Job Overview
Cardinal Spellman High School is the premier co-educational, college preparatory, Catholic High School in the New York Metropolitan Area. Our mission is to promote a culture of aspiration that encourages superior academic performance, leadership and service. We emphasize personal development and we foster a commitment to others that empowers our diverse student population to become leaders who make a difference in our community, nation and world.
We are seeking a full-time Director of Guidance for the 2026-2027 school year.
The Director of Guidance is appointed by and reports to the Principal.
The Director of Guidance provides strategic leadership and oversight of a comprehensive school counseling program that supports students’ academic achievement, college readiness and social-emotional development. Through coordination with the Principal and Assistant Principal for Academics, also helps set goals and objectives for the student’s overall growth with regards to the academic program. In alignment with the mission of Catholic education, the Director fosters the formation of the whole student—intellectually, spiritually, and morally—while ensuring all students are prepared for success in college and beyond.
Primary Responsibilities
Program Leadership and Vision
- Design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive, college-preparatory counseling program
- Align guidance services with the school’s Catholic mission and academic goals
- Organize, supervise and evaluate performance of school counselors and support staff
- Lead departmental planning, goal setting, and continuous improvement efforts
- Supervise the Catapult School Counselor(s) and SETSS provider
- Supervise the counseling of students in both individual and group settings
- Attend and participate in meetings with teachers, parents, and students in regards to academic concerns and performance in conjunction with the AP of Academics
Academic Advising and Student Support
- Oversee the scheduling and execution of conferences with parents and counselors to help them better understand and assist with the educational, personal, social, and vocational adjustments of their children
- Arrange for individual and group counseling to address academic, social, and emotional needs
- supervise the monitoring of students on academic probation with the AP of Academics
- supervise the counselors in the monitoring of students on scholarship
- Coordinate interventions for at-risk students and oversee student support services
- Collect IEP and 504 documentation from parents and ensuring that extended time recommendations are met
- Establish the testing schedule for extended time students with the AP of Academics
- Advise and make available to the faculty any special academic needs of students
- Liaise with the DOE, and/or other agencies to procure available resources for students, faculty or parents
- Implement academic resource initiatives to support students having academic difficulties in conjunction with the AP of Academics
- Promote student wellness, resilience, and ethical decision-making
College Counseling and Readiness
- Direct all aspects of the college counseling program, including the college selection and application process, essay development and application review and financial aid and scholarship guidance
- Organize college fairs, workshops, and grade level parent information sessions
- Organize special orientation programs for students and parents such as Senior Parent Night and grade level College Information Nights
- Liaise and maintain relationships with college admissions personnel or college alumni, and organize visits from various colleges during the school day
- Track and analyze college acceptance and enrollment data as well as scholarship data
- Navigate and use Naviance
Collaboration and Communication
- Partner with administrative team, faculty, and parents to support student success
- Participate in student support teams and academic review processes
- Communicate clearly and consistently with families regarding academic progress, attendance patterns, college planning, PSAT and SAT scores, including at Parent Teacher Conferences
- Collaborate with Campus Ministry to support students’ spiritual development
- Assist in the organization of Parent Orientations, Honor’s Night, Parent/Teacher Conferences, Senior Convocation and Graduation in conjunction with the AP of Academics, AP of Student Life and the Deans
Data Management and Compliance
- Oversee maintenance of student records, transcripts, and reporting systems
- Ensure compliance with diocesan, state, and accreditation requirements
- Use data to inform decision-making and improve program effectiveness
- Maintain and check for accuracy the cumulative records/transcripts of students including the annual Senior audit
- Supervise the processing of students transferring out
- Produce various reports in regards to student testing data and college acceptances for Board of Trustees and other meetings
- Keep accurate documentation and timely submission of reports
- Serve as a member of the Academic Council and other duties assigned by the Principal
- Create a graduate profile that includes the school that the student will be attending and any scholarships awarded
Mission and Catholic Identity
- Support and uphold the mission of Catholic education
- Integrate faith-based values into counseling and student development
- Participate in school liturgies, retreats, and service initiatives
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in School Counseling, Educational Leadership, or related field
- Valid state certification in School Counseling (administrative certification preferred)
- Minimum of 3–5 years of counseling experience; leadership experience preferred
- Strong knowledge of college admissions and college-preparatory programming
- Commitment to the mission and values of Catholic education
Skills and Competencies
- Strong leadership and organizational abilities
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
- Data-informed decision-making
- Collaborative, team-oriented mindset
- High level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality
Working Conditions
- Full-time position (12-month depending on school structure)
- Availability for evening and weekend events (college nights, parent meetings, etc.)
We invite interested candidates to apply by emailing a cover letter and resume as indicated.
Cardinal Spellman High School is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to hiring exceptional, dedicated teachers of diverse backgrounds.
Pay: $95,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
