Associate/Senior Associate College Counselor

The Thacher School

Senior Associate Director of College Counseling

Department: College Counseling

Position: Senior Associate Director of College Counseling

Status: Full\-time, Exempt, 11\-Month, Housed

The Thacher School is one of the most selective and highly regarded boarding schools in the nation. Founded in 1889 by Sherman Day Thacher, the School serves academically talented students from over 20 states and close to 10 countries in a rigorous college preparatory experience. The faculty and students live and work closely together on a 427\-acre campus nestled in the foothills of the Los Padres National Forest in Ojai, California (85 miles north of Los Angeles). Honor, fairness, kindness, and truth are the cornerstones of School life. Together, the School community commits to the belief that demands in the academic classroom, when combined with those of mountains and horses, of sports and the arts, produce independent minds, strong bodies, and powerful character. The School enrolls 260 students, has an operating budget of $28 million, and an endowment of $180 million.

Thacher seeks an experienced full\-time Senior Associate Director of College Counseling for the 2026/27 school year. This is an 11\-month position in an office that includes a Director, Assistant Director and Executive Assistant. In this process, we seek to interview candidates whose demonstrated excellence and enthusiasm extend beyond the classroom to encompass all aspects of boarding school life. Thacher faculty engagement entails a commitment to residential life and advising, to athletic coaching or other participation in the School’s afternoon program, and to helping co\-lead backcountry camping trips. We also seek faculty who are dynamic leaders, lifelong learners, and compassionate mentors to adolescents.

SUMMARY OF PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assisting and advising students (sophomores, juniors, seniors) and their families with all aspects of the college search and application process.
• Writing college letters of recommendation and providing comprehensive feedback on student essays.
• Managing regular communication with students and parents throughout the process and including academic advisors when necessary.
• Engaging with families in all college related decisions including course selection, testing, summer experiences, athletic recruitment, financial aid, etc.
• Helping to organize, coordinate and run various meetings and events with parents and/or college admission officers.
• Developing areas of expertise in the process that helps the general operation of the office.
• Working on communication pieces such as – the school profile, college counseling pages on Thacher’s website, board report, or presentations (in person or virtual).
• Fostering relationships with college representatives nationally/internationally
• Supporting students during the application/selection/enrollment process through appropriate communication with college/university representatives.
• Participating in professional development opportunities such as counselor visits to colleges and annual conferences such as NACAC and ACCIS.
• Staying abreast of trends in higher education and college admission at a broad range of selectiv colleges/universities.
• Representing Thacher at various events that promote the school’s role as an educational leader.
• Advise a grade\-level group of between 4\-6 students.
• Participate in the residential program through attendance at community dinner, as well as evening duty one weeknight/week and approximately 6 weekends/year.
• Participate in the afternoon program by coaching, running an activity, or its equivalent for two of the three seasons/year.
• Partner with colleagues to co\-lead two five\-night outdoor backcountry trips per year. These trips are most often true backcountry experiences, and many take place at high elevation (8000’\+) on trails throughout California.
• Serve on at least one school\-wide committee; participate in departmental and full\-faculty meetings, provide timely written feedback to students, advisees and their families, and actively support school activities and events.
• Support the senior exhibition program as a research and/or presentation advisor to students.

PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES OF THACHER FACULTY \& STAFF

• Contribute to the delivery of the mission, vision, and values of the school community.
• Build, foster and participate in an inclusive school community.
• Model lifelong learning, flexibility and a growth mindset.
• Maintain a commitment to professional development.
• Maintain high standards of professionalism with students and colleagues.
• Enthusiasm for working with teenagers
• Manage time effectively and meet deadlines and commitments.
• Values collaboration with colleagues and active participation in a community of students and adults.
• Embrace and actively participate in signature Thacher programs, including the backcountry program.
• Exhibits flexibility and adaptability to change as needed.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate has 3\-5 years of experience in selective college admission and/or college counseling in

independent schools and is eager to be fully committed to Thacher’s mission and community. Given our

boarding community, an Associate Director must be ready to engage fully in the process with students and

families, since parents are not a daily presence in their children’s lives. This can often require duties beyond

the traditional work in the office. Our goal is to find an individual who is polished, a quick study, and problem

solver who is comfortable with independently handling a task or project. They must be organized and detail

oriented with strong interpersonal and public speaking abilities as well as:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required, advanced degree preferred.
• Three \- five years of successful experience selective college admission and/or college counseling in

independent schools preferred.

• A genuine and demonstrated interest in the college admission field and what it requires with students, parents, colleges, and their representatives.
• A commitment to equity and inclusion in education and demonstrated capacity for working successfully with diverse populations.
• Qualities of a team player who is ready to roll up their sleeves \- values and appreciates the art of collaboration including occasional weekend hours.
• Excellent technology skills and confidence with integrating technology with the college process.
• Strong listening skills, necessary for counseling in challenging situations.
• The energy, patience, perspective, and sense of humor to work effectively with high achieving and driven students and their families.
• Strong commitment to grades 9\-12, boarding and day school education.
• Superior communication skills both written and spoken with an eye for detail.
• Superior interpersonal, organizational, and managerial skills
• High energy, personable, and engaging

SALARY RANGE

Salary Range is $55,000\-$100,000\. Final salary is based on experience relevant to the role and internal equity. Thacher offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 403(b) match, healthcare coverage, and a broad range of other benefits.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of (or ability to obtain) a current California driver license with a satisfactory motor vehicle record and ability to transport students in school\-owned vehicles. A criminal background check must be successfully completed before employment can begin.
• Note: The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. As prescribed by law, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume using the online application portal.

The Thacher School is dedicated to providing equal opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran’s status, or any other factor that is a prohibited consideration under applicable law.

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