College Counselor

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The South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM) is seeking a highly skilled and dedicated professional to serve as a college counseling professional. You will be working alongside a team of four other college counseling professionals, including a Director and Assistant Director, to develop programs that cater to the diverse needs of the student population. Your primary responsibilities will include guiding students and parents through the college search and admissions process, identifying colleges and scholarships that best fit their needs, and teaching sections of the College Planning Seminar course. Additionally, you will be required to write letters of recommendation for the Senior cohort, ensure that all supporting documents are submitted for each college and scholarship application, and serve as the College Liaison for GSSM. You will report directly to the Director of College Counseling and Advising.

This is a permanent, full-time position in Hartsville, South Carolina, with benefits provided through the State of South Carolina. The salary is competitive and commensurate with credentials and experience. 

About GSSM:

GSSM's mission is to seek out and advance the state's most talented and motivated students, offering them a transforming education with a special focus on science, mathematics, and engineering that cultivates joy in learning and builds the confidence to engage as ethical leaders with the world's most significant issues.

GSSM is nationally recognized for the quality of its advanced STEM, humanities, student research, and international programs. Our faculty and staff share a passion for their disciplines and a commitment to inspire and lead students to achieve their best while fostering the joy of learning. GSSM is a public high school serving 11th-12th grade students residentially and 10th-12th grades through virtual programs. GSSM's Outreach Center engages over 8,000 elementary and middle school students through various STEM educational programs around the state in partnership with several school districts.

The significant areas of responsibility for this position include:

• Steward students (and their parents) through the college search and application process, including entrance requirements, scholarships, and financial aid. Plan content for and teach sections of the College Planning Seminar course. Write letters of recommendation for Senior cohort and ensure additional supporting documents are submitted for each college and scholarship application.

• Serve as primary liaison to college admissions representatives: invite, schedule and advertise college rep visits to GSSM and ensure their time on campus is positive.

• Serve as primary chaperone and organizer of bus trips to the three flagship colleges {USC, Clemson, and College of Charleston) as well as at least one national college fair.

• Act as organizer of annual GSSM college fair in fall: schedule, invite, organize, and direct this event for students. Organize and promote annual Senior Celebration in May.

• Represent GSSM in professional organizations and various advisory groups locally and nationally. Visit college campuses to remain current on opportunities for our students. Remain up to date on current admission and higher education trends.

• Perform other duties as assigned and required by the Director of College Counseling & Advising

Minimum and Additional Requirements

A master's in educational counseling, higher education/student affairs, or related field and a minimum of 3 years of experience in high school, college counseling, or admissions.  A bachelor's degree and at least 4 years of relevant experience will also be considered in lieu of the masters.  

Additional Requirements:

• In-depth knowledge of colleges and universities.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with student databases such as SCOIR or Naviance.
• Knowledge of financial aid process.
• Excellent communication, writing, and public-speaking skills.
• Ability to work in deadline-driven environments.
• Strong sense of ethics.

Please note that some areas of the Agency may require an official, certified copy of the transcript prior to hiring or within a specific timeframe required by that area, after hiring.  Failure to produce an official, certified transcript may result in not being hired or termination. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with high school students in advanced academic environment preferred.
• College admissions experience preferred.

Additional Comments

The SC Governor's School of Science and Mathematics is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application.  Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment.  Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education.  A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.