Director of College and Career Guidance in Knowsley

St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School is seeking a Director of College and Career Guidance. The Director of College and Career Guidance fulfills the mission of the Catholic school by overseeing the college advising program. The position is hired and evaluated by the principal.

Ministerial Character

The principal is the visible foundation of the school which the Bishop has entrusted to the principal. The principal makes Christ’s mission present and enduring in the school. In order to fulfill this mission, the principal employs suitable, chosen collaborators. The principal shares with them Christ’s mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them. Positions employed in the school help to extend the ministry of the principal in particular ways as outlined in the job description. Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the principal in the performance of the principal’s ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the Church.

Essential Duties

• Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school.
• Acts as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Supports and adheres to the Code of Conduct and policies and procedures of the school and Diocese.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding school matters.
• Provides direct advising and guidance to students and families in all grade levels, especially for juniors and seniors.
• Writes clear, personalized, and effective letters of recommendation for the majority of the senior class.
• Provides guidance to faculty in writing college letters of recommendation.
• Assists students in meeting admissions, financial-aid, and scholarship deadlines.
• Coordinates evening informational meetings for parents and students, college visits, speaker events, summer application workshops, and helps students identify summer enrichment programs.
• Represents the school at conferences and college visit programs, and hosts university representatives on campus.
• Maintains awareness of issues and trends in college admissions, higher education, and testing, and maintains membership in professional organizations.
• Oversees management of and provides parent and student training in the Scoir platform.
• Responsible for sending each student’s college application documents (transcripts, letters of recommendation, high school profile and school report) via Scoir, Parchment or mail.
• Meets individually with each junior and senior to provide one-on-one detailed college planning meetings.
• Responsible for hosting two college fairs for the entire school, TACRAO and CCAA.
• Provides personalized feedback on essays, short answers and resumes to all interested seniors.
• Responsible for offering a 30-minute meeting to each freshman and sophomore each year.
• Maintains and disseminates information about standardized tests, offers practice ACTs for sophomores in the spring as well as helping organize practice SAT and ACT on campus for juniors.
• Works with other staff to maintain accurate records, including academic reports and transcripts, according to school policy.
• Participates in and presents at selected admissions events throughout the school year.
• Communicates effectively within the school community.
• Meets staff development guidelines as set forth by the Diocese/local administration.
• Demonstrates professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits.
• Maintains a work schedule that maximizes availability to the school, students, parents, and staff.
• Works closely with the Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction on scheduling, standardized testing and reviewing academic changes.
• Reports to the principal of St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of the basic teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Knowledge of college admissions process and collegiate and federal aid processes, and familiarity with colleges and universities nationwide.
• Knowledge of child development, learning, and behaviour.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks simultaneously; strong organizational skills and efficiency required.
• Skill in organizing and relating information in an understandable format.
• Skill in using job-appropriate technology, including working knowledge of Naviance and the Common Application.
• Familiarity with standardized testing programs (ACT, SAT, PSAT, AP).
• Skill in critical thinking and planning.
• Skill in demonstrating professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits.
• Skill in collaborating with peers to enhance the work environment and support instructional planning.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding school matters.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal format.
• Ability to work well with others in the school community.
• Ability to conference with parents upon request and respond to messages in a timely manner.
• Ability to demonstrate gains in student performance that are in keeping with school goals.

Education

• Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited American university.
• Master’s degree preferred.

Experience

• A minimum of two years of experience in college advising, school counseling and/or college admissions.

Certifications And Training

• Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license.
• Must meet the minimum requirements for the field as set forth by the Diocese and TCCED.
• Must submit an Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) Application for Ministry within the first week of employment, participate in an EIM Basic abuse prevention training workshop within 60 days of submitting a complete Application for Ministry, and maintain EIM compliance during the entire term of employment.
• Must meet staff development guidelines as set forth by the Diocese and school administration.

Working Conditions

• All employees of the school are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the principal in the exercise of the principal’s ministry and obligations to the school.
• The school is an at-will employer.
• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.
• Working on weekends, evenings, and some holidays may be required.
• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech including Christian prayer and Catholic liturgical celebrations. Staff meetings and other functions may open and close with Christian prayer.
• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.
• All buildings and vehicles owned by the school are tobacco free.
• May be required to use personal or school vehicles to drive to off-site locations.
• Traveling within and outside the school to meetings and other events may be required, and travel may include overnight lodging.
• Must maintain a work schedule that maximizes availability to students, parents, colleagues, and administration.
• Will be required to work in multiple educational settings.

Employee Certification

All employees must adhere to the Catholic Schools Standards of Conduct, the Diocese of Austin EIM policies, and the social, ethical, and moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church as interpreted by the Bishop of Austin.