JOB DESCRIPTION

EF Academy

University & Academic Counselor

Residential or Non-Residential

EF Academy is an international day and boarding high school serving students from over 40 countries. EF Academy Pasadena opened in September of 2022, joining sister schools in New York and Oxford. EF Academy Pasadena currently enrolls 250 students.

EF Academy offers an unrivaled level of personal support and guidance to students, preparing them for success by working together to discover and develop their strengths and providing them with an academic environment that will see them thrive. The University & Academic Counselor (UAC) is a critical player in this support. Each UAC is responsible for a cohort of students and acts as a liaison between the student, family, and campus in support of their academic success in our school. This role reports to the Director of University and Academic Counseling.

Professional Qualifications and Qualities:

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) and prior experience in college counseling, college admission, or other student academic support roles (required).

• Experience with and understanding of U.S. and international colleges and universities: their academic programs, student experiences, and admission practices.

• Outstanding interpersonal communication skills; strong decision-making aptitude.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

• Detail-oriented with strong organizational, time management, and multi-tasking skills.

• Computer skills (including proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office) and experience with college counseling software, preferably PowerSchool and MaiaLearning.

• Able to demonstrate flexibility, reliability, and initiative in support of all school related activities.

• Ability to understand, adapt, and empathize with social and cultural diversity.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and to work with tact and discretion.

• Maturity and commitment to exercising sound judgment.

• Desire to work as a college counselor in a fast-paced and innovative school setting.

• Demonstrated ability to work and plan collaboratively.

• Ability to communicate effectively with all constituents in a school community.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Manages a caseload of approximately 100 international students in grades 9 - 12 and oversees all aspects of the students’ academic progress and university planning. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Providing individual student academic program planning for optimal course placement and graduation eligibility including scheduling and credit checks.
• Collecting, interpreting, and maintaining student records (i.e. transcripts) to ensure each student successfully meets all school and local graduation requirements.
• Advising and encourage students to make the most of academic and extracurricular opportunities.
• Assisting with PSAT, SAT, and AP test administration.
• Conducting workshops, group presentations, and college admission seminars for students in grades 11-12.
• Assisting with college/university counseling programs (day and evening) throughout the school year.
• Supporting with academic and career planning programming for grades 9-10.
• Scheduling and overseeing college representative visits to EF Academy.
• Educating students and parents about college/university admission trends, both domestic and international.
• Advocating for students through the counselor recommendation/referee letter, providing feedback on student applications, and assisting in the submission of application support documents as needed.
• Maintaining a proactive approach in the retention of students by ensuring they feel supported and best advised through collaboration with parents and EF Academy staff.
• Committing to learning, embracing, and implementing best practices in student-centered, global education through the university counseling process.
• Staying at the forefront of the college admission profession, anticipating changes and guiding students and families as they navigate a rapidly changing admission landscape.
• Continuously monitoring the academic progress of students, meeting with students on a regular basis, and u pdating parents and EF Academy admission offices on the progress of students, communicating any concerns and helping to celebrate successes.
• Supporting with residential duties as scheduled on weeknights and weekend, as well as other duties as assigned
• Representing the University & Academic Counseling office at school events and contributing to a positive EF Academy community of faculty, staff, and students.

Job Status

This is a 10-month, exempt position. Most of the work is performed during the academic week and often during the academic day, however the nature of this role in a boarding school environment allows flexibility to meet with students outside of academic hours during after school clubs or evening study halls. In addition, all residential and non-residential members of the UAC team support student residential life through some weekend and evening duties spread across the school year. This position includes optional on-campus housing and can be residential or non-residential. The base salary for this position will be paid on the faculty pay scale and range from $70,500 to $85,000 based on years of relevant experience and highest degree earned.

ABOUT US

Some companies are in the business of banking. Others are in the business of shoes. Or sports. Or soft drinks. At EF, we're in a different kind of business. One that's a little less tangible, and a lot more important. Because our business, what we make, makes everything else possible. We're in the business of understanding. Between people. Between cultures.

For over half a century we’ve been the leader in international educational programs and experiences designed to foster such understanding. Through language, cultural exchange, academic studies, and educational travel, we create the kinds of immersive experiences that challenge biases, open minds, and pave the way for a more understanding world.

You’ll find our offices and schools located in some of the world’s greatest cities, and filled with smart, driven people (over 50,000 of us) who push each other to be better every day. But it’s what we do together - building greater understanding, breaking down barriers, and creating a better world - that makes all the difference.

Founded in 1965 in Sweden, EF (Education First) is a global association of education companies that share a common mission of opening the world through education. EF has been recognized on Forbes 2025 and 2024 World’s Best Employers and 2024 Top Companies for Women lists, Fast Company’s 2025 Next Big Things In Tech, and was a 2024 App Store Award winner in Cultural Impact.

ABOUT THE TEAM

EF Academy is a leading private boarding and day high school, attracting students from around the world to our campuses in Pasadena, New York, and Oxford (England). At EF Academy, we prepare students to thrive academically, personally, and socially helping them build the confidence, skills, and sense of purpose they need to lead fulfilling, successful lives. With a focus on academic excellence, personal growth, and cultural immersion, we empower students to unlock their full potential and develop the lifelong skills they need to thrive in any future they envision.

Learn more about EF Academy: https://www.efacademy.org/

At EF Education First, we believe that the world is better when people try to understand one another. Since 1965, EF has helped millions of people see new places, experience new cultures, and learn new things about the world and about themselves.