Description

We are looking for an experienced and passionate College and Career Advisor to join our secondary team.

AAI Ends: Students achieve their potential as ambassadors for the Kingdom of Christ at a cost that is justifiable by the results.  [*Students who thrive as life-long learners.  *Students who follow Christ and live with a focus on eternity.  * Students who readily engage in diverse cultures and communities.  *Students maturing as whole persons.] 

AAI Mission: The AAI Exists to develop followers of Jesus Christ who live with a focus on eternity; provide students with a U.S. style of education based on the highest standards of educational excellence; and provide a caring community where students are taught to be critical in their thinking, multicultural in their understanding, and compassionate in their dealings with others. 

Position Purpose / Description: The College and Career Advisor contributes to fulfillment of the Academy’s Ends and Mission by providing leadership and oversight to college advising for students.  

Amenability: The College and Career Advisor reports to and is under the direction and supervision of the Secondary Principal.

General Qualifications: Consistent with those established in the AAI Policy and Procedures Manual. 

• Minimum educational background/degree: Bachelor's degree required; preferred degree in Education, School Counseling, or related field.
• Minimum job-related experience: preferred two or more years in the classroom or as a school counselor
• Certification: US or Canadian teacher certification and/or ACSI certification,  or the equivalent of an educational teaching credential in a non-US country
• Language requirement:  English required; English-Spanish bilingual preferred

Unique Qualifications: 

• Familiarity with global university system(s) of education
• Familiarity with issues related to student visas for foreign/national students
• Disposition to learn the Ecuadorian educational system
• Disposition to gain familiarity with university systems outside the U.S.
• Disposition to learn Unifrog and Common App platforms
• Ability to guide students in making choices concerning occupations and required education
• Ability to guide students in exploring career goals and assessing personal strengths
  • Assess academic abilities
  • Assess necessary skill development
  • Advise students regarding industry trends and job possibilities
• Ability to communicate effectively with university admission representatives
  • Write effective recommendation letters
  • Communicate verbally with admissions personnel
  • Occasionally advocate for a student regarding acceptance

Tasks and Responsibilities 

• Orient and guide students and their parents through the university application process as it applies to Ecuadorian universities as well as universities outside of Ecuador, including the United States, including help in the following areas:
  • Applications
  • Transcripts, test records, reference letters
  • School profile
  • College fairs and parent nights
• Orient and guide students and parents in their searches for scholarships and/or other sources of financial aid
• Orient and guide students and parents in the student visa application process for the United States, primarily
• Maintain files and related information specific to individual universities
  • General college data
  • Most popular majors
  • Strengths and weaknesses
  • Cost
  • Availability of scholarships/financial aid
• Write compelling and persuasive letters of recommendation for individual students
• Organize and maintain a career center with information specific to various careers
• Advise students and parents regarding recommended classes or preparation required for specific careers
• Guide students in the use of aptitude tests and personal ability assessment tools
  • Help students and parents decipher assessment results
  • Guide students to career options based on assessment results
• Meet with visiting university representatives off campus and outside of regular school hours
• Meet with fellow advisors from the other international schools in Quito to coordinate schedules of visiting university representatives
• Collaborate with DECE to  ensure that Ministry requirements for college and career training are met.  
• Support proctoring and communication for Advanced Placement Tests, MAP testing and any other testing done during the year.
  • Includes communication of results to parents and administration
• Work with the Registrar to sign students up for classes.  
• Work with Curriculum Coordinator to update and send out information about classes and curriculum (curriculum guide, school profile, etc…)
• Attend conventions in the U.S. during summer months
  • Training opportunities for advisors
  • Meet university representatives who do not travel to Quito or who do not come to the AAI campus when they are in Quito
  • Tour university campuses
  • Interact with other counselors and gain general advising knowledge 
    

Requirements

• Minimum educational background/degree: Bachelor's degree required; preferred degree in Education, School Counseling, or related field.
• Minimum job-related experience: preferred two or more years in the classroom or as a school counselor
• Certification: US or Canadian teacher certification and/or ACSI certification,  or the equivalent of an educational teaching credential in a non-US country
• Language requirement:  English required; English-Spanish bilingual preferred