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Assistant Director of College Counseling

Medical Society of the District of Columbia, Washington, District of Columbia, United States


Assistant Director of College Counseling Position Type Year‑round, full‑time, salaried (overtime exempt) position with full benefits. All employment at Field is employment at‑will.

Subject Matter & Projected Pay Range College counseling, college placement, advising, and administrative.

$75,000 - $95,000.

Position Description The Field School's program is ambitious and bold, and our teaching and program faculty embody the mission by guiding students to discover their authentic selves and distinctive paths to become empathetic, creative thinkers who act boldly to shape our shared future. Faculty pursue this through authentic day‑to‑day interactions, curriculum design and implementation, and professional interactions with colleagues. Field reflects diversity of identity, thought, and experience. We strive to be a learning community at every level. All adults—teachers, the administrative team, and operations employees—are faculty and actively participate in the school’s community and shepherd the school’s values.

We are deeply committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. This commitment requires sustained effort and willingness to grow as professionals.

Responsibilities As Assistant Director under the Director of College Counseling, you will:

Provide grade‑level‑appropriate guidance and support to Upper School students.

Divide caseload equally with the Director (30‑35 students per graduating class) and meet individually with students and families during 11th and 12th grades.

Write comprehensive recommendations for each student and edit application materials.

Assist with the Common Application and ensure deadlines are met.

Co‑teach college workshop classes as part of the advisory program.

Present grade‑level and subject‑specific evening programs for current and prospective families.

Take primary role in programming aligned with your expertise.

Host college representatives (around 150 annually) and foster relationships.

Attend the annual NACAC conference and visit college campuses locally and internationally.

Participate in Washington Area Independent Schools meetings, facilitate the WAIS College Fair, and attend other college events.

Collaborate with advisory teams and school leadership to counsel students on academics and course selections.

Coordinate AP exam registration and administration for students who choose them.

Specific Duties

Meet with students and families throughout the college process.

Provide information and guidance about the college process, college selections, fit, financial aid, and deadlines.

Write comprehensive letters of recommendation.

Read and edit student essays and supplements.

Co‑teach college workshops.

Participate in grade‑level programs for families, including evening events.

Oversee transmission of supporting materials (transcripts, letters) for the caseload, meeting deadlines.

Foster and maintain relationships with college representatives and advocate on behalf of students.

Participate in fly‑ins, college tours, and professional conferences (NACAC).

Help facilitate the Washington Area Independent School Fair and attend WAIS meetings.

Coordinate AP exam registration and administration.

Qualifications and Competencies

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or commensurate experience preferred.

At least three years progressively responsible experience as a college admission officer and/or school‑based college counselor.

Strong work ethic, excellent organizational skills, and flexibility with time and travel.

Willingness to coordinate efforts with others and establish strong relationships with students and families.

Networking skills for cultivating relationships with college admissions representatives.

Historical and institutional knowledge of the Field School helpful in transmitting culture to college representatives.

Sensitivity to adolescent concerns and societal pressures.

Sense of humor and flexibility to pivot when needed.

Work Environment Program faculty work in‑person at school, or remotely if required. All faculty maintain a professional environment. Classes and meetings may be in person or distributed. Faculty are expected to be present and accessible during the school day. Field closes for two weeks each summer, offers generous vacation, observes several holidays, and shortens the work day during summer.

Physical Demands Regular speaking and hearing, prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and occasional moving/rearranging of furniture or equipment.

Travel Periodic regional and national travel for college campus visits and conference attendance; international trips be possible but rare.

About The Field School Located in Washington, DC, the Field School (grades 6‑12) blends academic excellence with individual expression in a relaxed, joyful atmosphere. Through dialogue among students and teachers we encourage knowledge seeking and community participation. The school connects knowledge realms to help students understand their world and lead full lives.

Contact Candidates are invited to send their resume and cover letter to HR@fieldschool.org and visit www.fieldschool.org for additional information. Official employment applications are available upon request.

Disclaimers & Policies This job description does not list all duties; other responsibilities may change or be added with or without notice.

The School requires full COVID‑19 immunization (initial vaccination and boosters) under applicable law; exemptions are evaluated per law.

The Field School is committed to diversity and equity. The school does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, gender, identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, homelessness, or any other prohibited ground.

D.C. Pay Transparency Law On Jan. 12, 2024, the District of Columbia’s mayor signed the Wage Transparency Omnibus Amendment Act of 2023. The Act requires Washington, D.C. employers to disclose salary ranges and benefits for open positions starting June 30, 2024.

Employers must include minimum and maximum projected salary or hourly pay at time of posting. Internal announcements must also include range or hourly pay. Information about healthcare benefits should be disclosed prior to the first interview.

Employers are prohibited from screening or discriminating based on salary history or inquiring about wage history.

Employers may not retaliate against employees who discuss compensation.

Employers must display a notice informing employees of their rights under the Act.

Benefits Disclosure The Field School offers a comprehensive set of employment‑based benefits to full‑time employees.

Eligibility begins day one for employees working at least 30 hours per week on average. Healthcare, dental, and vision plans are included in the current benefits plan.

The School reserves the right to amend or cancel the current benefit plan at any time without prior notice.

New full‑time employees have thirty calendar days from start of employment to enroll in or decline benefits. Coverage is effective on first day of employment, provided enrollment occurs within the 30‑day window.

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