The Buckley School is a dynamic, nurturing learning community committed to equity and inclusion, and as such, seeks to hire talented employees with diverse backgrounds.

The Buckley School, Los Angeles’ oldest K-12 all-gender learning institution, is seeking a Director of College Counseling for the 2023-2024 school year.  The Director of College Counseling is responsible for leading the Office of College Counseling to guide students and families in understanding the college application process. Based on the belief that student agency and engagement is critical in finding the right college or university, the Director, in partnership with the two Associate Directors, is responsible for creating a series of educational and counseling experiences in line with the school’s mission, Portrait of a Graduate, Strategic Plan, and commitment to DEI. The Director reports to the Head of Upper School and is a key member of the Upper School Administrative Team. The Director supervises two Associate Directors and the school’s Registrar.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Leads and supervises the college counseling team, comprised of two full-time Associate Directors and a full-time college counseling Assistant/Registrar
• Counsels sophomores, juniors, seniors, and their parents/guardians regarding the college search and selection process
• Advises sophomores, juniors, and seniors in course selection and course scheduling process as an academic dean
• Writes, organizes, and submits school-generated supporting documents for college applications including recommendations and transcripts
• Networks with college admission representatives and other college counselors by visiting college campuses, hosting college representatives on Buckley’s campus, and collaborating with other local independent schools on projects
• Organizes and facilitates workshops for students and teachers on topics such as writing college application essays and teacher recommendations
• Coordinates with athletics department and coaches to guide students and their families through the athletic recruitment process
• Coordinates with the visual and performing arts department to guide students and their families through the portfolio development process
• Updates the school profile and prepares annual reports for the Board of Trustees, Parents’ Association, and faculty
• Represents The Buckley School at national and regional conferences including NACAC, WACAC, College Board, ACCIS, and LAISCC meetings

Procedural Responsibilities

• Upholds all expectations, policies and practices outlined in the school’s employee handbook, and other foundational documents, and directives from senior administrators
• Maintains accurate and timely electronic records for each student and develops annual dashboard to discern patterns and trends in the admissions process
• Coordinates and administers PSAT exams and practice ACT exams for ninth through eleventh grade students

Students/Staff/Community Relations

• Creates warm and uplifting professional relationships with students, families, and all constituencies of the school  
• Communicates with students, families, and administrators in a timely and effective manner
• Serves as an ambassador for the school at all times, on and off campus, for example but not limited to: upholding the expectations in the employee and family handbooks; speaking positively about the school and its community members; participating in the school’s efforts to recruit and retain new families, faculty and staff; etc.

 RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Serve as an advisor or homeroom teacher, as appropriate
• Participate in the life of the school by attending assemblies, games, concerts, galas, and other school events
• Serve as a chaperone for outdoor ed and/or daily field trips
• Provide supervision for lunch, study hall, recess, arrival, dismissal, etc. and other duties as assigned

COMPENSATION

$160,000 - $175,000 per year

The base salary is separate from fringe benefits, such as retirement contributions, daily lunch, on-site parking, contributions to medical, dental, vision, life/AD&D plans, our generous time off policy, or potential stipends (for eligible employees). Our pay ranges are reasonable estimates of what the School anticipates paying for a role but are not guaranteed. If hired at The Buckley School, your actual base salary will be determined by your education and experience.  

 TO APPLY

Interested candidates should send their resume to jobs@buckley.org. In the cover letter/email please explain how you have included diversity, equity, and inclusion in your work with students or colleagues.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL

The Buckley School, with 830 students, is one of the most respected independent schools in Los Angeles.  Buckley is known for its unique educational philosophy, the 4-Fold Plan of Education, which melds a whole-child approach with elements of structure, as well as for its warm and nurturing educational environment. 

The school’s curriculum balances academics, the arts, physical development and ethical education. Buckley’s creative, personalized approach to education emphasizes high academic standards for all students and includes traditional touches that develop the character and discipline that unlock students’ potential.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Possess the minimum of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university, graduate degree preferred
• Possess 3-5 years college counseling experience, preferably within an independent school

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Models the highest standards of professionalism and creates warm, uplifting, and trusting environment and working relationships marked by humor, positivity, humility, empathy, excellent emotional intelligence, extraordinary interpersonal skills, and collaboration
• Demonstrates personal integrity, initiative, self-awareness, commitment to growth, and the ability to receive and apply feedback
• Possesses a passion for education, particularly in an independent school environment, conveyed by a solid understanding of educational practice and philosophy grounded in DEI
• Knowledge of and demonstrated competency in diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice
• Relishes the joys and challenges of working with adolescents and possesses a deep understanding of their intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development
• Demonstrates adaptability, dependability, good judgment, strong social skills and the abilities to read, assess, imagine, evaluate, calculate, & make wise decisions
• Successful experience developing and implementing innovative programs
• Demonstrates strong communication skills in person, in writing, by phone and through other electronic means (such as Zoom)

KNOWLEDGE

• Current knowledge of college counseling and admission trends       
• Knowledge of all aspects of the college search and application processes, and the ability to learn and implement new elements over time
• Knowledge of and ability to implement useful diagnostic and progress assessment measures
• Knowledge of SCIOR or similar college admissions software, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Blackbaud/Education Edge, and the ability to learn new and evolving technology