Upper School Counselor (College and Social-Emotional)

School OverviewInspire. Innovate. Belong.At Dawson, we believe that exceptional education is built on the strength, expertise, and dedication of our faculty. We seek committed, creative, and engaged educators who embrace collaboration, maintain high expectations for themselves and their students, and foster meaningful relationships with colleagues and families.As a student-centered, college-preparatory school for grades K-12, Dawson provides a dynamic environment where faculty are empowered to innovate, personalize learning, and inspire students to reach their full potential. Our faculty are not just teachers but mentors and lifelong learners who bring curiosity, empathy, and professionalism to every interaction. They engage in ongoing professional development, apply best practices in education, and contribute to a school culture that values belonging, inquiry, and growth.Dawson Mission StatementDawson School is dedicated to excellence of mind, body, and character. We prepare students, through challenging and relevant learning, to become creative, resilient problem-solvers who bring their best to the world.Why Join Dawson?Innovative Teaching Environment: We foster creativity through hands-on learning and encourage the integration of technology to enhance student experiences.Professional Growth: We invest in our educators through workshops, conferences, and collaborative learning opportunities.Community Engagement: Become part of a supportive, relationship-driven environment. Work-Life Balance: We prioritize well-being with reasonable class sizes and a collaborative culture.What You’ll Love About UsRetirement: 401(k) plan with employer contribution.Healthcare: Medical, dental, and vision plans with HSA/FSA options, plus free telehealth services.Wellness: Access to an employee assistance program, on-site gym, outdoor swimming pool, and certified athletic trainer. Enjoy free, chef-prepared lunches and a walkable, secure campus.Life Insurance & Voluntary Benefits: Group life insurance with additional voluntary coverage options.Time-off: Flexible sick time and paid time off.Career and personal development: Support and encouragement for continuous learning and growth, ensuring faculty and staff remain knowledgeable, skilled, and effective in their roles.Sustainable: Free parking with access to EV charging stations and ECO Pass for RTD.A Strong Sense of BelongingPosition OverviewWe are seeking a caring and enthusiastic Full-Time Upper School Counselor to join our community for the 2026–2027 school year. This new position will work directly with the Director of College Counseling, the current Upper School Counselor, and the Upper School Director. This role involves providing social-emotional counseling, college counseling, and leading our internship program. As an Upper School counselor, you will support students as they grow academically, socially, and emotionally, helping them develop confidence, self-advocacy, and responsibility for their learning. Working closely with teachers, the counselor will contribute to a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students. The counselor will teach sections of our junior and senior college counseling classes, advise individual students on the college search and application process, and manage the internship program. The counselor will communicate regularly with families to support students’ social-emotional health, academic planning, and post-secondary success.The job opening is for August 2026Yearly Salary range: $55,000 - $100,000Position is a 1.0 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)At Dawson, you will:Shape the region’s strongest college-preparatory program through academic excellence and experiential learning.Collaborate with talented colleagues in a supportive and respectful environment.Engage in meaningful professional development to refine your craft and advance your career.Challenge and support students in a learning community that values curiosity, resilience, and purpose.Be part of a school that recognizes and invests in the well-being of its educators through competitive compensation and benefits, along with a culture that nurtures both personal and professional fulfillment.What You’ll Need to Get the Job DoneMaster’s degree in school counseling, counseling, social work, or a related field.Current State of Colorado licensure in counseling or social work.At least three years of experience counseling adolescents, or equivalent experience working with teens.Prior experience in college counseling, preferably in an independent school settingKnowledge of child welfare laws and best practices, including mandatory reporting requirements and follow-up procedures.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organizational abilities, and the capacity to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectivelyWarm, approachable, and student-centered demeanor, with a genuine enthusiasm for working with upper school students.A collaborative mindset that reflects teamwork, professionalism, and shared responsibility.Ability to thoughtfully integrate technology into counseling, instruction, and communication.Commitment to maintaining strict confidentiality and professional ethical standards.Proficiency with Excel and Google Workspace tools, including Drive, Sheets, and Documents.Specifics about the job:Social-Emotional CounselorReport to and collaborate closely with the Director of Upper SchoolRespond with care and professionalism to students experiencing emotional distress, including conducting safety assessments and working in partnership with advisors, teachers, counselors, and the Director of Upper SchoolCommunicate and collaborate with outside therapists to support upper school students and ensure continuity of careServe as a trusted resource for students, faculty, administrators, and families in understanding and supporting the social, emotional, behavioral, and personal needs of upper school studentsContribute to the life of the school by assisting with school-wide programs, experiential learning opportunities, class trips, and WinterimCollege CounselorGuide students through all aspects of the college application process, emphasizing thoughtful self-reflection, responsible decision-making, and ethical application practicesAssist in the planning, teaching, and facilitation of College Counseling class, as well as Parent Night programs, providing families with clear, timely, and developmentally appropriate information about the college search and application processMeet individually with students to provide personalized, balanced, and informed guidance that supports students in identifying post-secondary options aligned with their interests, strengths, and goalsAssist with the coordination and administration of college entrance examinations, including serving as a Test Center for College Board assessments (PSAT, SAT, AP) and the ACT, in accordance with established testing protocolsMeet with college admissions representatives during campus visitsParticipate in ongoing professional development at the local and national levels to remain current with evolving college admissions practices and ethical standardsCoordinate recruitment, selection, and placement of student internsContinue to develop strategic partnerships with local businesses, career centers, and community organizationsTrack program metrics and outcomes (participation rates, retention, post-graduation pathways)Organize networking events, workshops, and career exploration sessionsTo apply for this position:Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and resume through the Dawson website at www.dawsonschool.org. To apply, click ABOUT at the top of the page, select Careers, scroll to the middle of the page, click View Current Job Openings, and choose the Upper School Counselor position.Please note that only online applications will be accepted. We kindly ask that no phone calls be made regarding this position.Dawson School Diversity StatementDawson is united in nurturing a culture of belonging that embraces diversity of thought, experience, identity, and passion.Dawson actively promotes and embraces the exchange of diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds through curricular design, community involvement, and the integration of our four virtues - respect, compassion, courage, and integrity - into every aspect of our community life. It is our responsibility to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for all members of our community, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, ability, or religion, as well as to cultivate in each student the ability to make empathetic, socially responsible decisions.