Job Description

Job Location: Plano Campus - PLANO, TX 75093
Position Type: Full Time
Job Category: Education

Position Summary
The Upper School College & Academic Counselor serves students in grades 9–12 by providing comprehensive college, academic, and career guidance within a Christ-centered educational environment. This role partners with students, parents, faculty, and administrators to support academic planning, college admissions preparation, career exploration, and spiritual growth. The counselor serves as a primary liaison between the school and college representatives while advancing the mission and vision of Prestonwood Christian Academy.
Duties and Responsibilities:
College Counseling & Student Support
- Conduct individual student and parent meetings regarding academic planning and college preparation.
- Write college letters of recommendation for the senior class.
- Coordinate and oversee student use of SCOIR and YouScience college and career assessment tools.
- Oversee and maintain the SCOIR database.
- Provide NCAA updates and guidance for student-athletes.
- Serve as a resource for career exploration and spiritual gifts discovery.
- Guide students interested in participating in college Minimester tours.
- Present at Camp College and other college planning events.
- Coordinate the Upperclassmen (11th and 12th grade) internship program.
- Stay current on college admissions trends, requirements, and processes.
- Attend DFW-area college updates and counselor fly-ins (limited travel required).
- Serve as the primary liaison with college representatives — recruit representatives to campus and host them during visits.
Academic & Institutional Support
- Review new student files with the Registrar and advise on appropriate course placement.
- Collaborate with the School Registrar on the development of the master schedule.
- Consult with and support faculty to promote student academic success.
- Communicate with Learning Lab personnel to address and support individual student needs.
- Assist with AP, PSAT, and Pre-ACT testing coordination.
- Assist PCA Online with college counseling support.
- Support institutional curriculum goals, including the implementation of the Life Calling curriculum through classroom presentations and guest speaker coordination.
- Deliver 2 Bible grade-level presentations annually for grades 9–12.
Data, Reporting & Communication
- Maintain oversight of the Guidance resource tile and resources.
- Coordinate student participation in college and career tools.
- Prepare and present metrics reporting including:
- - College matriculation data
- - Standardized testing averages
- - National Merit recognition
- Ensure strict confidentiality in all student records and communications.
Professional Development
- Maintain relevant professional and technical expertise by:
- - Attending workshops and professional conferences
- - Reviewing professional publications
- - Participating in professional organizations (NACCAP, TACAC, NACAC, ACSI, etc.)
- Remain current on changes and updates in the college admissions process.

Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s Degree preferred.
- 2–4 years of direct or related experience in college counseling, admissions, academic advising, or related field preferred.
- Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills with students, parents, faculty, and college admissions professionals.
- Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple responsibilities while prioritizing immediate student needs.
- Demonstrated patience and relational skills in serving a diverse range of student needs.
- Commitment to maintaining strict confidentiality.
- Ability to nurture, mentor, and guide students in their faith journey within a biblical worldview.
- Prestonwood Baptist Church membership preferred.
Spiritual & Cultural Expectations
- Actively support and uphold the mission, vision, and Statement of Faith of Prestonwood Christian Academy.
- Model Christ-centered leadership and discipleship in all interactions.
- Integrate faith and learning in all aspects of student guidance and counseling.
Physical, Environmental and Mental Requirements
- Regularly standing and walking around the classroom lecturing and monitoring students
- Regularly sitting at the computer requiring repetitive finger motion and manual dexterity
- Close visual acuity required for viewing a computer monitor, preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing and reading
- Hearing – ability to perceive sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction
- Talking – expressing ideas by means of the spoken word to convey instructions to students, parents and other workers
- Ability to communicate effectively, even in stressful situations
- Primarily inside, classroom environment
- Occasional lifting of 5 to 20 pounds
- Subject to frequent interruptions and frequent deadline