Description
Academic & College Counselor
This position offices in-person, on campus
ROLE SUMMARY
The Academic & College Counselor provides academic, post-secondary, and career counseling to Valor Christian students in grades 10-12. These services include the following: course mapping across a student’s time at Valor Christian, designed to foster a student’s post-secondary aspirations; serving in a support role throughout a student’s academic journey and liaising with the student’s teachers; shepherding senior students through the college application process; serving as a representative of Valor Christian to college admissions offices and local representatives. There is a strong focus on strategic academic counseling with students so they are prepared for successful admission into competitive colleges. Further, the Academic & College Counselor also works collaboratively with the Social and Emotional Services team and the Dean’s office at Valor Christian to ensure a student’s behavioral, social, and spiritual health is well-shepherded across the student’s career.
Valor Christian High School is a decidedly Christian, college-preparatory school whose core values honor a biblical foundation. Valor employees are faith-filled, joyful believers who are active in a local Christian church whose beliefs are in alignment with the school’s Statement of Beliefs. They are both called and committed to the school’s vision and mission and seamlessly integrate faith into their daily work. You will be most successful if you have a true servant’s heart, a teachable spirit, a love for the Lord Jesus Christ, and a commitment to the school’s beliefs and values.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Possess and Model a Growing Relationship with Christ
Pursue full devotion to Christ and live a life that reflects that authenticity
Model the fruits of the spirit in communications, relationships, and daily work
Demonstrate teachability and a willing heart for service
Embody an other-centered, servant-leadership in all interactions
Demonstrate Trustworthy Commitment to Valor Christian High School
Accept and uphold Valor’s values and beliefs as found in the Statement of Beliefs, Christian Community Policy, and Valor Culture Document
Accept and abide by all affirmations in Valor’s Annual Statement of Commitment
Be relationally involved in the life/lives of our students with a heart of service and mission
Seamlessly and deliberately integrate Biblical truth and Christian values into daily work
Support Students' Post-Secondary Aspirations
Coordinate post-secondary, college, and career planning, focusing on helping students follow their collegiate ambitions and finding the right college fit
Prepare students so they become attractive college applicants through course mapping, regular check-ins, and recommendations regarding testing and other marks of distinction
Assist families with college research, review application details, and support their application through a personalized letter of recommendation
Remain current with the changing college admissions process and related topics
Provide Excellent Customer Service to Students and Families
Communicate promptly and effectively with students and parents
Process class requests and facilitate accurate scheduling each semester
Consistently monitor a caseload of students to ensure their successful progression against the school’s graduation requirements and college aspirations
In concert with the academic support team, review eligibility for co-curricular participation
Partner with Valor’s social-emotional services department (SES) and the Dean's Office to support students struggling with various difficulties and handle day-to-day issues that may arise
Effectively Represent Valor’s Academic Brand to Colleges
Communicate in a thoughtful, timely, and effective manner with college representatives
Serve as a liaison between the college admissions representative and Valor students
Understand and present the overall academic data and profile information to colleges
Travel to promote Valor students and learn about colleges, as requested
Serve Wholeheartedly as an Exceptional Teammate
Uphold and embody Valor’s culture as set forth in the Valor Culture Document
Model servant leadership, grace, and love in all relationships and interactions
Develop relationships with colleagues with the goals of teamwork, relational unity, and spiritual growth
Provide team support regarding all matters, processes, and initiatives
Demonstrate loyalty to teammates in action and word
Assist Team members in facilitating school-wide wins
Demonstrate a Commitment to Fulfilling Valor’s Vision and Mission
Demonstrate a Commitment to Growth
Participate in Valor Team meetings, Chapel, and weekly meetings with Team/Supervisor
Demonstrate teachability and receptivity to feedback
Pursue professional/personal/spiritual growth and development
Participate in the broader ministry of Valor by contributing time, talent and treasure beyond assigned role responsibilities
RELATIONSHIPS
RESULTS
Through the work of an exceptional Academic & College Counselor, Valor Christian students are shepherded throughout their academic career at Valor, choosing classes and pursuing co-curricular activities that foster their post-secondary goals. Further, in the college selection process, students are aided in pursuing their collegiate ambitions, including the pursuit of highly selective schools, while also finding opportunities that best align with their unique gifts and abilities. Parents will have confidence in their partnership with the Academic & College Counselor, trusting this person for help and counsel in navigating the shifting college admissions process. In collaboration with the entirety of the team, Valor’s Academic & College Counseling department will foster a reputation in the local community for establishing an excellent collegiate advising program that provides great value to families and seeks to honor Christ in everything.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related discipline required; Master’s degree preferred
Previous college counseling or college admissions experience, experience with highly selective schools preferred
Strong written and verbal communication skills are required. The ability to present confidently in front of large groups of people, as well as clearly and succinctly with parents and college representatives, is a must.
Ability to navigate difficult conversations with students and families with grace and truth
Administrative and customer service skills that demonstrate exceptional care for people and details
Demonstrated leadership capabilities with previous people management experience preferred
Strong critical thinking skills, ability to problem solve, quick learner, and intentional relationship builder
Expertise in Microsoft Office, Scoir, Student Information System (SIS) databases, and Google products
Efficient work pace, managing multiple tasks, and overseeing systems and processes
POSITION TYPE: B schedule: Traditional school calendar with additional weeks prior to school starting and after school ends, including one week in the summer. This position offices in-person, on-campus
HOURS PER WEEK: Full-time, Exempt. Occasional night, weekend, and summer work as needed. Opportunities for travel to colleges and universities as appropriate.
SUPERVISOR: Director of Academic & College Counseling
BENEFITS:
Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
403(B) Retirement Plan with immediate vesting and employer contribution matching
Professional development opportunities
Three on-campus dining options for free daily lunch
PAY RANGE: $60,000 - $70,000
START DATE: July 27, 2026