
- Maintain a clean, safe and organized work area.
Role Specific Competencies:
- Communication and active listening
- Empathy
- Building rapport
- Supportive
- Values diversity
- Excellent judgment and decision making
- Flexibility and initiative
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Ethics and integrity
- Problem solving and analysis
Application Deadline
Prospective candidates are encouraged to apply by January 10, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Please do not contact the school directly.
EEO
The Bishop's School is an equal opportunity employer. We are a diverse community of professionals that broadly reflects the people of the San Diego area and the United States at large. We aim to align our hiring process with our mission and institutional goals. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion or religious practices, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national origin, age, ability status, military status, unemployment status or any other category protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws. The Bishop's School takes affirmative action in support of its policy to employ and advance all qualified candidates.