Director of College Counseling,The Bishop’s School

The school has a longstanding record of preparing students for success in college. The 128-member class of 2020 included 16 National Merit Semifinalists and 25 Commended Students. In May 2019, 284 students in grades nine through 12 sat for a total of 587 Advanced Placement exams in 26 subjects. Seventy-eight percent of those exams received a score of 4 or 5, and 94 percent earned a score of 3 or above.

Graduates from the classes of 2017-2020 are matriculating at 146 colleges and universities, including an impressively broad range of schools in the U.S. and internationally. Institutions enrolling four or more Bishop’s graduates over the past four years include the following:

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE UPPER SCHOOL PROGRAM

Overseen by a passionate, diverse, highly educated, and nationally recruited faculty, Bishop’s innovative educational program is designed to challenge and engage motivated, college-bound students. The comprehensive curriculum allows students to find their voice, inspire their passion, and prepare for their academic futures, while equipping them with foundational life skills. This preparatory approach incorporates courses in science, math, history, the arts, world languages, computer science, physical education and health, as well as religion and ethics.

Upper School students choose from among more than 150 course offerings, including classes designated at the Honors, Advanced Placement, and Advanced Honors levels. Advanced Honors courses encourage intensive study in a seminar setting beyond the bounds of the AP program. The science and history/social sciences departments now offer Honors courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Micro/ Macroeconomics and Psychology, replacing the same disciplines that were previously taught with the AP designation. Honors Economics: Microeconomics & Entrepreneurship introduces frameworks of economics concepts and business models in a collaborative environment focused on entrepreneurial projects. Student interest in Computer Science has led to the recent development of a four-year trajectory that allows students to focus on specific interests including programming, game design, and machine learning.

As a member of Global Online Academy, a consortium of leading independent schools dedicated to academic excellence and the development of 21st century skills, Bishop’s also offers students the opportunity to enroll in challenging online courses taught by faculty from member schools.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate, a student must earn a minimum of 40 semester credits (five per semester) in grades 9 through 12. Specific course requirements include 4 years of English; 3 years of Math, History/Social Sciences, and Lab Sciences; 2 years of a single World Language through Level 3 (Chinese, French, Latin, and Spanish are offered); 1 year of Art in a single media/discipline; 2 semesters of Religion/Ethics; and 1 semester of Health. To fulfill their credit requirements, students choose from a robust selection of academic and non-academic electives.

Additional requirements include 2 seasons of PE/Athletics in grades 9–11 and one season in grade 12. Over the course of their four years at Bishop’s, students also must complete 80 hours of community service learning, including 40 hours off campus. The service learning program emphasizes mindful reflection and relationship building and is customized by each student based on personal passions. As part of the program, students work regularly with a service organization of their choosing. Throughout this experience, students reflect and share their personal service journey with peer groups.

Co-Curricular Offerings

Bishop’s offers myriad opportunities beyond the classroom to spark students’ passions and broaden their horizons. Award-winning performing arts groups including Acting Workshop, Advanced Theatre Production, Bishop’s Singers, Performing Dance Group, and Studio Dance Group are highly selective, audition-only ensembles that require significant time commitment. In addition to the arts, Associated Student Body Council (ASBC), Journalism, Mock Trial, Peer Support, Robotics, Speech and Debate, and Yearbook also require a great commitment of time and energy. More than 60 clubs support a broad variety of student interests.

Athletics

Bishop’s comprehensive athletic program is broad enough to prepare gifted athletes to compete at the college level while also ensuring that all students are exposed to the lifelong benefits of athletics and physical fitness. During the course of a school year, more than 80 percent of Upper School students will play on one or more of the 40 varsity and junior varsity teams. Offerings include Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, and Water Polo. Depending on student interest, coed athletic club offerings include Equestrian, Sailing, Squash, and Surfing.

In a typical year, Bishop’s graduating class will include up to five Division I recruited athletes and 10 to fifteen who will be recruited by Ivy League or Division III colleges.

COLLEGE COUNSELING AT THE BISHOP’S SCHOOL

With a 32:1 ratio of seniors to college counselors, Bishop’s provides careful attention to students and their families as they navigate the search and selection process. The office includes the Director of College Counseling, three experienced Associate Directors, and the Registrar.

College counselors meet with the ninth and tenth grade classes during enrichment periods and offer evening programs for parents in the winter. Individual meetings with students and parents begin during the spring of sophomore year to discuss junior-year course options and to develop a working relationship for the years ahead. At that point, each family is paired with the college counselor with whom they will work throughout the duration of the college process.

During junior year, students and their parents attend the annual fall college night program, where families are introduced to the college search and selection process in the year ahead.

Juniors and their parents meet with their college counselors early in the second semester to discuss the student's interests and needs, and to create an initial list of colleges for the student to research. Students and parents continue to work closely with the college counselors through graduation. The office also offers periodic programs on specific topics including financial aid, athletic recruitment, and essay writing.

Two years ago, the office migrated from Naviance to a new college guidance management system, SCOIR, a user-friendly and multifeatured program that has been well received by students, faculty, and the college counseling staff.

While the office recommends that students submit 10 to 15 applications to a reasonable range of choices, it does not limit the number of colleges to which a student ultimately applies. On average, Bishop’s students submit 14 applications. Approximately 90 percent submit at least one early application.

More than 200 colleges and universities seek to visit Bishop’s each fall; this year, all visits will be virtual via Zoom.

Opportunities and Challenges Awaiting the Next Director

The next Director of College Counseling will join a well-established and well-resourced office with an impressive record of success in guiding students to successful college outcomes. The Associate Directors are experienced, collaborative, student-centered, and committed to the philosophy of promoting fit over rankings. Bishop’s talented students, exceptional educational program, and well-deserved stellar reputation mean that the school has forged strong relationships with a broad range of colleges and universities.

Head of School Ron Kim, who joined Bishop’s in July 2019, aspires to build upon this solid foundation by pursuing a more expansive vision for the college counseling operation. Recognizing the importance that Bishop’s highly educated families place on the college counseling process, he is eager to establish a best-in-class college counseling operation that will become a signature element of the Bishop’s brand and reputation.

To accomplish that goal, the next Director will report directly to the Head of School. The new Director will be charged with building a comprehensive counseling experience that will delight students and parents, inspiring their confidence in both the process and the results. The school is seeking a visionary leader who is well versed in the changing landscape of college admissions and able to communicate those realities to students and parents with clarity and authority. Ideally, the program’s effectiveness and reputation will reassure students and parents that everything they need for counseling is on their campus.

Specifically, the next Director will be expected to:

• Engage students and parents early and appropriately to inspire confidence while disseminating accurate and timely information.

• Be an excellent communicator in writing and also as a speaker.

• Use data effectively to inform the work of the counselors and to educate families.

• Remain well informed about best practices and changes in college admissions nationally, continually adapting the Bishop’s operation to ensure that the school is responding nimbly – particularly in the era of Covid-19.

• Lead and develop a college counseling team that has a reputation for unrivaled excellence.

• Work collaboratively and collegially with all faculty and administrators who play a role in the academic advising and college guidance process.

• Actively support the school’s efforts in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

• Be a forceful and persuasive advocate for the best interests of students, reinforcing the school’s Episcopal values and its commitment to promoting fit over rankings.

THE POSITION: DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE COUNSELING

A member of the senior administrative team, the Director of College Counseling reports to the Head of School and collaborates closely with the Head of Upper School.

Broadly, the Director of College Counseling:

• Manages and directs the work of three Associate Directors, who collaborate on guiding students and parents through the college selection, application, and admissions processes.

• Designs programs and workshops for students and families.

• Conducts outreach and develops relationships with colleges, universities, and other organizations.

• Reflects the mission and vision of The Bishop’s School in all efforts.

Essential Functions and Specific Duties

• Provide individual college counseling for students and parents.

  • Meet with students to assess their personal strengths and goals for college.

  • Help students select a balanced list of schools to which to apply.

  • Assist students in completing applications and essays.

  • Keep students on track with deadlines.

  • Write and/or review the School Counselor letters of recommendation.

  • Work with parents as needed throughout the process.

• Participate in planning, presentation, and sponsorship of all office programming, including occasional evening and weekend commitments.

• Pursue professional development by visiting college campuses, attending regional/national conferences, engaging in college-sponsored events, and participating in professional organizations (including WACAC, NACAC, ACCIS, College Board, ACT, and financial aid workshops).

• Manage communications and office supervision.

  • Serve as the primary liaison between the college counseling staff and the rest of the school.

  • Supervise the performance and operations of the college counseling staff, including leading staff meetings and evaluating staff performance.

  • Approve office travel calendars.

  • Oversee and manage the department budget.

  • Presents, as requested, annually to the Board of Trustees.

• Oversee the academic counseling process for students in grades nine through twelve.

  • Organize presentations of ninth and tenth grade seminars in early spring to go over academic planning.

  • With the Academic Dean, meet with parents at evening meetings about course planning.

  • Represent the college counseling office at the department chairs meetings.

  • Attend Academic Steering Committee meetings.

• Manage and support outreach, college visits, and relations.

  • Build and foster strong relationships with college admissions offices.

  • Coordinate visits from college representatives to the school.

  • Coordinate office visits to colleges and college fairs.

  • Participate in WACAC and NACAC meetings and workshops when appropriate.

  • Attend yearly UC and CSU counselor workshops.

• Manage and delegate responsibilities related to the presentation of workshops and seminars to students and parents.

• Serve as the primary liaison between the school and external entities.

  • Ensure the college counseling website and external communications are accurate and up to date.

  • Produce the annual college profile.

  • Manage oversight of the UC course approval process.

• Manage and delegate responsibilities related to the relationships with the College Board and standardized testing.

  • Stay current with trends in national testing.

  • Oversee process for providing testing for all Upper School students.

  • Keep students informed of deadlines for SAT and ACT tests.

  • Process National Merit applications.

• Uphold the school’s Fundamental Standard, as stated in The Bishop’s School Faculty, Staff, and Administration Handbook: Each employee must act in a manner that sets the highest example for the students of the school. Accordingly, maintain integrity, honor, responsible citizenship, and respect for the rights of others.

• Perform other duties as directed by the Head of School or the Head’s designee.

The Bishop’s School offers competitive compensation including a full benefits package and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

The Bishop’s School seeks a dynamic, experienced, and visionary leader to oversee all aspects of the college counseling program and office. The ideal candidate will offer most or all the following attributes:

Qualifications and Experiences

• A bachelor’s degree.

• Extensive experience in college counseling and/or college admissions.

• A record of professional engagement with and thought leadership in national or regional college counseling/admissions organizations.

• Demonstrable evidence of a deep commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Successful experience creating a strong brand and reputation.

Leadership Traits and Personal Qualities

• A confident, knowledgeable, and persuasive college counseling professional who inspires confidence and trust.

• A warm leader and deft communicator who genuinely enjoys engaging with students and families.

• A morally grounded and caring leader who will support Bishop’s mission and values as a school founded in the Episcopal tradition.

• A progressive educator who is committed to the school’s high academic standards and first-rate co-curricular programs.

• A supportive supervisor and collaborative colleague who demonstrates humility, encourages the contributions of others, and models a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Strong organizational skills, including a demonstrated ability to manage numerous detailed tasks simultaneously, anticipate and meet deadlines, use time effectively, and problem-solve independently.

• Proficiency in the use of school and college counseling software programs.

• Ability to travel to attend conferences and visit colleges as circumstances permit.

• Flexibility with the special needs associated with an academic calendar and schedule. 

ANTICIPATED SEARCH CALENDAR

Application Deadline                              November 13, 2020

Semifinalist Interviews                            December 5–6, 2020

Finalist Visits                                         Mid-December 2020

Appointment                                          Late December 2020

Starting Date                                         July 1, 2021

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND SEARCH PROCESS

Wickenden Associates, an affiliate of DRG Talent Advisory Group, is conducting this search on behalf of The Bishop’s School. To discuss this opportunity in more detail, potential candidates may contact either of the lead consultants:

Jim Wickenden   

Wickenden Associate’s Founder & DRG Principal   

[email protected]

(609) 683-1355

Peter Thorp

Search Consultant

[email protected]

(415) 715-4114

Candidates should submit as soon as possible and no later than Friday, November 13, 2020, an application package including the following:

• A cover letter indicating why they are particularly interested in and qualified for the position.

• A current résumé.

• The names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of three references. (We will obtain permission from candidates before contacting references.)

• Two writing samples (e.g. recommendation letters, articles or blog posts, communications to parents, etc.) that would be useful to the Search Committee.

Application materials should be uploaded directly on this page, by clicking the ‘Apply’ button.

After an initial review of applicants, the Search Committee will interview semifinalist candidates via Zoom over the weekend of December 5–6, 2020. Shortly thereafter, finalists will be invited to The Bishop’s School for a more comprehensive series of interviews. An appointment is anticipated by late December.

This position description is based upon material provided by the Bishop’s School, an equal opportunity employer.

Please view a printable version of this opportunity statement here