The Packer Collegiate Institute, a historic and top-ranked independent school in Brooklyn, seeks an experienced, student-centered, and visionary leader to serve as its inaugural Director of College Counseling. This high-impact role oversees a comprehensive college counseling program rooted in individualized guidance, equity of access, and student well-being. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of the evolving admissions landscape, a demonstrated record of team leadership, and a genuine passion for supporting adolescents and their families through the transition to higher education.

The Director of College Counseling reports to the Head of the Upper School and leads a team of three full-time counselors and a College Counseling Coordinator. As a key member of Upper School leadership, the Director advances the school’s mission, supports students’ holistic development, and strengthens Packer’s relationships with colleges nationwide. This is a 10-month position, running from mid-August through the end of June.

Start Date: August 17, 2026

Core Responsibilities

Lead the College Counseling Program

• Provide strategic leadership for a comprehensive college counseling program grounded in student-centered, developmentally informed practices.

• Lead, mentor, and support the counseling team, including collaborative goal-setting, ongoing professional growth, and annual performance evaluations.

• Oversee office philosophy, program design, and communications to ensure transparency, consistency, and equitable access for all students.

• Ensure the effective functioning of all college counseling systems, data workflows, and operational processes.

• Manage the College Counseling Office budget.

Guide Students and Families Through the College Process

• Advise a reduced caseload of students and families

• Support students in reflection, research, and decision-making to identify colleges that represent a strong academic, social, financial, and personal fit.

• Provide expert guidance on every stage of the application process and write comprehensive school recommendation letters.

Strengthen Schoolwide Collaboration and External Partnerships

• Collaborate with the Head of Upper School, grade deans, faculty, and student support teams to ensure a holistic approach to student guidance.

• Communicate proactively with students, families, faculty, administrators, and trustees regarding admissions trends, programming, and office philosophy.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with college admissions representatives and represent Packer at professional conferences and associations (e.g., NACAC, ACCIS, CANNY).

• Manage partnerships with external organizations and consultants to support robust financial aid education and specialized programming.

Qualifications and Qualities

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

• 5–7+ years of experience in selective independent school college counseling; college admissions experience preferred.

• Demonstrated leadership experience and a record of cultivating and developing professional teams.

• Deep understanding of college admissions and financial aid trends.

• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and public-speaking skills.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

• High emotional intelligence, cultural competency, and a commitment to equity and inclusion.

• Proficiency with Google Workspace and college counseling platforms (e.g. College Kickstart, MaiaLearning, Scoir, Cialfo).

• Integrity, empathy, sound judgment, and a sense of humor.

Helpful Additional Expertise

• Languages other than English

• International higher education

• Athletic recruitment

Reasonable Accommodations: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Packer's values and vision of educational excellence include embracing diversity, fostering community, nurturing a sense of belonging, and ensuring all learners are valued and challenged. We actively embrace the diversity of New York City and seek employees who share Packer’s values of equity, inclusion, and belonging, and who wish to learn from the experiences and perspectives of others. We strongly encourage applications from candidates whose backgrounds and perspectives may be underrepresented.

The Packer Collegiate Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to, but is not limited to, educational policies, admission, financial aid, hiring and employment practices, use of school facilities, athletics, and other school-administered programs.

Salaries are determined based on a scale reflecting years of teaching experience and level of education.