Director of College Counseling

Director of College Counseling

Organizational Summary:

Tampa Preparatory School is the premier private school in the Tampa Bay area for students in grades 6 – 12. Tampa Prep’s focus on what’s best for students means we pay attention to adolescent development. We incorporate the latest research and data on teenage brain function, retention and development into our programs. Our rich academic tradition, along with a commitment to arts, athletics and a focus on producing well-rounded citizens in a very inclusive community has made Tampa Prep one of the best schools in Tampa for 40 years. Our educational philosophy instills values of fairness, decency, honor, diligence and academic curiosity. The School stresses the development of self-confidence, a sense of worth and the importance of having fun in the pursuit of one’s goals.

Position Summary:

Tampa Preparatory School is seeking an energetic, innovative, creative, visionary, thoughtful, compassionate, flexible and organized Director of College Counseling who is responsible for all aspects of the college search process, grades 9 through 12. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are required as the Director of College Counseling and the College Counseling office work directly with students and parents to educate them about the college admissions process through a series of workshops, group events, individual meetings and digital and verbal communications.  The Director of College Counseling also works with faculty members responsible for writing recommendations.

The Director of College Counseling leads and manages a dynamic group of professionals and ensures the office is organized and responsive to student and family needs. The Director of College Counseling and the College Counseling Office organize and administer AP testing, the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program, scholarship nominations and other special programs. 

The Director of College Counseling works with the Head of the Upper School leading the senior class.

Major Responsibilities:

The Director of College Counseling performs all duties assigned by the Head of School. Specifically, the Director of College Counselling, in conjunction with the College Counseling Team, is responsible for the following:

Counsels students and families throughout the college admission process:

• Assists families with the application process and answers questions regarding their applications.
• Serves as lead counselor for approximately 40 students each year.
• Writes recommendations.
• Provides information evenings for parents by either being the key speaker or providing college speakers.
• Provides college information that is posted on the website and push pages.
• Communicates with colleges about student applications.

Serves as the Senior Class Dean and oversees early stages of college process in lower grades:

• Serves as Senior Class Dean.
• Organizes Senior First Week.
• Oversees Senior Seminar program throughout school year.
• Coordinates programming for 9th, 10th & 11th grades.
• Organizes the Junior Retreat.

Builds relationships between Tampa Prep and college admissions offices:

• Develops relationships with college admission officers sharing the attributes of the Tampa Prep education and possibilities of the Tampa Prep graduate.
• Hosts college visitors and matches appropriate students with their respective institutions.
• Visits college campuses.
• Remains up to date with trends on college campuses.

Creates, updates and disseminates information and data relevant to the college process:

• Creates, edits and distributes the College Counseling Guide.
• Processes the Secondary School Reports, Profiles, recommendations and transcripts.
• Possesses a global understanding of Naviance and/or SCOIR tools.
• Provides the content for the School Profile.
• Develops reports and provides statistical analysis.

Oversees external programs related to the college process:

• Administers the Advanced Placement Testing.
• Coordinates and administers Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program.
• Oversees a variety of scholarship award opportunities. 

Engages in ongoing professional development and involved in professional organizations

• Is a member of and represents Tampa Preparatory School at NACAC, SACAC, College Board and ACCIS
• Seeks other varied professional development opportunities.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• A minimum of 7-10 years of experience in either College Counseling or College Admissions.
• College Admission and/or secondary school college counseling experience preferred.
• Four-year college degree required/Master’s degree preferred.
• Collaborative spirit and a genuine interest in working closely with students, families and faculty.

Information for Applicants:

For consideration, please forward cover letter, resume and list of references to Kimberly Baggett, Director of Human Resources at [email protected].

 Equal Employment Opportunity

Tampa Prep is an inclusive and open-minded environment that does not discriminate according to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or matters of individual choice. Tampa Prep does not engage in personnel practices prohibited by Federal law. This policy extends to all activities and aspects of the school and specifically to the practices of faculty and staff hiring and management, in student admissions, student evaluation, discipline and student life.