Director of College Advising and Young Alumni Support, Girard College

Posted by on September 10, 2012

[emailed 9/4/12]

Girard College Job Description
Director of College Advising and Young Alumni Support

In an effort to prepare students to earn college degrees, Girard College seeks an experienced professional to develop and lead a comprehensive program. The Director of College Advising and Young Alumni Support must have an in-depth understanding of the unique aspects of college placement for first generation college bound students and/or students who have extreme financial aid needs. The Director must work with academic department chairs, and administrators to shape an upper school academic program that best prepares Girard students to be competitive in the college application process. He/she will develop meaningful and informed relationships with a select group of colleges and universities that are considered good fits for Girard students based upon the college’s success with students like Girard’s.

Responsibilities for the Director of Young Alumni Support:
• Make regular contact with alumni through phone calls, newsletters, visits, and other digital means to provide guidance and encouragement.
• In conjunction with GCAA, create workshops for alumni – career days, internship workshops, financial aid workshops, resume writing, interview skills
• Organize social gatherings for recent alumni to continue connections with classmates.
• Travel to towns/cities where there is a concentration of Girard alumni attending college/university.
• Work with GCAA to find host families/matches for recent alumni who are working and/or attending school outside of the Philadelphia area.
• Administer the allocation of the various sundry trust scholarships – work with Estate offices to obtain amounts, communicate with alumni process for applying for these funds.
• Help with financial aid issues related to college expenses.

Responsibilities for the Director of College Advising:
• Survey and analyze data that serves as benchmarks in regards to effectiveness of Girard program and level of preparedness after graduating from Girard.
• Maintain communication with students until they matriculate to college, especially throughout the summer months.
• Work with regional and national college admission representatives to visit Girard College and for them to host students for both tours and overnight visits.
• Represent school at national (i.e. The College Board and NAIS), regional (i.e. ADVIS) and local meetings.
• Continually update and edit College Counseling Handbook & Website.
• Produce annually Girard College School Profile, Secondary School Report and synthesis of standardized testing data.
• Coordinate and organize Career Day and College Fair activities.
• Meet regularly with U/S Academic Dean and periodically with President to update them on student outcomes in the college application and matriculation processes.
• Manage the college recommendation process.
• Continue to build relationships with colleges throughout year by regular communication, campus visits, and conference attendance.
• Work with athletic director and varsity coaches to coordinate athletic recruitment and NCAA clearinghouse work – regularly update guide for college-bound student athletes.
• Maintain office budget.
• Stay current with field through regular reading of Chronicle of Higher Education, Independent School, The New York Times and Washington Post Education sections – share relevant articles with staff and other school personnel.
• This position reports directly to the Upper School Academic Dean.

Qualifications:
• 5-10 years of experience in college counseling
• Established substantial relationships with a range of college and universities
• Exceptional writing, presentation and verbal communication skills
• Must be able and willing to travel and participate in evening and overnight commitments
• Strong understanding of the financial aid process
• Supervisory experience preferred
• This is a 12-month position

To apply, visit: http://www.girardcollege.edu/page.cfm?p=858