Admission Counselor

The Office of Admission at Bard Academy and Bard College at Simon’s Rock seeks a motivated, conscientious, and dedicated professional to work with our passionate prospective students and families. In partnership with admission team members, the admission counselor plays an integral role in meeting enrollment goals for both Bard Academy and Bard College at Simon’s Rock.

Bard College at Simon’s Rock is the only four-year college in the United States specifically designed to allow highly motivated adolescents to fully realize their intellectual and creative potential by beginning college immediately after the 10th or 11th grade. For nearly 60 years, Simon’s Rock has occupied a unique space in the educational landscape, practicing the simple yet radical idea that many students are ready for college before the age of 18. We strive to do so in an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued. Six years ago, Simon’s Rock opened Bard Academy at Simon's Rock, a two-year high school for 9th- and 10th-graders on the path to starting college early. The campus is located on 275 acres in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, a hub of the Berkshires and, according to Smithsonian Magazine, “the best small town in America.” Equidistant between New York and Boston, the Berkshires are a site of great natural beauty and numerous outdoor activities, as well as a cultural destination.

Primary Responsibilities

On-Campus and Online Recruitment

Interviews prospective applicants one-on-one in order to assess the student’s fit and match for Bard Academy or Bard College at Simon’s Rock and answer specific questions.
Conducts group information sessions in order to provide an overview of the Academy and College and answer specific questions
Conducts question-and-answer sessions with prospective students, family members, and counselors.
Participates in open houses and spring yield events, managing logistical and programmatic tasks as directed.
Attends online and in-person college and middle school fairs, group travel programs, hosts special topic workshops.

Application Review

Reads and evaluates admission applications submitted by prospective students from a regional territory in order to assess the students’ match with Simon’s Rock.
Participates in the admissions committee discussion of applicants.

Travel & Outreach

Takes primary responsibility in counseling prospective students, parents, counselors, and educational consultants from a regional territory of the U.S. or internationally in order to provide information about Bard Academy and/or Bard College at Simon’s Rock (e.g., how to apply, academic programs, etc.). Responds to questions submitted by phone, e-mail and in-person or virtual visit. Develops a strategy using quantitative and qualitative data to determine travel locations and schedules that align with the goals of the admission office and meet institutional priorities.
Travels four to six weeks during the fall (physically and/or virtually) with potential additional travel at other times of year, to meet prospective students, counselors and educational consultants. Is fully responsible for gathering relevant recruitment materials and scheduling meetings.
Leverages Slate CRM to develop email campaigns to communicate with prospective students and educators in an assigned territory, or who meet designated criteria. Drafting, designing, revising, editing, and deploying emails to target audiences is essential.
Visits middle and secondary schools, community-based organizations, and educational consultants in order to promote college access and recruit students.
Updates and maintains electronic records of school visits, school fairs, and other travel-related programs, including evaluation and assessment of such visits.

Project Management

Manages programs and projects within the office as assigned. Specific projects may be related to international admissions, technology support, recruitment, selection, social media/web presence, student workers, data analysis, or other office needs.
Responsibilities will include contributing to and shepherding various programs and projects.

Professional Development & Committee Representation

Represents the College at meetings and conferences, including regional and national conferences in order to play an active role in the larger admissions profession.
Serves as a member of College committees where appropriate for an Admissions Office presence

The successful candidate must be energetic, creative, organized, flexible, and open-minded, must demonstrate independent initiative and also work very well as part of a team, and must possess outstanding strategic thinking, problem-solving, communication, interpersonal and public speaking skills. Candidates must be available to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, and be willing to travel. A bachelor’s degree and driver’s license are required. Admission experience in a liberal arts college or independent secondary school environment is preferred.

This is a full-time position with benefits. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. COVID-19 vaccination with booster(s) or approved exemption is required as a condition of employment at Simon’s Rock. Bard College and Bard Academy at Simon’s Rock are equal opportunity employers, and we encourage applications from candidates of all races, nationalities, sexual orientations, gender identities, abilities, and socioeconomic levels as the values of equity and inclusion are core to our institutional mission. AA/EOE.

APPLY

To Apply: All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter, résumé, and contact information for three references. Submit your files to interfolio.com at apply.interfolio.com/116451. No phone calls, please. Position open until filled.