University Counsellor

We are privileged to learn, work, and live on the traditional territory of the Sc’ianew (Beecher Bay) First Nation. Pearson College UWC was founded as Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific and United World College (Canada) Inc. in 1974. Pearson is a unique, highly selective, two-year pre-university IB World School for up to 200 students from across Canada and around the world chosen solely on their promise and potential and demonstrated commitment to actively engage in creating a better world. Students currently are selected from nearly 160 countries. Pearson is one of 18 UWC schools worldwide. (pearsoncollege.ca). Pearson College UWC is recruiting for an outstanding University Counsellor.
Reporting to: Deputy Head and Vice President: Education & Learning

Position Summary:

The University Counsellor will oversee all aspects of the university application process for graduating students, including transcripts, applications, decision-making, individual and group counselling, university visit coordination and maintenance of accurate records and statistics. The University Counsellor will maintain a network of contacts among admissions departments at leading universities around the globe to ensure student applications are read in the best possible light at target institutions. The University Counsellor will remain current regarding application timelines and processes in various countries, jurisdictions, and educational systems. The University Counsellor will advise students in their post-Pearson planning, including advising a range of best-fit post secondary options, as well as supporting students in their preparation and submission of applications.

Major Responsibilities:

• Ensure Advisors, Faculty, students and their families are aware of relevant university application process and timelines
• Provide information and advice to students to foster a sense of independence and responsibility in determining their goals and fulfilling the steps of their application journey
• Be readily accessible to students seeking assistance and maintain a high level of visibility in the university counselling office
• Advise students on applications to universities, scholarships, and standardized testing if relevant
• Work closely with Advisors to foster an ecosystem providing focus, feedback, information, support, and encouragement for each student
• Obtain and coordinate a wide range of resource materials and sources of information on universities throughout the world
• Oversee the management of Naviance (database)
• Identify scholarship opportunities and, whenever possible, promote Pearson College to universities to attract new scholarship offers
• Develop and maintain contacts with university admission departments
• Work with the Academic Services Assistant to schedule and host visits by university representatives
• Identify and resolve urgent placements
• Process official testimonials kept on file for each student and sent with relevant applications
• Work with the Academic Services Assistant to ensure accurate documents are prepared and sent by deadlines
• Be involved in analysis of examination results during the summer
• Prepare school profile annually
• Report university admissions outcomes to the Deputy Head and Vice President, Head of College, and, as appropriate, to the members of the Board of Directors
• Research and stay current with university requirements, regulations and admissions trends

Education, Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher, possibly in education or international relations; however, equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered
• A passion for, and understanding of, the mission of Pearson College UWC and the international UWC movement
• Excellent interpersonal, research and organizational skills
• Effective communications skills, verbally and in writing
• High level of competency working with software productivity tools such as MS Word, Excel, and Access as well as university application tools and resources
• Demonstrated expertise in working in challenging situations with the ability to exercise a high level of ethics, tact, diplomacy and discretion
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills, flexibility, and adaptability
• Must be able to successfully pass a Criminal Records Check
• Ability to meet strict deadlines, and work within a flexible schedule such as evenings and weekends and availability throughout the calendar year

Compensation & Organization:

This position is a one-year term initially, located at Pearson College UWC in Metchosin, approximately 40 minutes from downtown Victoria. The College offers a competitive salary plus an attractive benefit package. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Candidates must currently be eligible to work in Canada. Résumés and a cover letter can be emailed to hr@pearsoncollege.ca.
 

As an inherent part of our United World College values, Pearson College UWC is actively committed to Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in our living, learning and work environments. In pursuit of our values, we seek individuals who will work respectfully and constructively with differences and across levels of privilege and power. We actively encourage applications from members of groups experiencing barriers to equity.