Description
College Counseling
- Provide vision and leadership for the 9th–12th grade college counseling program, including pre-college programming for 9th–11th grades, junior and senior counseling curriculum, and strategies for meaningful family engagement.
- Enhance and celebrate a school-wide college-going culture through initiatives such as college acceptance announcements, on-campus admissions days, senior acceptance assemblies, and other school traditions.
- Serve as SMA’s principal advisor and thought leader on best practices in college matriculation, enrollment, persistence, and completion.
- Monitor and support student academic progress, including transcript reviews, letters of recommendation, and ensuring graduation and college entrance requirements are met.
- Coordinate all aspects of standardized testing administration (SAT/PSAT) and manage related reporting processes (e.g., UCOP).
- Organize grade-level college tours, the annual SMA College Fair, and on-campus events including FAFSA workshops and college information sessions.
- Guide students through the full college and financial aid application process, helping them identify opportunities such as fee waivers, fly-in programs, scholarships, and university partner resources.
- Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with colleges and universities, strengthening connections to resources that support students’ enrollment, persistence, and success.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date college counseling systems, including application tracking software, letters of recommendation, and school profile information.
- Participate in professional development and cultivate a robust network of college admissions professionals to stay current with trends and best practices.
- Collaborate with junior college colleagues on dual enrollment initiatives.
Career Counseling
- Support students in exploring interests, strengths, and career options through resources and assessment tools.
- Provide guidance on resume development, job search strategies, and interview preparation.
- Collaborate with the Dean of Mission and Leadership on programs such as Discovery Day and Match Day to introduce students to diverse professions.
Program Leadership & School-Wide Responsibilities
- Serve on key committees including Admissions and Graduation.
- Oversee summer school and credit recovery programs as needed.
- Evaluate and recommend enhancements to the school-wide counseling program.
- Plan and lead workshops for parents, students, faculty, and administrators on topics such as college admissions, financial aid, essay writing, and college list development.
Professional Presence & Collaboration
- Model SMA’s core values in all interactions, demonstrating empathy, integrity, care, and professionalism.
- Approach practice with a developmental lens, actively seeking and applying feedback, engaging in professional growth opportunities, and leveraging resources to enhance practice.
- Collaborate intentionally and constructively with the Board, leadership team, faculty, and staff to advance SMA’s mission and achieve ambitious goals.
- Embrace collective responsibility for team outcomes, celebrate accomplishments, and cultivate a positive, joyful, and high-trust environment.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to equity by ensuring all students have access to the opportunities and support needed to achieve their full potential.
Requirements
Successful applicants will embody the mission-driven values of St. Mary’s Academy: commitment to service, intellectual curiosity, openness to growth, and joy. Ideal candidates are passionate about nurturing young women and supporting their holistic development. In addition, applicants should meet or exceed the following requirements:
- Master’s degree and Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential required.
- Minimum of three years of experience in counseling.
- Demonstrated ability to support racially and culturally diverse students and their families.
- Proven experience leading adults and fostering a high-performing culture of teaching, learning, and student success.
- Proficiency in using technology to communicate, track, and analyze data effectively.
- A strong belief that all students can succeed in college and career pathways.
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to Human Resources, hr@smabelles.org
Wage Range
The rate of pay offered to the selected candidate is based on internal pay policy and budget. New hires are commonly paid at the minimum of the wage range or within the lower part of the range. We consider a number of factors when making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience, training and other department needs.
Information/Application Contact
St. Mary’s Academy (Inglewood)
701 Grace Ave.
Inglewood, CA 90301
hr@smabelles.org