College and Careers Counselor

Aldar Academies is seeking for an experienced  College/Career Counselor who can serves the students and families, primarily in 9th - 12th grades, by providing a programme which focuses on the major aspects of the career counseling and college planning/placement process. With a goal of 100% college acceptance, or indeed internship or other relevant opportunities for students, the College/Career Counselor works in coordination with each student’s teachers and other members of the faculty, as well as with the school administration, to assist students in discovering their strengths and interests, exploring career alternatives and finding institutions of higher learning which will meet these interests, strengths and values. He/she develops an associated Curriculum that supports students in their exploration of career alternatives and helps them understand the college application processes in UAE, US, UK, Canada and Europe.

The College Counselor designs and directs a program of activities to assist students with college planning in 9th-12th grades including: academic preparation for college, meeting both graduation and college acceptance requirements, college searches, school and financial sponsorship or support applications, scholarship searches, testing, recommendations, and transition to college.

Establishes   positive working relationships with colleges and universities, ensuring they   are familiar with the application process, and creating opportunities for   successful admission of Aldar students.

Develops  the College and Careers curriculum and provides training to school leaders to   support the career planning and college selection/application processes.

Works with students and their families to understand the career alternatives available to them as well as the educational alternatives that are accessible.

The College/Career Counselor employs several venues to reach students and families, including individual conferences with students and families, larger group presentations in workshops, classrooms, and college visits.

Directs communication via newsletters, information sources, phone and e-mail with students and families.

Collaborates with student's teachers to deliver information, gather recommendations and meet deadlines.

Coordinates college, careers and university visits to the school.

Can organise college fairs.

Coordinates college entrance exam testing and interpretation.

May perform other projects and duties as directed by the CEO and Education Directors.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

● Hold relevant Counselor qualifications if appropriate.

● Bachelor's or Master’s Degree in applicable field of study/education from an accredited college or university. A teaching qualification is desirable.

● Demonstrated experience with experiential or project-based learning. 

● Excellent knowledge and understanding of the teaching and learning process. 

● Demonstrated success in effectively solving challenging problems through a positive, collaborative approach. 

● 3+ years of experience in the college admissions process, either guiding high school students in their application process or serving at the college level in admissions or career counseling. 

● Dedication and expertise in counseling a range of students in the career planning and college process, including those whose families have long been oriented toward college as well as those for whom college application and attendance is a new and unfamiliar. 

● Evidence of high levels of organizational skills and the ability to work closely and effectively with students, parents, and colleagues in the school. 

● Interest in the mission and educational goals of Aldar including readiness to continue building the school’s career planning and college counseling program, and the ability to advocate for the school & its students in the college process. 

● Knowledge of the financial sponsorship and support process. 

● Excellent oral and written communication skills. 

● Ability to work with diverse populations. 

Personal and Leadership Skills: 

● Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with students, parents, administrators, colleagues, community, and other school community staff. 

● A strong sense of personal accountability for student achievement. 

● Outstanding listening, written and oral communication skills. 

● Holds the belief that all students, from all backgrounds, can learn and achieve at high levels.