School Overview

Inspire. 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 Statement

Dawson 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 Us

• Retirement: 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 Belonging

Position Overview

We are seeking a caring and enthusiastic Part-Time College Counselor (with the potential for full-time employment for a candidate who is also interested in teaching English, science, or social studies, or part-time social/emotional counseling or running the internship program) to join our community for the 2026–27 school year. In this role, the counselor will guide and support students through the college exploration, application, and decision-making process, helping them identify post-secondary pathways that align with their interests, strengths, and goals.

The ideal candidate will provide individualized advising, support students in developing strong organizational and self-advocacy skills, and offer guidance on college research, applications, essays, and timelines. The counselor will teach sections of our junior and senior college counseling classes and advise students individually. Working collaboratively with faculty and administrators, the counselor will contribute to a supportive and inclusive school environment that promotes confidence, responsibility, and informed decision-making. The counselor will also communicate regularly with families to support students’ academic planning and post-secondary success.

The job opening is for August 2026

Yearly Salary range: $27,500 - $37,500

Position is a 0.50 Part-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 Done

• Bachelor’s degree required

• Prior experience in college counseling, preferably in an independent school setting

• Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. and international colleges and universities, with a commitment to cultivating and sustaining professional relationships with college admissions representatives

• Warm, approachable, and student-centered demeanor, with a genuine enthusiasm for working with upper school students

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organizational abilities, and the capacity to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively
  Ability to integrate technology thoughtfully and purposefully into counseling practice and communication

• Proficiency with Google Workspace and related digital tools

• Collaborative, collegial approach to work, coupled with a high level of personal responsibility and professionalism

• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and adhering to the highest ethical and professional standards, consistent with NAIS principles and best practices

• Willingness to model and uphold the school’s core values, including respect, compassion, courage, and integrity

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Report to the Upper School Director and work collaboratively with the College Counseling team to deliver a comprehensive, ethical, and student-centered college counseling program

• Support the development, maintenance, and publication of the Dawson School Profile to ensure accurate, transparent, and mission-aligned communication with colleges and universities

• Assist in the planning and facilitation of College Counseling Parent Night programs, providing families with clear, timely, and developmentally appropriate information about the college search and application process

• Meet individually with juniors and seniors to provide personalized, balanced, and informed guidance that supports students in identifying post-secondary options aligned with their interests, strengths, and goals

• Guide students through all aspects of the college application process, emphasizing thoughtful self-reflection, responsible decision-making, and ethical application practices

• Assist 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 protocols

• Meet with college admissions representatives during campus visits; coordinate student participation in college visits; and cultivate professional, collegial relationships that support accurate representation of students and the school

• Maintain accurate records of student college applications, acceptances, and scholarship offers, and report outcomes in a manner consistent with NAIS best practices and confidentiality standards

• Communicate regularly and transparently with parents and guardians regarding college counseling timelines, expectations, and policies, reinforcing shared understanding and partnership

• Participate in ongoing professional development at the local and national levels to remain current with evolving college admissions practices and ethical standards

• Collaborate with faculty, advisors, and administrators to support students’ academic, social, and emotional growth throughout the college planning process

• Contribute to the life of the school by assisting with school-wide programs, experiential learning opportunities, class trips, and Winterim

• Serve as a faculty advisor for Senior Projects and as a student advisor, fostering mentorship, responsibility, and reflection

• Teach classes as assigned by the Upper School Director and/or Head of School, as appropriate

• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of the School’s mission and community values

To 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 Part-Time College 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 Statement

Dawson 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.

Applicant Acknowledgment and Certification

By submitting my application, I acknowledge and certify that the information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I authorize the employer to verify any information it deems relevant to my employment application, including my employment history, educational background, credit history, and record of criminal convictions.

I understand that my former employers, educational institutions, and personal references may release information about me in response to inquiries from the employer. I further understand that any offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory reference checks and the successful completion of a criminal history check.

I acknowledge that providing false, misleading, or incomplete information, or omitting material facts in my application or during the interview process, may result in denial of employment or termination if already employed.

I also understand that I must provide unexpired documentation establishing my legal authorization to work in the United States within three business days of my employment start date.

If employed, I understand that my employment will be on an at-will basis, meaning it is not guaranteed for any specific duration and may be terminated by either party at any time, with or without cause or notice.

The School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal consideration to all applicants and employees based solely on job-related qualifications, in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.