Director of College Counseling

Position Overview

At Marshall School, we believe the college journey is not just about gaining admission — it's about discovering a calling, embracing challenge, and launching a future filled with purpose.

The Director of College Counseling plays a transformative role in this journey, guiding students and families through an empowering, student-centered process that reflects the core values of integrity, compassion, and curiosity.

The ideal candidate is forward-thinking, strategic, empathetic, and deeply knowledgeable about the evolving landscape of college admissions and financial aid. They will cultivate a program that ensures every student is seen, supported, and celebrated as they find their best fit for the future. As a key leader within the Marshall community, the Director will work collaboratively with families, students, faculty, and admissions professionals across the country — championing the agency, aspirations, and individuality of every Hilltopper.

The Director oversees and partners with the College Counseling Coordinator and reports to the Head of Upper School.

• Guide a diverse group of upper school students (~50 per grade level) and families in grades 9–12 through all stages of the college search, application, scholarship, and financial aid processes.
• Inspire students to proactively take ownership of their journey with self-reflection, research, and personal discovery at the heart of the process.
• Offer empathetic and strategic counseling that empowers students to make confident, authentic decisions about their post‑secondary plans.
• Organize and lead signature programs including essay workshops, college visits, application weeks, and family information sessions.
• Maintain clear, consistent, and encouraging communication with families throughout the journey.

• Compose detailed, individualized counselor recommendations and prepare Marshall’s supporting documentation for college and scholarship organizations.
• Steward the school’s use of Cialfo (college admissions software) as a critical tool for application management and communications.
• Maintain and audit student academic records, transcripts, and graduation requirements with precision and care.
• Stay current on national trends, financial aid developments, and shifts in the college admissions landscape to best advise students and families.

• Build strong, authentic relationships with college admission professionals across the country and abroad.
• Actively welcome college representatives to campus and foster opportunities for Marshall students to engage meaningfully with admissions professionals.
• Represent Marshall School at local, regional, and national conferences (NACAC, MACAC, ACCIS, MAIS) and on‑campus counselor tours.
• Lead thoughtful data collection, analysis, and reporting for Marshall’s administration and Board of Trustees.

• Serve as an advocate for students’ unique strengths and stories both within and beyond the Marshall community.
• Collaborate with the Head of Upper School and faculty to align academic programs, testing, and college readiness initiatives.
• Prepare and manage the College Counseling Office annual budget.
• Support occasional evening and weekend events, embodying a visible and encouraging presence for students and families.

• Extensive experience in selective college admissions and/or independent school college counseling.
• Strategic thinker with an empathetic, student‑centered approach.
• Superior written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Meticulous organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects with accuracy and warmth.
• Deep knowledge of the full spectrum of college options, financial aid systems, and application platforms (Common App, Coalition, FAFSA, CSS Profile, etc.).
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Enthusiasm for relationship‑building, collaboration, and continuous professional growth.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.