The Albuquerque Academy College Guidance Office is seeking an individual for the position of College Advisor (title commensurate with experience). Reporting to the Dean of College Guidance, the new College Adviser must have excellent counseling, listening, organizational, and writing skills and have familiarity with the college application process—including college list construction, essay review, interview preparation, curricular and standardized testing advising, and general admission strategy.
Our diverse student body is open to exploring different colleges, with each class enrolling in 80 to 100 different colleges around the US and the world. Our College Guidance program is by necessity innovative, flexible, and ever-evolving. We seek a dynamic colleague who will contribute to our collaborative environment and bring new ideas and perspectives to our counseling staff. We seek first to make this stressful process fun for students and counselors alike. Strong candidates are attracted to our mission and see themselves as engaged community members.
All employees at Albuquerque Academy approach their work in accordance with the values in our mission and in a spirit of kindness, professionalism, generosity, and civility to all members of the community. Our community norms, listed below, underlie our school culture, and all community members are expected to commit themselves fully to them.
Value and respect the diverse contributions of each person in the community.
Assume positive intent and inquire if you are left with questions or concerns.
Engage in face-to-face direct conversations; be clear, open, and honest in your conversations.
Be present and participate.
Albuquerque Academy seeks to maintain a diverse and energetic staff to work on campus. We encourage applications from groups traditionally underrepresented in independent school communities. Applicants are asked to submit a letter of interest and resume along with their online application. Please explain why Albuquerque Academy is the right fit for you and detail your passion for the position.
Applications and nominations will be accepted through May 15. Preference will be given to those who apply by April 15.
Essential Functions
Advise and support a diverse group of students and families through the college search and application process from tenth grade through senior year, including building college lists, writing comprehensive letters of recommendation for approximately 40 senior advisees, and providing feedback to students on their college essays.
Meet with individual students and families beginning in December of junior year.
Teach several sections of the College Knowledge course for tenth, eleventh, and twelfth-grade students.
Assist with the administration of SAT and ACT exams on campus throughout the year.
Assist with the administration of PSAT exams for sophomores and juniors, and practice administrations of the ACT for sophomores.
Assist with college counseling-sponsored evening programs and events for students and their parents.
Serve as an academic advisor.
Supervise a co-curricular activity. (e.g. varsity or sub-varsity teams, community service activities, clubs, publications, etc.)
Travel out of state for professional conferences (NACAC and RMACAC), summer programs, and college campus visits.
Support and lead all other efforts and initiatives of the College Guidance Office.
Support the School and its mission, always maintaining a high degree of professionalism.
Foster and maintain a culture of mutual respect, equitable practice, and joy.
Demonstrate cultural competence and communicate and collaborate effectively across differences.
Other Responsibilities
Attend employee meetings as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Education
A Bachelor’s degree is required.
Experience
Previous experience in a college admissions office or a high school college counseling office is preferred.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and writing skills.
Strong attention to detail, with the ability to meet important deadlines.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel spreadsheets, online college search software (SCOIR), Canvas and other relevant technology.
Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, high-stakes environment.
Commitment to participating in professional organizations, conferences, and college visits.
Special Requirements
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Working Environment
Majority of work is performed in an indoor office setting.
Work hours are generally from 7:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Physical Demands
Prolonged sitting and computer use.
EEO/ADA Compliance
Albuquerque Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Academy will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Albuquerque Academy is a leading independent, coeducational, day school serving approximately 1,200 students in grades six through twelve. The Academy’s resources are committed to a mission comprising accessibility, affordability, excellence, caring, and outreach as we serve the greater Albuquerque area. As part of this mission, the school has attracted some of the finest students and educators in the country to its extensive facilities on a natural 312-acre site within the city limits of Albuquerque. For further information about the Academy we encourage interested candidates to go to the school’s web site at www.aa.edu .