Associate Director of College Counseling and Student Life

at  The NightingaleBamford School

The Associate Director of College Counseling and Student Life will serve as a visible and vital member of the Upper School leadership team. This is a dual role that provides the candidate the opportunity to lead and coordinate student life initiatives in the Upper School while managing a caseload of 20 students in the College Counseling office.
Responsibilities in the counseling role include, but are not limited to: administering accurate and timely guidance to students and families while developing meaningful and authentic partnerships with members of the professional community, students, parents, and admission officers.
Responsibilities for the role in student life include but are not limited to: promote student engagement and oversee programs, clubs and activities, and school-sponsored social gatherings in collaboration with the Upper School Leadership Team.
This is an exempt 12-month position starting July 1, 2025. This position reports to the Head of the Upper School and Director of College Counseling and must be “on-site” during the months that school is in session.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor’s degree is required; a Master’s degree is preferred;
• A minimum of 2-4 years as a college counselor or admission officer at a selective college admission office
• Comprehensive knowledge of the college admission process and financial aid requirements, along with the initiative to study changing trends, analyze data and present to various constituencies
• The ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines and remain flexible during a demanding fall and spring application cycle
• Strong analytical and informative writing skills, including the ability to craft individualized letters of recommendation and communications about the college search process and college counseling program to the school’s students and families
• A high degree of patience, empathy, composure, trustworthiness and decisiveness
• A respect for confidentiality and a high degree of professionalism, stress tolerance, and the ability to manage conflicts
• The ability to serve as a calming, logical, inspirational and rational voice among students and parents as needed
• A genuine commitment to the power and purpose of girls’ schools
• A commitment to helping to share Nightingale-Bamford’s stories and strengths within the Schoolhouse and broader community

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE POSITION INCLUDE (BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO):

• Assist with college research and essay review for each Class XII student
• Advise students and families through course selection and standardized testing options
• Assist with developing the curriculum and instructing sections of the College Counseling class for Class XI and Class XII students.
• Assist the Director of College Counseling and Senior Associate Director of College Counseling with the coordination of the Class XI Parent Night, Class XII Parent Night, and assigned events as needed
• Work with the Class Dean for programming and special events
• Coordinate the administration of the PSAT for Class XI
• Significant commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging to help sustain a program that meets the needs and aspirations of the school’s individual students and families
• Serve as a curator of student culture at Nightingale focusing on student voice as a cornerstone of the Upper School experience
• Oversee and provide vision for student leadership, council board programming, clubs, and other programs for grades 9-12 with support from deans
• Oversee the Nightingale Career Readiness program for juniors.
• Other duties and responsibilities assigned by the Head of Upper School and Director of College Counseling

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL CHARACTERISTICS (SAME FOR BOTH ROLES)

• A shared understanding of the mission of the School and a demonstrated commitment to the core principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Must demonstrate cultural competence and be able to understand, appreciate, and work with constituents across varied backgrounds and cultures
• Excellent attention to detail, professional attitude, good judgment, a high level of integrity and a strong work ethic
• High professional and ethical standards for handling confidential information
• Flexibility and initiative combined with the skills for thriving in a team environment to achieve institutional goals
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and an ability to work collaboratively with all levels of constituents
• Strong organization and project management skills
• Superb oral and written communication skills
• High level of initiative, proven ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Excellent time-management skills and ability to work with tight deadlines
• Possesses a sense of humor and appreciates this trait in others