Associate Director of College Counseling

Associate Director – College Counseling

Full-time Associate Director of College Counseling position to guide students and their families through the college admission process. Reports directly to the Director of College Counseling and works alongside a seasoned staff of three full‑time counselors and one Office Coordinator.

This role is a salaried, exempt, full‑time position, regular, 10‑month academic year, with required summer work. The salary range is $84,000–$103,500 annually. Thayer offers exceptional benefits and a warm, supportive culture.

Targeted to individuals with 5‑7 years’ college counseling experience at an independent secondary school or selective college admissions experience, or a strong background in college admissions and independent schools. The incumbent will support college admissions, financial aid, and student planning, using the Scoir platform, and coordinate PSAT and AP testing events in partnership with the Assistant Head of School for Academics.

• Work closely with the Director and the counseling team to meet students’ needs throughout the college process.
• Help students prepare college applications and offer support during the writing process.
• Evaluate and improve the college counseling program each year.
• Advise students on course selection and its impact on the college selection process in collaboration with class deans, advisors, and teachers.
• Write letters of recommendation for assigned students and offer guidance to faculty concerning their written recommendations.
• Assist with planning and coordinating college workshops for upper‑school students.
• Support students and families in navigating and using the Scoir college planning platform.
• Work with younger students to identify and apply to appropriate summer programs.
• Offer advice to faculty about curricular developments that might impact the college process.
• Coordinate standardized testing (PSAT and AP) in partnership with the Assistant Head of School for Academics.
• Keep abreast of financial aid issues in the college process.
• Establish and maintain relationships with college admission officers.
• Host college admissions officers and representatives on campus each fall.
• Represent Thayer Academy in professional associations.
• Proactively research and plan participation to regularly visit college campuses and attend relevant conferences.
• Summer work requires maintaining email correspondence and other duties to ensure the office is prepared for the academic year.
• Other duties as needed.

• At least 5–7 years of college counseling experience at an independent secondary school or selective college admissions experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. colleges/universities and independent schools; knowledge of overseas programs a plus.
• Demonstrated counseling skills beyond college admissions extending to family dynamics.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, collaborative team environment.
• Exceptional writing, communication/marketing, interpersonal, organizational, and decision‑making skills.
• Prior experience coordinating PSAT and AP is a plus.

Send a cover letter addressed to Director of College Counseling, Cicily Shaw, a resume, and a list of at least three professional references consolidated into a single PDF document to Lynda Hamilton‑Kirk at  Please do not contact the school directly.