College & Career Counselor/Lead Counselor (Revised 6/04/26)

Bunnell & Stratford High Schools Position Overview The College & Career Counselor/Lead Counselor serves as the primary advocate and advisor for high school students navigating post-secondary pathways. This leadership role combines comprehensive college and career counseling with administrative oversight of the school's counseling department and coordination of all Dual Enrollment programs. The Lead Counselor collaborates closely with building administration, faculty, community partners, and higher education institutions to foster a college-going culture and ensure equitable access to post-secondary opportunities for all students. Primary Responsibilities College Counseling & Advising Develop and maintain a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with ASCA National Model standards. Guide students through all aspects of the college application process, including selection, applications, essays, financial aid (FAFSA/CSS), scholarships, and admissions decisions. Conduct individual and group counseling sessions focused on academic planning, career exploration, and post-secondary readiness. Facilitate accurate and up-to-date student transcripts, school profiles, and letters of recommendation submissions via Naviance. Coordinate and host college representative visits, college fairs, financial aid nights, and career panels. Advise students on four-year, two-year, technical/trade, military, and workforce pathways as appropriate. Monitor application deadlines and ensure students receive timely support and follow-through. Career Development & Exploration Administer and interpret career assessments to support individual student planning. Develop and deliver career exploration programming, including job shadowing, internship coordination, and workforce partnerships. Support the development and implementation of Individual Student Success Plans (ISSPs) for all students. Advise students about Work-Based Learning experiences, including CTE pathways, apprenticeships, and cooperative education programs. Dual Enrollment Coordination Serve as the primary liaison between the high school and all partner colleges and universities for dual enrollment programs. Manage all aspects of dual enrollment including student eligibility, enrollment, credit transfer, tuition waivers, and articulation agreements. Communicate dual enrollment policies, procedures, and opportunities to students, families, and faculty. Track and maintain accurate dual enrollment records; report data to district administration and state as required. Collaborate with department heads and college faculty to align course offerings and ensure academic rigor. Counsel students on the academic demands of college-level coursework and ensure informed consent and readiness. Stay current on state dual enrollment legislation, funding mechanisms, and eligibility requirements. Departmental Leadership Serve as a departmental resource and point of collaboration for counseling staff and support personnel. Facilitate monthly departmental meetings and coordinate agenda development with school leadership. Compile and present data-driven reports on student achievement, post-secondary outcomes, and counseling program effectiveness when needed. Contribute recommendations regarding the counseling department budget and resources to the principal. NCAA Coordination Serve as the NCAA Coordinator for both schools. Coordinate NCAA course approval processes. Ensure eligible coursework is accurately submitted to the NCAA Clearinghouse in accordance with established timelines. Facilitate transcript uploads for student-athletes pursuing Division I and Division II opportunities, working in collaboration with counseling secretaries and school counselors. Minimum Qualifications Education Master's degree in School Counseling or a related field from an accredited institution Certification Valid state School Counselor certification/licensure (required) Experience Minimum 3-5 years of experience as a school counselor, preferably at the secondary level Preferred Prior experience in college advising, dual enrollment administration, or departmental leadership