University & Academic Counselor

EF Academy 
University & Academic Counselor
Residential or Non-Residential

EF Academy is an international day and boarding high school serving students from over 40 countries. EF Academy Pasadena opened in September of 2022, joining sister schools in New York and Oxford.  EF Academy Pasadena currently enrolls 250 students. 

EF Academy offers an unrivaled level of personal support and guidance to students, preparing them for success by working together to discover and develop their strengths and providing them with an academic environment that will see them thrive. The University & Academic Counselor (UAC) is a critical player in this support. Each UAC is responsible for a cohort of students and acts as a liaison between the student, family, and campus in support of their academic success in our school. This role reports to the Director of University and Academic Counseling.

Professional Qualifications and Qualities:

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) and prior experience in college counseling, college admission, or other student academic support roles (required).

• Experience with and understanding of U.S. and international colleges and universities: their academic programs, student experiences, and admission practices. 

• Outstanding interpersonal communication skills; strong decision-making aptitude.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. 

• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

• Detail-oriented with strong organizational, time management, and multi-tasking skills.

• Computer skills (including proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office) and experience with college counseling software, preferably PowerSchool and MaiaLearning.

• Able to demonstrate flexibility, reliability, and initiative in support of all school related activities.

• Ability to understand, adapt, and empathize with social and cultural diversity.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and to work with tact and discretion.

• Maturity and commitment to exercising sound judgment.

• Desire to work as a college counselor in a fast-paced and innovative school setting.

• Demonstrated ability to work and plan collaboratively.

• Ability to communicate effectively with all constituents in a school community.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Manages a caseload of approximately 100 international students in grades 9 - 12 and oversees all aspects of the students’ academic progress and university planning. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Providing individual student academic program planning for optimal course placement and graduation eligibility including scheduling and credit checks.
• Collecting, interpreting, and maintaining student records (i.e. transcripts) to ensure each student successfully meets all school and local graduation requirements.
• Advising and encourage students to make the most of academic and extracurricular opportunities.
• Assisting with PSAT, SAT, and AP test administration. 
• Conducting workshops, group presentations, and college admission seminars for students in grades 11-12.
• Assisting with college/university counseling programs (day and evening) throughout the school year. 
• Supporting with academic and career planning programming for grades 9-10.
• Scheduling and overseeing college representative visits to EF Academy.
• Educating students and parents about college/university admission trends, both domestic and international.
• Advocating for students through the counselor recommendation/referee letter, providing feedback on student applications, and assisting in the submission of application support documents as needed. 
• Maintaining a proactive approach in the retention of students by ensuring they feel supported and best advised through collaboration with parents and EF Academy staff.
• Committing to learning, embracing, and implementing best practices in student-centered, global education through the university counseling process.
• Staying at the forefront of the college admission profession, anticipating changes and guiding students and families as they navigate a rapidly changing admission landscape. 
• Continuously monitoring the academic progress of students, meeting with students on a regular basis, and updating parents and EF Academy admission offices on the progress of students, communicating any concerns and helping to celebrate successes.
• Supporting with residential duties as scheduled on weeknights and weekend, as well as other duties as assigned
• Representing the University & Academic Counseling office at school events and contributing to a positive EF Academy community of faculty, staff, and students.

Job Status

This is a 10-month, exempt position. Most of the work is performed during the academic week and often during the academic day, however the nature of this role in a boarding school environment allows flexibility to meet with students outside of academic hours during after school clubs or evening study halls. In addition, all residential and non-residential members of the UAC team support student residential life through some weekend and evening duties spread across the school year. This position includes optional on-campus housing and can be residential or non-residential. The base salary for this position will be paid on the faculty pay scale and range from $70,500 to $85,000 based on years of relevant experience and highest degree earned.