This selected candidate will collaborate in the development and delivery of college application materials, college admission testing, as well as all course selection and scheduling processes, academic counseling and intervention programs.  The College and Academic Counselor is supervised and evaluated by the Dean of Student Support and Equity.

The internationally recognized Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) develops creative, ethical leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. As a teaching and learning laboratory created by the State of Illinois, IMSA enrolls academically talented Illinois students (grades 10–12) in its advanced, residential college preparatory program. It also serves thousands of educators and students in Illinois and beyond through innovative instructional programs that foster imagination and inquiry.

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) is committed to an equitable, diverse and inclusive teaching and learning environment.  Through a model of Equity and Excellence, IMSA has committed to advancing equity in STEM education and representation and creating a diverse, inclusive community of global citizens who can realize their full potential, and execute our mission to advance the human condition.

This Equity and Excellence work is the intentional integration of Cultural Competence, Diversity, Equity, Equity-Minded Frame, Excellence and Inclusion into every facet of the Academy, with the understanding that it is an active and ongoing process involving structures, processes and people and not an isolated initiative.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Serve as the primary college planning counselor to assigned students and act as Case Manager for students on academic probation or with academic concerns
• Complete scheduling for rising juniors and seniors
• Develop academic plans for students with academic difficulties and conduct student academic conferences when needed
• Monitor student progress toward graduation
• Communicate with students’ caretakers regarding academic performance and social/emotional well-being
• Lead assigned students and caretakers through the college selection and application process, which includes but is not limited to:
• Developing and preparing appropriate college guidance materials
• Acting as a liaison between families and colleges
• Writing comprehensive letters of recommendation for college admissions
• Answering questions related to the colleges, application process, and financial aid
• Assist with the planning, implementation, and/or hosting of College Visits College Day, and other college related meetings and events for students and caretakers
• Assist with the planning, implementation, and proctoring of standardized and academy wide testing (i.e. PSAT, APs)
• Visit colleges and universities and attending professional conferences
• Serve as a member of the academic, personal, and social intervention support team (Strategies Team)
• Provide sophomores with an introduction to College and Academic Counseling during Navigation.
• Develop and facilitate presentations for students and parents throughout the school year
• Provide effective administrative support by monitoring, maintaining, performing special projects and carrying out on-going functions as assigned by and discussed with the Team Coordinator and Principal’s Office.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

The required skills and experience for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Master’s degree in counseling, student personnel services or related field preferred
• Experience working in high school counseling or college admissions at either the secondary or college level
• Experience with students and colleagues from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds
• Extensive insight, knowledge and thorough understanding of the college application processes and timelines associated with college admissions
• Sufficient insight, knowledge and understanding of financial aid process
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong organizational skills with attention to details
• Strong interpersonal skills in relating to multiple audiences including students, parents, and educators
• Proficiency with computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheet and web-based tools required
• Available for travel

Preferred Qualifications:

• Type 73 certification
• Bilingual

Salary and Benefits:

This position is an exempt, 10-month, employment-at-will position. Salary regionally commensurate with training and experience in like-institutions. Rates can be found in the Faculty CBA. IMSA offers a comprehensive state benefits package (major medical, dental, vision, and prescription) with rates found here, a generous paid time off plan, and a retirement plan through the State University Retirement System (SURS). SURS is reciprocal with other Illinois public retirement systems such as the Teachers’ Retirement System of Illinois (TRS) and the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).

Application Process:

Complete applications will be accepted and reviewed as received until the position is filled.  We are seeking a diverse applicant pool.  Applicants should submit:

1. Letter of interest
2. Resume/CV
3. Two (2) samples of comprehensive letters of recommendation for college admissions

To continue moving diversity, equity and inclusion forward, IMSA seeks to recruit, support, and retain diverse, talented individuals who are culturally competent, equity- minded, and constituent–centered. IMSA provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, marital status, political affiliation, amnesty, arrest record, military status, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.