Director of College Counseling

The Out-of-Door Academy in Sarasota, FL is seeking an experienced and student-centered Director of College Counseling to lead a comprehensive, relationship-driven counseling program for our Upper School community.

APPLY AT:           https://www.oda.edu/about/career-center

This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative, empathetic, and knowledgeable professional who is passionate about guiding students and families through the college search, application, and decision process. This role is highly visible, collaborative, and central to supporting students’ post-secondary success.

 The ideal candidate will be:

• A strategic, collaborative leader who understands and stays current with the evolving landscape of college admission.
• A clear, compassionate communicator who builds trust with students and families.
• A relationship-builder who enjoys partnering with faculty, advisors, and college representatives.
• A thoughtful advocate for each student’s unique path and goals.

Responsibilities - Reporting to the Head of Upper School or the Associate Head of School for Academics, the Director of College Counseling will be responsible for the following:

• Lead, manage, and support the college counseling team.
• Provide individualized guidance on college search, applications, essays, interviews, and financial aid.
• Develop and deliver programming for students and families across grades 9-12.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with college admission representatives.
• Host college visits and coordinate college counseling events and workshops.
• Partner with Upper School leadership, faculty, and advisors.
• Maintain accurate records, data, and reports using Cialfo.
• Live the school’s mission and core values of respect, integrity, service, excellence, and responsibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum 3-5 years of college counseling or selective college admissions experience.
• Familiarity with Florida’s Bright Futures Program preferred.
• Strong understanding of college admissions, financial aid, and application processes.
• Excellent communication, writing, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain confidentiality.
• Independent school experience preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a 12-month full-time exempt position available in July 2026.  Compensation is highly competitive and commensurate with experience and includes a comprehensive benefits package.

At Out-of-Door, we value a diverse workforce. Applicants of any race, creed, physical ability, color, religion, sex, age, gender, sexual orientation or national origin are encouraged to apply.  Once an offer is accepted, the position will require the successful completion of a national background screening and drug testing. 

Other

Candidates are asked to address what attracts them to this position, to Out-of-Door, and to the Sarasota community in their cover letter.

Candidates will be required to complete a video submission interview through the SparkHire platform.  Once an application has been received, instructions on completing the video submission will be provided through an email.  A candidate application will be considered complete once this video submission has been received.