Associate Director of College Counseling

Description

As part of Menlo’s continued growth and commitment to exceptional college guidance, the School is adding a new Associate Director of College Counseling to its dynamic and highly collaborative team. This addition reflects both an expansion of services and a deepened commitment to supporting students and families through a thoughtful, personalized college process.

Reporting to the Director of College Counseling, the Associate Director will join an experienced and student-focused office currently composed of three Associate Directors and a full-time College Counseling Coordinator. The new Associate Director will work with approximately 30–35 juniors and 30–35 seniors per class year once fully onboarded. During the first year, the Associate Director will not carry a senior caseload, allowing for comprehensive onboarding, relationship building, and alignment with Menlo’s counseling philosophy and practices.

Start date is flexible between April 1, 2026, and July 1, 2026, to accommodate a

thoughtful transition.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive, individualized college counseling to juniors and their families through one-on-one meetings, group sessions, and family programming.
• Write thoughtful, detailed, and compelling letters of recommendation for each student in the assigned caseload.
• Engage collaboratively with the college counseling team to design and deliver programming for students and parents across grades 9–12.
• Stay current on college admission trends through professional development, campus visits, and active participation in regional and national organizations (NACAC, WACAC, ACCIS, etc.).
• Build and maintain strong relationships with college admission representatives and campus partners.
• Collaborate with faculty, advisors, coaches, and administrators to support student growth and well-being.
• Participate fully in the Menlo community by attending faculty meetings, serving on committees, and contributing to school-wide initiatives.
  
  

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree is required; a Master’s degree is preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in college counseling and/or college admission is preferred.
• Experience on both the high school and college sides of the admission process is ideal, though candidates coming from the college side who demonstrate a deep understanding of student support and counseling will also be considered.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and writing skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Warmth, empathy, humor, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• A student-centered philosophy with a desire to guide and mentor adolescents through a reflective and balanced college process.
  
  

About us:

Menlo School is an independent, coeducational, college-preparatory school for students in grades six through twelve. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley and founded in 1915, the School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of the National and California Associations of Independent Schools.

Menlo is dedicated to providing a joyful, transformative education that empowers students to explore broadly, think critically, act responsibly, and navigate the complexities of an evolving world. Our relevant and engaging academic program—complemented by outstanding arts and athletics—sparks wonder, fosters a love of learning, and inspires students to reach their full potential as they grow in competence, confidence, and curiosity. Student care and the supportive relationships students build with teachers, coaches, and peers are at the heart of all we do as we uphold the highest ethical standards, develop character, and pursue a shared commitment to purposes larger than ourselves.

At Menlo, belonging is essential to who we are as a school. We embrace the growth and well-being of every member of our community by cultivating a culture rooted in kindness, trust, and belonging—one where everyone feels welcomed, included, and valued, and where our diverse backgrounds, identities, and ideas are honored with curiosity, care, and compassion.

Learn more about the Menlo School here.

Our equal opportunity employment policy:

Menlo School is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants. We administer all personnel practices without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or domestic partnership status, disability, protected veteran status or military status, genetic information, or any other category protected under applicable law.

Pay range:

In the spirit of pay transparency, we share the base salary range for this position for the 2025-2026 pay range will be $125,000- $163,000 annually. Base salary is exclusive of fringe benefits, retirement plan employer contributions or potential stipends (for eligible employees). Pay ranges at Menlo are reasonable estimates of what the School anticipates paying for a role but are not guaranteed. If hired at Menlo School, your final base salary will be determined by factors such as skills, education, experience, job level, part-time status and number of months of work per academic year. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity with our current employees as a part of any final offer. Please keep in mind that the generous range mentioned above is the full base salary range for the role. Hiring at the maximum of the range is not typical for Menlo School in order to allow for future and continued salary growth.

Job ID: 351