Director, College Counseling

Woodward Academy is Atlanta at its very best. We intentionally bring together students from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, creating a richer learning community and exceptional academic opportunities. Our students and graduates are caring and compassionate global citizens who are a microcosm of what the world should be.

Position Summary:

The Director of College Counseling is responsible for leading a comprehensive, student-centered college counseling program that supports and guides students and families through the college search, application, and decision-making processes. As both a strategic leader and direct counselor, the Director works collaboratively with students, faculty, families, and external partners to ensure that they receive individualized guidance, have access to a broad range of post-secondary opportunities, and are empowered to make thoughtful, well-informed decisions that align with their strengths, interests, aspirations, and goals.

• Lead and manage all functions of the college counseling office, including supervising counseling staff, coordinating calendars, and overseeing communication.
• Provide individualized college counseling for students and families throughout the Upper School experience, with an emphasis on a well-rounded and values-aligned college search process.
• Meet with students regularly to explore interests, suggest appropriate college options, and advise on standardized testing, applications, financial aid, scholarships, and timelines.
• Draft and/or review compelling and personalized counselor recommendation letters for seniors.
• Organize and execute college-related programming for students and families, including grade-level workshops, college nights, essay-writing sessions, and financial aid seminars.
• Maintain active relationships with colleges and universities, representing the school at national and regional conferences (e.g., NACAC, ACCIS, College Board) and hosting college admission representatives on campus.
• Partner with the Upper School administration, advisors, and faculty to ensure that academic planning aligns with college readiness and student aspirations.
• Guide and support faculty in writing effective recommendation letters.
• Monitor trends in college admissions and educate the school community accordingly.
• Oversee the submission of school documents and materials to colleges (transcripts, school profile, counselor forms, etc.).
• Collaborate with the registrar, testing coordinator, and school leadership to manage internal and external deadlines and procedures.
• Contribute to the development of the school profile and marketing materials related to college outcomes and alumni success.
• Serve as an advocate for students, helping each find a college or university that best matches their strengths, interests, and goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Deep knowledge of the college admissions process, including financial aid and scholarship strategies.
• Ability to build trust-based relationships with students and families from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
• Coordinate and plan parent programming for parents of all grade levels (7-12).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to articulate the school’s philosophy and a student’s candidacy in a compelling way.
• Organizational skills with a high attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Collaborative, diplomatic, and student-centered approach to decision-making.

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in counseling, education, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in college counseling, college admissions, and/or independent schools with leadership or supervisory experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in counseling practice.
• Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends for programs or student/family support.

The Director, College Counseling position is an exempt status, 12-month position.

Woodward Academy is dedicated to providing a safe, drug-free environment for its students, faculty, and staff. Accordingly, Woodward has adopted a drug-free workplace policy, which includes substance abuse testing of all employees and applicants, in accordance with applicable state law. As such all offers of employment are contingent upon the satisfactory completion of pre-employment requirements which include background checks and substance testing.

Equal Opportunity Employer