Head of College Counselling

Head of College Counselling

The British International School is seeking to hire an experienced Head of College Counseling to lead a vibrant and highly effective College Counselling team that inspires students and fosters an ambitious culture in which students strive to achieve their college aspirations.  The successful candidate will play a significant role in shaping the High School offer, working collaboratively with the High School Team and department Leads as they continue to build a dynamic 21st century college preparatory curriculum.  You will work closely with the Marketing and Admissions Team to attract students through sharing of success and data that shows BIS Houston is the school of choice for aspirational students.

Roles and Responsibilities

Leadership

As a leader you will be responsible for:

• Developing and leading a comprehensive and personalised college counselling programme for all BIS Houston students and families.
• Monitoring and evaluating the overall progress, outcomes and development of the college counselling programme.
• Line-managing the college counselling team members.
• Maintaining an awareness of issues and trends in college admission and higher education
• Tracking admission decisions, statistics, and data for reporting purposes
• Setting high expectations for the College Counselling Team, including Health and Safety policy and practice
• Promoting excellence, equality, collaboration and high expectations for students
• Representing the school’s values in every interaction with students, families and colleagues
• Establishing a visible presence across the whole school and the community

College Application Process

As Head of College Counselling, you will:

• Overseersee and guide the entire process of student college applications, providing comprehensive information and planning services for students and families.
• Establish a tracking and counselling system for students' college plans, ensuring personalised college application profiles for each student.
• Ensure the team provides timely updates on students' college applications, through effective communication with students and families before, during, and after the application process.
• Provide up to date presentations on U.S., U.K. and worldwide college admissions, helping students and families understand basic research and application methods.
• Coordinate the school’s efforts in counselling students and their families through the entire college selection, application, admission, and financial aid process by planning appropriate communication, conferences, and meetings with families and students.
• Serve as an advisor to a group of students in various grades.
• Assist with and review college applications and essays, ensuring an in-depth representation of the student
• Assist students and families with the financial aid and scholarship process

College Guidance Programme

As Head of College Counselling, you will:

• Develop and regularly review the college counselling curriculum
• Create a calendar of college counselling educational programming for students and families
• Conduct small and large group guidance of students in Years 10-13 to develop college readiness
• Maintain and oversee the use of the UNIFROG platform across the High School to support students

Additional Responsibilities

As Head of College Counselling you will:

• Network with top tier national and international college admissions professionals to improve school visibility and reputation leading to the active recruitment of our students by colleges and universities
• Build and strengthen relationships with top colleges and universities to create partnerships benefiting both theschool and students
• Maintain membership in and relationships with professional organizations
• Represent the school at professional meetings and college fairs
• Cultivate and sustain relationships with college reps, including hosting them on our campus.
• Develop a calendar of college representative visits to BIS Houston including annual College Fairs
• Complete and update the School Profile regarding College admissions and create a proactive marketing campaign
• Work with faculty to develop requisite skills for writing strong teacher recommendations

• Work collaboratively with the High School Team and department Leads to review and improve on the curriculum offer.
• Deliver presentations to younger students, and their families, explaining and promoting the college admissions process
• Manage the departmental budget
• Engage in professional development to stay current with the evolving trends in college admissions, visit college campuses, and attend conferences as appropriate.
• Assume role of Testing Coordinator (PSAT, SAT)
• Schedule and coordinate school-baed testing in the Fall and Spring

Qualifications and Requirements

• Relevant Master’s Degree desirable
• At least five years of experience in university admissions and/or college counselling
• Know and understand admissions processes for US, UK, Canada and other international systems
• Familiarity with IB Diploma requirements and ability to assist Secondary School students in course selection.
• Experience of leading a highly successful team
• Proven track record of proactivity
• Strong proficiency with technology.
• Good cross-cultural, interpersonal and communication skills to interact with diverse nationalities and cultures.
• Understand the complex and demanding environment of an international school community
• Excellent analytical skills – with the passion and drive to demonstrate and quantify success.
• Excellent time management skills and flexibility in dealing with multi-functional tasks

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Life Insurance
• Employee discount

Selection Process

All post holders in regulated activity (having regular unsupervised contact with children) are subject to appropriate national and international vetting procedures including satisfactory criminal record checks from both your country of residence/birth and any country of residence within the last 10 years. We welcome applications from suitable people from all diverse backgrounds. Please note, we reserve the right to make an appointment sooner with the right candidate and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.