Job Title: University & Academic Counselor
Department: Student Services / Counseling Office
Reports to: Head of Student Services / High School Principal
Location: Shanghai, China
Start Date: August 2026 (or as negotiated)

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and passionate University & Academic Counselor to join our international school in Shanghai. The successful candidate will provide comprehensive college counseling and academic guidance to high school students, helping them navigate university applications worldwide (with a focus on the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and other English-speaking countries). This role also supports students’ academic planning, course selection, and social-emotional well-being in collaboration with the school counseling team.

Key Responsibilities

University Counseling (60%)

Guide students and parents through all stages of the university application process, including college research, application timelines, essay brainstorming, recommendation letters, and interview preparation.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with university admissions officers globally; coordinate university visits, information sessions, and college fairs on campus.
Advise students on financial aid, scholarships, and standardized testing strategies (SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS, AP, A-Level, etc.).
Write and submit school reports, transcripts, and counselor recommendations with accuracy and professionalism.
Academic Advising (25%)

Support students in course selection, academic planning, and graduation requirements.
Monitor student academic progress and identify at-risk students, implementing intervention strategies as needed.
Collaborate with subject teachers and the academic leadership team to ensure alignment between student goals and school curriculum.
Social-Emotional & Whole-Student Support (10%)

Work closely with the school counseling team to address student wellness, stress management, and decision-making skills.
Facilitate small group workshops on topics such as resilience, time management, and career exploration.
Professional & Administrative Duties (5%)

Maintain accurate and confidential student records using school information systems (e.g., ManageBac, PowerSchool, or similar).
Participate in faculty meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and professional development sessions.
Contribute to the school’s continuous improvement through active involvement in the counseling team and whole-school initiatives.
Qualifications & Requirements

Essential

Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Education, Psychology, or a related field (Master’s degree strongly preferred).
Minimum 3 years of full-time experience as a university counselor or academic advisor in an international school setting.
Deep understanding of admission systems for US, UK, Canada, and Australia universities, including Common App, UCAS, Coalition App, etc.
Native or near-native English proficiency (spoken and written).
Familiarity with student information systems and college counseling platforms (Naviance, Cialfo, BridgeU, or equivalent).
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and cross-cultural communication skills.
Preferred

Professional certification in school counseling (e.g., ASCA membership, NSCA, or equivalent).
Experience working with Chinese/ELL students and bilingual school environments.
Knowledge of AP, A-Level, or IB curriculum frameworks.
Experience with CAAS, scholarship applications, and arts/athletic recruiting.
Compensation & Benefits

Competitive annual salary based on experience and qualifications (approximately RMB 300,000 – 450,000+).
Housing allowance or furnished on-campus apartment (depending on school policy).
Annual flight allowance (home country往返).
International health insurance (including family options).
Tuition waiver for up to two dependent children attending the school.
Paid summer, winter, and Chinese public holidays.
Professional development budget for counseling conferences and workshops.
Work visa and relocation assistance (including airport pickup, bank/phone setup).