Head of Careers & University Guidance

We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Head of Careers & University Guidance to join our team of innovative educators.

You will be reporting to the Principal, and your main responsibilities will include:

• Lead the development, implementation, and improvement of a comprehensive careers & university guidance programming at LEAF Academy

• Assist students with self-assessment, career exploration and academic/career planning

• Counsel students on AP course selection appropriate to their interests, abilities and academic plans

• Prepare and deliver information sessions for students on post-graduate opportunities

• Assist students with their GAP Year, internship/work placement or work planning

• Assist students with making ambitious, yet realistic university choices

• Provide guidance and information on all aspects of the university/college application process

• Monitor student progress in the application process and beyond

• Review and provide feedback on multiple drafts of students’ Personal Statements, College Essays, and Letters of Motivation, as well as university/college applications before submission

• Provide students with information about and assistance in applying for financial aid in tertiary institutions around the world

• Actively seek scholarship opportunities worldwide and share the information with students

• Oversee the submission of university/college applications, including the coordination, collection, processing, and sending of all documentation, including teacher recommendations, counselor evaluations, predicted grades/AP Scores, transcripts etc.

• Write detailed counselor recommendations, references, and nomination letters for the assigned group of students when necessary (i.e. approx. 35 - 50 senior students)

• Establish and maintain relationships with university representatives to better advocate for students regarding admissions decisions, waitlists, conditional offers, financial aid awards etc.

• Represent the school at various conferences, CPD workshops, receptions etc. and network with university representatives and other professionals in the field

• Organize/facilitate/host university visits or fairs at LEAF Academy

• Update the School Profile document, departmental policies, and other resources as needed

• Assist our graduates with university enrolment after the release of AP exam results (i.e. in July)

• Produce an annual report featuring the school’s university/college application statistics and graduate outcomes

• Manage department budget

• Line manage and mentor a part-time Career Counselor

You will also be expected to assume some of the following responsibilities:

• advisory (part of the full-time contract): a person is responsible for a small group of students, and she/he is providing support to students when necessary

• residential duties (expected): regular weekday and/or weekend (every 7-8 weekends per year) duties in the dormitory 

• club or committee (expected): act as member of at least 1 extra-curricular club or educational committee at the academy

• Minimum 4 years of recent full-time university/comprehensive high school counseling experience, preferably in an international school setting

• Clear understanding of the admissions requirements and procedures for applying to universities around the world, particularly in North America, the UK/Ireland, and continental Europe

• Degree in Humanities or Social Sciences, preferably Psychology, Counseling or Education.

• Specialization or Certification in Careers/Academic Guidance or School/Guidance/Youth/University Counseling - highly desirable

• Experience/familiarity with the Advanced Placement (AP) and US High School Diploma programs, specifically in the context of university admissions - highly desirable

• Fluent English speaker (Fluency in Slovak or Czech is highly desirable)

• Ability to engage with young people and build rapport easily

• Positive, enthusiastic and proactive attitude

• Ability to remain calm under pressure, organize time effectively, prioritize workload and meet external deadlines

• Trustworthy, reliable, able to maintain confidentiality and integrity

• Ability to communicate effectively and clearly, both verbally and in writing, adapting style to suit the audience

• Strong presentation, research, and problem-solving skills

• Ability to work to a high level of accuracy and with an eye for detail 

• Willingness to travel internationally to attend conferences, university events and CPD workshops, as well as to work occasional evenings, weekends, and few days during the school holidays

• Familiarity with Careers & University Guidance platforms such as BridgeU - highly desirable

• Working knowledge of university application platforms (notably CommonApp, UCAS, Studielink, CAO)

• The Slovak work permit is required

If you are looking for an opportunity to follow your personal mission and contribute with your unique talent to a better life in Slovakia, LEAF Academy may be the right place for you.

We can offer you:

• Dynamic international environment: You will become part of a diverse international team that strives to be at the forefront of 21st century education.

• Meaningful impact: We aspire to support the development of talented young people who have the potential to be change-makers in society by building a boarding school, literally from the ground up!

• Learning opportunities: On-the-job learning and personal development here is inevitable.

• For international hires relocation assistance, housing in student residence is available but not required