Westtown School is seeking a full-time Assistant/Associate Director to join our College Counseling Department beginning in mid-August 2023. The Assistant/Associate Director is responsible for counseling 35-45 students during their junior and senior years. The Assistant/Associate Director will contribute to our residential boarding program as either a Dorm Parent or Dorm Affiliate, requiring a combination of a weekly duty night and scheduled weekend duties throughout the academic year. On-campus housing may be available but is not guaranteed. 

This highly collaborative ten-month position requires a well-organized self-starter with a growth mindset to interact with all constituencies of the school, both internal and external. 

As Westtown strives to fulfill our commitment to becoming an anti-bias, anti-racist (ABAR) school, we are seeking culturally competent educators with a demonstrated commitment to equity, justice, and belonging who are eager to engage in ongoing professional development in these areas. This will be evidenced in their approach to curriculum and pedagogy, their ability to foster and develop inclusive communities, and through their personal and professional interactions with diverse groups of students, families, faculty, and staff.

 Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Counsels 35-45 students in both the junior and senior years, writing junior letters and senior recommendations for all students;
• Assists with college research, essay review, and interview preparation for each student;
• Advises students and families through course selection and standardized testing options; 
• Maintains accurate knowledge of the current admissions and financial aid processes and counsels families as needed;
• Cultivates and sustains relationships with college admission professionals as well as secondary school counselors in partnership with the Director of College Counseling;
• Collaborates with the college counseling department (comprising three counselors and a registrar/administrative assistant) in teaching Junior and Senior Seminars; 
• Supports the department by writing bulletins, administering standardized tests, and planning programs for students and families, including the Independent School Equity & Access Conference and College Fair??;
• Serves as an advisor to a group of upper school students, supporting students’ social-emotional and identity development;
• Contributes to building and sustaining an inclusive community and a program that embodies diverse cultures and perspectives;
• Communicates effectively with all constituents – students, colleagues, administrators, and parents;
• Contributes to students’ development of Quaker values;
• Engages in decision-making aligned with the Quaker process in service to the school community;
• Contributes to students’ development outside the classroom by actively engaging in co-curricular activities, student life, and the residential program at the direction of the Upper School Principal;
• Enthusiastically seeks out and participates in both school-sponsored and self-selected professional development opportunities to grow as an instructional leader and community member.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of relevant college counseling or college admissions experience, preferably in an independent or boarding school environment;
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree is preferred;
• Comprehensive knowledge of the college admission process, changing trends, and financial aid requirements;
• Ability to present information to a variety of audiences in accessible and adaptive ways;
• Excellent writing skills, strong organizational and time management skills;
• Able to effectively prioritize tasks, meet deadlines and remain flexible during a demanding fall and spring application cycle;
• Ability to connect meaningfully with students and families throughout our intentionally diverse community;
• A demonstrated commitment to cultural competence, commitment to social justice, and respect for all voices;
• A strong affinity for the mission of Westtown School and an appreciation for Quaker values and how these inform community processes and interactions.

Westtown School is an independent, Quaker co-educational, pre-K to 12, college preparatory day and boarding school located in suburban West Chester, PA, approximately 30 miles from Philadelphia. Situated on a beautiful 600-acre campus, Westtown offers a program where our committed faculty and staff inspire and prepare our students to be stewards and leaders of a better world. 

We strive towards every student, faculty, and staff member feeling a sense of belonging at Westtown and strongly encourage applications from educators of color, LGBTQ+ educators, and educators from communities that are historically underrepresented in independent schools. 

Interested, qualified candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and educational philosophy, including an outline of your professional development in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice to http://tiny.cc/westtown_careercenter and select “Show All Job Openings”.