Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy®
College and Academic Counselor – Fall 2012
The faculty and staff of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® invites you to join us in shaping and implementing the next generation of innovative and engaging learning experiences. IMSA is actively seeking applications for the full-time position of College and Academic Counselor as a member of the College and Academic Counseling (CAC) Team for fall of 2012. This individual will collaborate in the development and delivery of college application materials, financial aid, 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 Coordinator of College and Academic Counseling. Type 73 certification is not required.
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. (www.imsa.edu)
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
The College and Academic Counselor will be responsible for, but not limited to:
Serve as primary college planning counselor to assigned students
Meet with students and parents to discuss college selection and college application process
Develop and prepare appropriate college guidance materials
Assist with planning and implementation of college-related events and meetings for students and parents
Assist with the planning and hosting of college mini fairs and college information day
Assist with the planning and implementation of standardized testing
Serve as a liaison between students, parents, and colleges during the college application process
Write comprehensive letters of recommendation for college admissions for all assigned students
Visit colleges and universities and attend professional conferences
Complete scheduling of rising juniors and seniors
Serve as primary academic counselor (Case Manager) to assigned students
Serve as a Case Manager to students on academic probation or with other academic concerns
Develop academic plans for students with academic difficulties
Monitor and follow up with students’ attendance at required Evening Study
Conduct student academic conferences when needed
Monitor student progress toward graduation
Communicate with students’ parents regarding academic and social/emotional performance
Serve as a member of the academic, personal, and social intervention support team (Strategies Team)
Provide effective administrative support by monitoring, maintaining, and performing special projects and carrying out on-going functions as assigned by and discussed with the Coordinator of College and Academic Counseling
Other duties as assigned
Required Skills and Experience:
The required skills and experience for this position include, but are not limited to:
Experience with students and colleagues from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds is essential
Master’s degree in counseling, student personnel services or related field required
Minimum three years experience working in high school counseling or college admissions at either the secondary or college level
Extensive insight, knowledge and thorough understanding of the college application processes and timelines associated with selective college admissions
Sufficient insight, knowledge and understanding of financial aid process
Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential
Strong results-oriented 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
Salary and Benefits:
The position of College and Academic Counselor is a 10-months plus four week, full-time, employment-at-will position. Salary and benefits are commensurate with training and experience expected at this level of employment. As part of the State University Retirement System, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package including health and retirement benefits. The State Universities Retirement System (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:
Letters of interest with all appropriate attachments listed below will be accepted and reviewed as received until the position is filled. We are seeking a diverse applicant pool. Applicants should submit a letter of interest, resume, three current professional references, and two (2) samples of comprehensive letters of recommendation for college admissions to: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, Attn: Steve Zant, Job Code: SL-CAC-WS, 1500 Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506, (630) 907-5909 Fax: (630) 907-5918, Email: hr@imsa.edu.
The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion, or national origin. This policy also includes the handicapped and all disabled Vietnam era veterans. IMSA utilizes only job-related criteria in making decisions concerning applicants and employees.