Director of College Counseling
Independent Educational Consultants Association, Chicago, IL, United States
About Wolcott College Prep :
Wolcott College Prep is Chicagoland’s only independent college-prep high school serving bright students with learning differences, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, and executive functioning challenges. With a 4:1 student-teacher ratio and 100% college acceptance rate, Wolcott is dedicated to empowering students with learning differences to reach their full potential through a strength-based approach to education.
Job Summary: The Director of College Counseling oversees and manages all aspects of the college counseling program, developing comprehensive programming for students, parents, and faculty that recognizes and supports the needs of students with learning differences. This position serves as the primary guide for students and families through the college search, application, and transition process, with particular expertise in identifying colleges with appropriate support services and structured programs for students with learning differences and ADHD.
College Counseling Program Leadership
Develop and regularly review a comprehensive college counseling curriculum tailored to students with learning differences, beginning in 9th grade
Create and maintain an annual calendar of college counseling educational programming for students and families
Lead college counseling seminars, workshops, and individual/family meetings throughout the year
Maintain current knowledge of colleges with structured support programs, coordinated services, and appropriate accommodations for students with learning differences
Build and maintain strong relationships with college admissions representatives, particularly those from disability support services and structured programs
Visit colleges regularly to evaluate programs and maintain relationships with admission officers and disability services coordinators
Represent the school at professional meetings, college fairs (including CHOICES and NACAC)
Maintain awareness of testing policies and accommodation procedures at various institutions
Manage the college counseling departmental budget
Collect and maintain college admissions and scholarship data for each graduating year
Individual Student Counseling and Support
Develop balanced college lists with individual students, emphasizing appropriate levels of academic and learning support
Assist students in identifying colleges that match their learning profiles, academic interests, and support needs
Guide students through applications to structured support programs (such as SALT, LEP, etc.) when appropriate
Conduct individual and small group college counseling sessions
Review and provide feedback on college applications, essays, and supplemental materials
Compose comprehensive letters of recommendation for each senior that contextualize the student's learning profile and growth
Guide families on when and how to submit psychoeducational evaluations and accommodation documentation to colleges
Coordinate the submission of all required school documents including transcripts, accommodation plans, and psychoeducational evaluations when requested
Assist students and families with financial aid, scholarship processes, and understanding the costs of structured support programs
Collaboration and Communication
Partner closely with the Director of Student Services, learning specialists, and faculty to understand each student's learning profile and support needs
Educate students and families about the continuum of college support services, from basic accommodations to highly structured programs
Educate students about standardized testing options, test-optional policies, and accommodations
Facilitate conversations with families about disclosure of learning differences in the application process
Work with faculty to develop skills for writing strong, supportive teacher recommendations
Collaborate with the admissions team during the prospective student enrollment process
Provide guidance to families on college transition planning, including summer programs and orientation
Professional Development and School Community
Stay current on trends in college admissions, financial aid, and support services for students with learning differences
Maintain active membership in professional organizations, including NACAC, IACAC, and organizations focused on LD/ADHD support in higher education
Serve on the Administrative Leadership Team and participate in school-wide initiatives
Provide professional development to faculty on college counseling topics and supporting student transitions
Wolcott College Prep seeks candidates who possess the following qualifications and personal qualities: Educational Expertise and Knowledge
Understanding of learning differences (dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, executive functioning challenges) and how they impact college readiness and success
Comprehensive knowledge of the continuum of college support services, from basic accommodations to highly structured programs
Familiarity with psychoeducational evaluations and ability to interpret diagnostic information for college planning purposes
Strong knowledge of college admissions processes, application platforms (Common App, etc.), and financial aid systems (FAFSA)
Proficiency with college counseling technology platforms including Naviance, Common Application, and student information systems
Understanding of standardized testing, test-optional policies, and accommodation procedures
Communication & Relationship Building Skills
Genuine passion for working with students with learning differences and belief in their potential for college success
Alignment with and enthusiasm for Wolcott's mission and strength-based philosophy
Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to build trust with students, families, and colleagues
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including ability to give presentations to large and small groups
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently
Professional demeanor, including tact, discretion, and a student-centered approach
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately
Genuine engagement with all levels of the school community and commitment to collaborative work
Problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to changing circumstances
Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current in the field
Commitment to Diversity
A commitment and ability to foster an inclusive and diverse learning environment that embraces and celebrates differences, including differences in learning, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, religion, and sexual orientation.
Additional Requirements
Ability to work flexible hours 1-2 times a month for occasional evenings for family programs or admissions programs
Educational Background and Experience
Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree strongly preferred
Minimum of 5 years of college counseling experience in secondary schools
Knowledge of college programs and support services for students with learning differences and ADHD
Experience working with selective college admissions processes
Demonstrated experience working with diverse student populations and learning profiles
Physical Requirements :
Talking: Exchange ideas and information by means of the spoken word to impart oral information to others accurately.
Visual & Hearing Activity: Use telephone and computer on a daily basis. Ability to receive detailed information through oral and written communication.
Ability to move around campus to interact with students, families, faculty, and staff
Ability to attend off-campus events including college visits, fairs, and professional conferences
Sedentary work involving extended periods at a computer for application review and correspondence
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Job Summary: The Director of College Counseling oversees and manages all aspects of the college counseling program, developing comprehensive programming for students, parents, and faculty that recognizes and supports the needs of students with learning differences. This position serves as the primary guide for students and families through the college search, application, and transition process, with particular expertise in identifying colleges with appropriate support services and structured programs for students with learning differences and ADHD.
College Counseling Program Leadership
Develop and regularly review a comprehensive college counseling curriculum tailored to students with learning differences, beginning in 9th grade
Create and maintain an annual calendar of college counseling educational programming for students and families
Lead college counseling seminars, workshops, and individual/family meetings throughout the year
Maintain current knowledge of colleges with structured support programs, coordinated services, and appropriate accommodations for students with learning differences
Build and maintain strong relationships with college admissions representatives, particularly those from disability support services and structured programs
Visit colleges regularly to evaluate programs and maintain relationships with admission officers and disability services coordinators
Represent the school at professional meetings, college fairs (including CHOICES and NACAC)
Maintain awareness of testing policies and accommodation procedures at various institutions
Manage the college counseling departmental budget
Collect and maintain college admissions and scholarship data for each graduating year
Individual Student Counseling and Support
Develop balanced college lists with individual students, emphasizing appropriate levels of academic and learning support
Assist students in identifying colleges that match their learning profiles, academic interests, and support needs
Guide students through applications to structured support programs (such as SALT, LEP, etc.) when appropriate
Conduct individual and small group college counseling sessions
Review and provide feedback on college applications, essays, and supplemental materials
Compose comprehensive letters of recommendation for each senior that contextualize the student's learning profile and growth
Guide families on when and how to submit psychoeducational evaluations and accommodation documentation to colleges
Coordinate the submission of all required school documents including transcripts, accommodation plans, and psychoeducational evaluations when requested
Assist students and families with financial aid, scholarship processes, and understanding the costs of structured support programs
Collaboration and Communication
Partner closely with the Director of Student Services, learning specialists, and faculty to understand each student's learning profile and support needs
Educate students and families about the continuum of college support services, from basic accommodations to highly structured programs
Educate students about standardized testing options, test-optional policies, and accommodations
Facilitate conversations with families about disclosure of learning differences in the application process
Work with faculty to develop skills for writing strong, supportive teacher recommendations
Collaborate with the admissions team during the prospective student enrollment process
Provide guidance to families on college transition planning, including summer programs and orientation
Professional Development and School Community
Stay current on trends in college admissions, financial aid, and support services for students with learning differences
Maintain active membership in professional organizations, including NACAC, IACAC, and organizations focused on LD/ADHD support in higher education
Serve on the Administrative Leadership Team and participate in school-wide initiatives
Provide professional development to faculty on college counseling topics and supporting student transitions
Wolcott College Prep seeks candidates who possess the following qualifications and personal qualities: Educational Expertise and Knowledge
Understanding of learning differences (dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, executive functioning challenges) and how they impact college readiness and success
Comprehensive knowledge of the continuum of college support services, from basic accommodations to highly structured programs
Familiarity with psychoeducational evaluations and ability to interpret diagnostic information for college planning purposes
Strong knowledge of college admissions processes, application platforms (Common App, etc.), and financial aid systems (FAFSA)
Proficiency with college counseling technology platforms including Naviance, Common Application, and student information systems
Understanding of standardized testing, test-optional policies, and accommodation procedures
Communication & Relationship Building Skills
Genuine passion for working with students with learning differences and belief in their potential for college success
Alignment with and enthusiasm for Wolcott's mission and strength-based philosophy
Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to build trust with students, families, and colleagues
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including ability to give presentations to large and small groups
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently
Professional demeanor, including tact, discretion, and a student-centered approach
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately
Genuine engagement with all levels of the school community and commitment to collaborative work
Problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to changing circumstances
Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current in the field
Commitment to Diversity
A commitment and ability to foster an inclusive and diverse learning environment that embraces and celebrates differences, including differences in learning, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, religion, and sexual orientation.
Additional Requirements
Ability to work flexible hours 1-2 times a month for occasional evenings for family programs or admissions programs
Educational Background and Experience
Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree strongly preferred
Minimum of 5 years of college counseling experience in secondary schools
Knowledge of college programs and support services for students with learning differences and ADHD
Experience working with selective college admissions processes
Demonstrated experience working with diverse student populations and learning profiles
Physical Requirements :
Talking: Exchange ideas and information by means of the spoken word to impart oral information to others accurately.
Visual & Hearing Activity: Use telephone and computer on a daily basis. Ability to receive detailed information through oral and written communication.
Ability to move around campus to interact with students, families, faculty, and staff
Ability to attend off-campus events including college visits, fairs, and professional conferences
Sedentary work involving extended periods at a computer for application review and correspondence
#J-18808-Ljbffr