Germantown Academy
We inspire students to be: Independent in Thought
Compassionate in Spirit
- Collaborative in Action
- Honorable in Deed
Germantown Academy is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school located on a beautiful 126-acre campus in the Fort Washington suburbs near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The school serves more than 1,200 students in grades Pre-K-12. Founded in 1759, GA is America’s oldest non-sectarian day school with rich traditions and a strong commitment to ongoing innovation of curricular and pedagogical practices.
Germantown Academy is committed to the work of equity and inclusion and believes that equal opportunity in all aspects of employment supports the mission of the school and the successful attainment of our strategic objectives. Candidates must exhibit an appreciation of, a sensitivity to, and a respect for a diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty, and staff of varying socioeconomic, cultural, ideological and ethnic backgrounds.
We are seeking qualified candidates for the Director of College Counseling position beginning July 1, 2025. This is a 12-month position which offers an excellent array of benefits and a highly competitive salary.
Position Purpose
The Director of College Counseling oversees the daily operations of the office including the development and implementation of programs to assist with and educate about the college application process while also developing and maintaining relationships with colleges and universities. The Director reports directly to the Head or Associate Head of School and works closely with the Head of Upper School.
Essential Functions
Visionary Leadership & Family Partnership
- Think innovatively to develop and expand programming to build relationships with colleagues, invite families into the process as partners, support students, and establish GA as a formidable presence in the field.
- Coordinate the school’s efforts in counseling students and their families through the entire college selection, application, admission, and financial aid process by planning appropriate communication and meetings with families and students across the entire Upper School.
- Create a calendar of college counseling educational programming for students and families that adapts to a shifting process and college admissions landscape.
- Be aware of issues and trends in college admission and higher education and keep up to date with targeted colleges.
- Execute a communication plan to inform all Upper School students and families about college counseling events and opportunities.
- Plan grade-level family programs beginning with the 8th grade to build on each successive year in partnership with the College Counseling Team.
- Provide students and families guidance on summer programs and enrichment opportunities.
Department Leadership
- Manage and supervise the team of three full-time college counselors and an administrative assistant and evaluate the team in coordination with the Head of the Upper School.
- Oversee the Testing Coordinator for PSAT, SAT, and AP administration.
- Supervise the team of three college counselors who support the Curriculum Partnership Program with Capital Normal University High School in Beijing, China.
- Manage the departmental budget to support the goals of the program.
- Troubleshoot concerns with the advisees of other college counselors as needed.
- Maintain membership in professional organizations: the College Board, the National Association of College Admission Counselors, the Pennsylvania Association of College Admission Counselors, and ACCIS (Association of College Counselors of Independent Schools).
Teaching, Advising, and Recommendation Letters
- Oversee 30-35 assigned sophomores, juniors, and seniors individually to craft college lists, create testing plans, review college applications and essays, and ensure they compile a balanced college list and present their best selves in their college applications.
- Craft a letter of recommendation for each assigned senior (30-35).
- Serve as an advisor in one of GA’s seven houses.
- Teach a minimum of two sections of College Seminar and annually update the course and syllabus.
- Educate students about SAT, ACT, and Advanced Placement exams and provide opportunities to take both the PSAT and practice ACT.
- Provide resources for teachers on recommendation writing
- Review teacher recommendations in their senior caseload.
Additional Administrative Responsibilities
- Track and report student application outcomes and trends in the field and report annually and as invited to the Board of Trustees.
- Compile an annual School Profile, update the College Counseling Resources One-Note, an online handbook for students and families, and provide content for the bi-monthly College Counseling Newsletter.
- Advise House Heads, academic advisors, and Upper School students on curricular choices, as needed.
- Host 140 college admissions representatives who visit campus and facilitate meetings between college representatives and our students along with the other college counselors.
- Coordinate the annual May college fair of 130 colleges.
- Serve as a member of the One School Committee, Department Heads Committee, and Academic Committee.
- Other duties may be assigned as required for support of any aspect of school operations.
Qualifications
- An exceptional background in the field with a minimum of ten years working in college counseling with prior experience in college admissions;
- Minimum of a BA/BS degree; MA/MS, EdD, PhD preferred;
- An outstanding work ethic with the ability to balance strategic thinking and attention to detail;
- Significant experience supervising other college counselors and uniting a team;
- In-depth knowledge of and connections at colleges and universities and a desire to visit college campuses and attend and present at professional conferences;
- Strong oral and written communication skills; and
- Expertise using the Microsoft Suite of Products, Naviance or another application management system as well as College Kickstart.
