College and Career Advisor

Girard College is a full scholarship boarding school that fosters intellectual curiosity, social development, and emotional growth in academically focused students from underserved communities. We ensure every student the opportunity and the means to achieve excellence and preparation for advanced education through purposeful academic and residential programs.

About the position

The College & Career Advisor’s primary role is to coach students and families through the process of uncovering their interests, strengths, and potential avenues for postsecondary study. This individual develops meaningful and informed relationships with representatives from colleges, universities, trade schools, and workforce organizations that are considered optimal placements for Girard students. Working closely with the Director of Post-Secondary Success & Alumni Support, High School Principal, Assistant Principal and Student Achievement Team, this individual helps craft and coordinate postsecondary-readiness programming.

What you’ll do:

Support 12th-grade students and families with postsecondary advising 

• Meet with each senior once a week as needed throughout the year. 
• Teach seminars courses for high school students

• Manage the college search, application, recommendation, and transcript submission process. 
• Assist families 1-1 with completing financial aid forms and comparing financial aid offers.

Connect students with opportunities

• Plan and execute opportunities for students to interact with admission representatives (e.g., college fairs, rep visits on campus or virtually).
• Coordinate, execute, and be present for post-secondary tours and overnight visits.
• Organize workshops about financial aid (e.g., FAFSA, CSS Profile, and state grants) for families.
• Work with coaches and the Director of Athletics to coordinate athletic recruitment.

Support the Director in building a postsecondary success program in grades 9-12 

• With input from the Director, build a framework for grades 9-12 that ensures all students have maximum opportunities to visit campuses, analyze their interests, consider careers, and explore postsecondary pathways. 
• Create materials for and facilitate a weekly Junior Seminar.
• Coordinate all college and career testing including ASVAB, ACT, SAT, and related tests.

Manage local and national partnerships

• Implement aspects of local academic partnerships (e.g. CCP, Temple, St. Joe’s Prep).
• Represent Girard College at national (e.g. NACAC, ACCIS) and regional (e.g. PACAC, PAIS) meetings.
• Manage databases like the NCAA Clearinghouse and Scoir.

• Bachelor’s required; Master’s preferred
• Passionate about advancing educational equity and expanding postsecondary access and success for all students.
• Student-centered, with a personalized approach that supports each student's unique goals, strengths, and pathway.
• Knowledge of college and career readiness, including admissions, financial aid, scholarships, career planning, and barriers impacting low-income and first-generation students.
• Committed to challenging inequities, debunking myths about college and career opportunities, and advocating for student success.
• Demonstrates flexibility, resilience, and tenacity while adapting to changing student needs and priorities.
• Skilled at building collaborative relationships with students, families, school staff, alumni, and community partners.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage confidential information and learn new technology systems.
• Experience supporting students in historically underserved communities is strongly preferred.
• Curious, reflective, and committed to continuous learning, using data, feedback, and diverse perspectives to improve outcomes for students.