Associate Director of College and Academic Counseling

Associate Director of College and Academic Counseling Job Description

Why St. Michael’s Prep?

Located in the hills of southwest Austin, Texas, St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School is an outstanding co-educational Independent Catholic school serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade in Austin, Texas. The Lower School is comprised of PreK 3-4th grades, the Middle School houses grades 5-8, and the Upper School contains grades 9-12. We are distinguished by our Catholic tradition, a welcoming and diverse community, excellent academic programs, and a variety of extracurricular activities. Additionally, we are a technology-rich school. Thus, teachers and staff are expected to demonstrate meaningful skill with technology and an enthusiasm for technological growth in order to create authentic learning experiences for their students. Teachers and staff at St. Michael’s Prep further serve as role models that inspire students to think critically, reflect, explore, and apply their faith concretely to their lives. We are one community with three divisions, united in our commitment to put students first as we educate them in mind, body, and spirit.

Our values: Integrity, Courage, & Excellence

Our mission: St. Michael’s Prep cultivates a transformative, Independent school experience rooted in Catholic spirituality where we seek excellence in every pursuit and form virtuous leaders who positively impact the world.

We are anchored by the Catholic Social Teachings (CST) and promote inclusion by advocating for a society based on love and justice, where all people have inherent dignity. We are passionate about cultivating a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment, celebrating and supporting differences.

We employ and optimize practices that promote growth of critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity.

Summary of Position:

St. Michael’s Prep seeks an experienced Associate Director of College and Academic Counseling who is excited to engage in the community and dedicated to the mission of the school.  This position reports to the Director of College and Academic Services and will serve as a key member of the student support team.  The Associate Director will support students throughout the entire college admission and academic counseling process beginning in 9th grade. This is a 12 month full-time position beginning in August 2026.

Responsibilities:  Administers all aspects of the college search and admissions process, including the following:

• Educates students and parents about colleges, the college admissions process, trends, procedures, and testing; advising and supporting classes of 100 seniors and families
• Help students and families aspire realistically and choose wisely
• Meets with 9^th-12^th grade students, individually and in groups, to discuss the college admission timeline. 
• Facilitates college admission representatives visits on campus.  The Associate Director also serves as a liaison with college admissions offices throughout the year.
• Writes a letter of recommendation and advises over one quarter of the senior class.
• Prepare and present informational sessions for parents, including college information nights for all grade levels
• Keeps current on issues and trends in college admission, higher education, testing, as well as staying up-to-date with specific colleges and maintaining membership in professional organizations:  National Association of College Admission Counselors, Texas Association of College Admission Counselors, and ACCIS.  Attends counselor fly-ins and conferences.
• Helps coordinate PSAT and AP exams on campus.
• Maintain a list of scholarships and summer programs
• Effectively communicates through newsletters and social media to all stakeholders
• Assists with multiple school wide events.

Academic Advising:

• Serves as academic counselor for 1/4 of the 9^th-12^th grade students
• Oversees an advisory group with 10 students.
• Assists with course registration and ongoing course advising for students,

Qualifications: 

• Master’s Degree and 3-5  years of college counseling, and/or college admission experience. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organizational ability, and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Flexible self-starter
• Warm and friendly demeanor with effective communication skills for a highly engaged student and parent population.
• Genuine interest in student development and enthusiasm for helping guide them through this important transition from high school to college.

Application Requirements:

Qualified candidates should complete an online application for employment and attach a cover letter and résumé. You will receive an email confirming receipt of your application and additional details to complete the application process.

St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers equal employment opportunity to all applicants for employment and all employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, military service, application for military service, or any other status protected by applicable law