Francis W. Parker School is a renowned JK-12th grade independent day school. Founded in 1901 on the tenets of progressive education, the School currently enrolls 945 students and employs 200 dedicated faculty and staff members who, in addition to assistant teachers, substitute teachers and coaches, work together to ensure that the School lives up to its Mission to “educate students to think and act with empathy, courage and clarity as responsible citizens and leaders in a diverse, democratic society and global community.”

We are currently seeking a College Counselor who will work collaboratively with two Co-Directors and two coordinators to meet the needs of the College Counseling Office, the students, their families, college representatives, faculty, and administrators. Essential to the position is an understanding of and belief in Parker’s Mission and the ability to communicate and implement the college counseling process developmentally through this lens. With the focus on counseling not placement, the College Counselor will utilize knowledge of colleges and universities and the application process to assist our wonderful students in identifying, applying, and enrolling in schools where they will thrive. 

The ideal candidate is an effective communicator and good collaborator with a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, one who is able to prioritize and juggle responsibilities in a high energy, high-demand, and high-traffic environment. The College Counselor role is a full-time, 12-month, non-faculty position.

Essential Functions:

• Assist Co-Directors in all aspects of a mission-driven college counseling search and application process.
• Serve as primary counselor for a portion (approximately 40 students) of each junior and senior class. Advise students and parents/guardians throughout the search and application process: utilize search engines and other research methods to help identify college fits, provide information on colleges and visits, facilitate family and individual meetings, prepare approximately 40 counselor recommendations, assist with essay writing and application preparation, submit school materials for college applications, assist with fee waivers, scholarships, financial aid appeal letters, fly-out programs, special admit and honors programs and financial aid award letter comparisons.
• Collaborate with the College Counseling team to prepare and present large-group evening meetings throughout the year (mock admissions, sophomore, junior, senior parent/guardian & student meetings, financial aid meetings, etc.) as well as programs for students during the school day.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with admissions representatives throughout the country and world by attending professional meetings and conferences through organizations like NACAC, College Board, IACAC and ACCIS and participate in college programs on and off Parker’s campus.
• Keep up to date with developments regarding colleges and the college admissions landscape in order to remain knowledgeable and current in this ever-changing business.
• Help oversee internal aspects of office operations, particularly with regard to fall college representative visits at Parker, the office calendar, financial aid and scholarship applications and serving as a liaison to nonprofit organizations.
• This position will require some evening and weekend work and occasional overnight programs and travel.
• Additional duties as assigned by Co-Directors.

To Apply:
Please submit cover letter with resume and salary requirements by email or fax to (no telephone inquiries please):

Laureen Sweers, Director of Human Resources
Francis W. Parker School
330 W. Webster Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
resumes@fwparker.org

fax: 773.549.4430

The faculty, staff and administration of Francis W. Parker School are integral parts of the School's community. Through their passion, dedication and commitment to the School's mission, they create and support an environment where exceptional child-centered learning can occur.

Francis W. Parker School is committed to cultivating a community of dedicated students, parents, faculty and staff, trustees, administrators and alumni, who acknowledge, respect, and esteem diversity in our school; and who reflect, through their presence, the diversity of Chicago communities and the wider world.

Francis W. Parker School is an equal opportunity employer.

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s in related area preferred
• 3-5 years of experience in selective College Admissions, College Counseling, or a related field; preferably with some experience in selective College Admissions
• Eagerness to connect, work effectively with, and enjoy high school students from a wide range of backgrounds
• Ability to connect and work effectively with faculty, staff, administration, colleagues and parents/guardians for the good of each student
• Proficiency in MS Office, specifically Word and Excel, Google Drive, and a working knowledge of, or capacity to learn, Naviance/Scoir/College Kickstart and additional platforms such as Parker’s Portal
• Excellent communication skills: writing, editing, public speaking
• A developing knowledge of colleges and universities throughout the country and abroad
• A commitment to and a growth mindset around diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging
• A strong work ethic and collaborative spirit: Excellent time management, organization, and follow-through skills, ability to take initiative and meet external deadlines while being able to work independently and as a supportive member of the team
• High emotional intelligence, flexibility, patience, discretion, creativity, positive energy, a warm empathetic personality and good sense of humor

Francis W. Parker School is committed to prioritizing the safety and well-being of our community. Accordingly, we require that our employees, including new employees, be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination is required upon start of employment with the School. Requests for reasonable accommodation for medical or religious reasons will be considered in accordance with applicable law.