Assistant Director of College Counseling and Student Success

The Bush School is dedicated to valuing different perspectives and backgrounds, inspiring curiosity, motivating employees to take risks, and encouraging compassion and kindness. Our employees enjoy an environment that inspires creativity while being part of a collaborative community.

Assistant Director of College Counseling and Student Success (Seattle, WA)       

Full Time (1.0 FTE) Salary/Exempt

Academic Year Schedule (2025-2026)

*This position is eligible for health benefits (details during hiring process).

*This position requires applicants to be, at the time of application, legally authorized to work in the United States. The Bush School does not offer visa sponsorship for this position and will not consider applicants who require visa sponsorship.

The Bush School is in search of an individual to join our seasoned and highly functional Upper School College Counseling team as an Assistant Director of College Counseling and Student Success. We are seeking a candidate who is able to support the school’s mission of diversity and inclusion and who has a background that demonstrates an understanding and appreciation of intercultural fluency.  We are building a team in which diversity of experiences, backgrounds, and talents are valued in order to work with a diverse community of students, faculty, staff and families. We encourage those of diverse backgrounds to apply.

The Assistant Director of College Counseling and Student Success reports to the Director of College Counseling and Student Success and works closely with students and families, as well as Upper School Faculty, Staff, and the entire College Counseling and Student Success team.  The Assistant Director is knowledgeable in the field of college counseling and/or college admissions and is enthusiastic and innovative.

While other duties may be assigned, a qualified candidate will be able to manage the key responsibilities and tasks listed below:

• Counsel, advise, and support approximately 60-70 students and families (distributed between the junior and senior classes, 30-40 students/class) throughout the college search and application process. Note: Assistant Director will have a reduced caseload of approximately 15 seniors for the Class of 2026 in order to get acquainted with the school and office – caseload will increase starting with the Class of 2027
• Write comprehensive and personalized letters of recommendation for all seniors in caseload
• Help to maintain and update the College Counseling and Student Success website, engage with social media as a form of communication with students and families, and employ both College Kickstart and SCOIR platforms in service to the college counseling process
• Serve as the liaison and primary point of contact for events on The Bush School’s campus hosted by colleges and organizations
• Develop and nurture relationships with college admissions representatives throughout the year
• Attend professional conferences and visit college campuses
• Communicate with college representatives by updating them on the school, curriculum, and programs
• Provide information and updates to college representatives about individual students throughout the application process
• Assist the Director and Associate Director of College Counseling and Student Success with the creation and presentation of materials for large group informational meetings for students and parents/guardians
• Assist Associate Director of College Counseling with communications flow and plan for the team
• Represent the College Counseling and Student Success team in faculty meetings and various school events
• Assist with the coordination of both large and small events such as the annual Case Studies Program, College Nights, Athletics Presentations, Mentoring programs, etc
• Serve as the Test Coordinator for the PSAT, School Day SAT/ACT, and AP exams with support from the Coordinator of College Counseling and Student Success
• Conscientiously and proactively complete other duties as assigned

Experience and Professional Competencies:

• A bachelor’s degree is required
• A graduate degree is preferred
• Relevant work experience in the fields of selective college admissions and/or independent school college counseling is required – three to four years of experience in either field is preferred
• Relevant depth and breadth of knowledge for the nuances of college admissions and financial aid processes required

Successful candidates will have:

• A philosophy that aligns with the school’s mission and values – please review the school’s mission and values on our website (www.bush.edu)
• Be proficient in data management and computer skills with a willingness to explore and employ new and innovative technologies
• Have outstanding (verbal and written) communication skills related to counseling, listening, and public speaking
• Demonstrate polished and effective writing skills that, among other things, describe Bush students articulately and vividly
• Possess a deeply rooted belief in the student-centered exploration process of life beyond high school
• Complete work in a timely and thorough manner and be conscientious about assignments and deadlines
• Be incredibly proactive, organized, and technologically fluent
• Be a patient, supportive, and collaborative team player when working with a highly functioning team
• Find joy in the journey of promoting a lifelong love of learning and self-discovery
• Utilize technology to support student success (e.g. Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, learning management systems, etc.)

Additional Requirements:

• Have a current Adult and Children CPR, First Aid and AED Certification (or receive one soon after hire date)
• Meet the school’s standards when completing two separate background screenings

Compensation/Benefit Information for this position:

• Salary Range: $80,000-$85,000
• The school offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package to benefits-eligible employees, which includes:
  • Employer-paid medical insurance for eligible employees (includes an employee paid buy-up plan option)
  • Employer-paid dental and vision insurance for eligible employees
  • Health Savings Account with employer contribution for eligible employees
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance for dependents of eligible employees (employee paid)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care) available to eligible employees (employee paid)
  • Employer-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance for eligible employees
  • Employer-paid Life Insurance for eligible employees
  • Optional Voluntary Life Insurance available to eligible employees (employee paid)
  • Optional Voluntary Accident Insurance available to eligible employees (employee paid)
  • Optional Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance available to eligible employees (employee paid)
  • Retirement Plan available to eligible employees. The Retirement Plan includes generous employer contributions that align with specific years of service.
  • Employee Assistance Program for eligible employees and their dependents
  • School lunch discounts
  • Free parking at Seattle, WA campus
  • Use of school fitness center
  • Paid Time Off (sick leave and personal days)
  • Professional Development opportunities

HOW TO APPLY 

Applicants interested in applying for this opportunity should visit our website at www.bush.edu and navigate to the employment section of the website (found under the “About Bush” tab) for additional information/instructions.

If you are interested in working at The Bush School, but this position doesn’t fit your talents, please visit our website for additional openings: www.bush.edu.

While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for interview will be contacted.

The Bush School is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The Bush School does not discriminate in matters of employment, recruitment, admission or administration of any of its programs on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or genetic information.  In addition, The Bush School does not discriminate in matters of employment based on the basis of age or marital status.