Job Title: Dean of Advising
Reports to: Head of Upper School
Status: Full-time, Year-Round Position; Two Weeks off in Summer + School Breaks
Evaluation: Dean of Advising will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on evaluation of professional personnel and this job description.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Dean of Advising is a strategic position at Providence Academy and is part of the Upper Campus administrative team. This position is responsible for ensuring the oversight of student readiness for high school graduation and for optimal placement following graduation. A major objective of the academy is that all graduates of PCCA will be college-ready, so in supporting the goals and mission of the academy, the Dean of Advising leads toward the end.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- The Dean of Advising will help students develop the knowledge needed to successfully complete students’ journey to college including a 4-year high school non-academic plan, the college selection and application process as well as scholarship ideas. Additionally, the Dean of Advising will develop and maintain a system of records necessary for the Academy.
- Provide a written 4-year checklist for college bound students
- Advise and proof-read up to 4 college application essays per student
- Coordinate with colleges and universities to plan visits to PCCA
- Provide PSAT, SAT, ACT, AP, and CLT testing registration information to parents
- Maintain and disseminate information about standardized test such as SAT and ACT and help administer AP and PSAT exams; serve as AP coordinator
- Refresh an annual Profile of the School
- Provide written lists of deadlines, basic questions to ask on a college tour, an application essay tips
- Assist with students’ college applications, school reports, counselor reports, counselor letters of recommendation, and scholarship application support as needed
- Submit the final report and transcript to the college accepted by the graduate
- Attend a Patriot Preview each school year
- Attend monthly faculty meetings
- Maintain records for Providence Academy as required
- Other duties as assigned
PARENT AND CONSTITUENT RELATIONS
- Plan and present parent and student training sessions in order to better equip parents and students for decisions regarding the student’s academic future, in pursuing God’s will for him/her.
- Coordinate with the Director of Admissions and ensure entrance exams adequately reflect the requirements to succeed at Providence Academy from an academic standpoint.
- Advise all Upper School students, especially high school students, on choosing courses and electives and creating their final schedule through a meeting with their parents.
STUDENT RELATIONS
- Ensure positive and productive spiritual and educational development of students.
- Meet with students as needed to discuss their academic and behavioral progress.
- Meet with students on a set basis to ascertain post-high school intentions and applicable scholarships for which students could apply.
QUALIFICATIONS
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Able to maintain confidentiality.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Proven ability to create and maintain effective relationships with others.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office and/or Apple equivalents, Google Drive, Google Calendar, e-mail, and ability to quickly learn new technologies.
- Ability to remain organized, prioritize and manage time while working on several tasks simultaneously.
Required Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree
- 2+ years in an educational setting
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Master’s degree in a related field
- Previous College Advising experience
LEADERSHIP
- Provide Christ-centered, Biblically-directed, spiritual leadership to school faculty and staff as well as to other stakeholders as the opportunity arises.
- Meet regularly as part of the administrative team
- Plan and organize strategies for keeping current with trends in college advisement and guidance
- Provide visionary leadership as part of the leadership team and motivate others to unite in pursuit of the school’s mission and highly successful outcomes in keeping with the Providence Portrait of a Graduate.
- Contribute toward an atmosphere of joyful service to Christ and others.
- Add How-To guide articles to the school's central digital drive on a monthly basis.
REQUIRED PERSONAL QUALITIES
- Faith in Jesus Christ as his/her personal Savior.
- A belief that the Bible is God’s Word and is the standard for faith and daily living.
- Agrees whole-heartedly with Providence Academy’s Statement of Faith.
- Is a Christian role model in attitude, speech, and actions toward others. (Luke 6:40) This includes being committed to God’s biblical standards for sexual conduct.
- Is a Christian who is an active member of a Christ-centered church, and will remain so during the period of employment, growing in his/her Christian relationship with God, and actively practicing and exhibiting Christian principles of the Christian faith; seeks to model in speech, actions, and attitude a consistent daily walk with Jesus Christ; sets an example of the importance of spiritual discipline; and encourages students in the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and growth of their faith.
- Recognizes the role of parents as primarily responsible before God for their children’s education and is prepared to partner with them in that task.
- Demonstrates the character qualities of enthusiasm, courtesy, flexibility, integrity, gratitude, kindness, self-control, perseverance, and punctuality.
- Meets everyday stress with emotional stability, objectivity, and optimism.
- Maintains a personal appearance that is a Christian role model of cleanliness, modesty, good taste, and is in agreement with school policy.
- Uses acceptable English in written and oral communication. Speaks with clear articulation.
- Respectfully submits and is loyal to constituted authority.
- Willingness to notify the Principal of any policy he/she is unable to support
- Possesses a clear knowledge, understanding, and heart for classical and Christian education.
- Possesses a passion for the University-Model School mission/vision.
- Is a spiritual leader.
- Has the ability to delegate and follow-up.
- Is organized and multi-task oriented.
- Possesses good people skills.
- Has a servant’s heart.
- Is able to diffuse difficult situations.
- Is a problem solver.
- Respects confidentiality.
- Possesses and demonstrates the fruits of the Spirit.
- Is willing to be visible on campus and in activities; recognizes the sensitive nature of his/her presence.
- Acts objectively when distinguishing what is best for Providence Academy when his/her own children are attending the school.
- Is exemplary in praying for the school, staff, students, and families.
- Models biblical principles of leadership in his/her relationships with and treatment of the faculty and staff.
- Submits to the Principal’s, Head of School’s and Board’s authority.
- Is able to articulate a Christian (biblical) philosophy of education and implement this philosophy at all levels of the school.
- Is able to communicate openly and honestly with the President and Board.
Providence Academy does not discriminate against applicants and employees on the basis of race, color, gender or national or ethnic origin. The purpose of this job description is to describe the basic function, major responsibilities/tasks, and essential functions of each job so that employees can better know what is expected of them. The descriptions also provide information useful for recruiting, training, and performance appraisal. This document does not create an employment agreement, nor does it modify the at-will employment status of all employees. This job description is not meant to inhibit employee creativity or innovation. It may be revised when necessary.