Director – Academic Guidance and Counseling
Director – Academic Guidance and Counseling
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Job Description
Days Per Year: 226
Min: $97820
Mid: $117854
JOB TITLE: Director Academic Guidance and Counseling
REPORTS TO Executive Director Innovation & Student Support Services
WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Exempt
PAY GRADE: AI 5
PRIMARY PURPOSE:
The Director of Academic Guidance and Counseling provides strategic leadership and oversight of the districts comprehensive K12 guidance and counseling programs. This position ensures effective implementation of academic advising personal graduation planning college and career readiness and HB5/HB3 initiatives. The Director also supervises and supports campus-based counselors college readiness personnel and program coordinators to promote equitable student outcomes across all schools.
The Director works in collaboration with other district departments to align graduation pathways endorsements scheduling and academic planning with instructional and operational goals. This individual champions student success by ensuring counselors have the tools training and resources to guide students in meeting their academic personal and post-secondary aspirations.
All employees are expected to act with integrity support organizational goals communicate clearly and respectfully champion the needs of our students and drive continuous improvement.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
- Masters degree in Counseling Guidance and Counseling or related field from an accredited college or university
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience leading or supervising a school counseling program
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience as a high school counselor or educator
Preferred:
- Valid Texas Counselor Certification
- Valid Texas Teacher Certification
- Bilingual (English and Spanish)
SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:
- In-depth knowledge of the Texas Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs
- Expertise in high school graduation requirements endorsements and pathways
- Strong understanding of HB5/HB3 requirements College Career and Military Readiness (CCMR) and college admissions processes
- Experience with Personal Graduation Plan development student course scheduling and transcript auditing
- Ability to evaluate counseling programs and personnel effectiveness
- Experience in coaching mentoring and leading professional development for counselors
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to present to diverse audiences
- Ability to manage budgets personnel and departmental operations
- Data-informed decision-making and reporting skills
- Ability to build collaborative relationships with campus and district staff families and external stakeholders
- Knowledge of mental health supports and referral processes
- Skill in conflict resolution consensus-building and problem-solving
- Capacity to interpret and apply federal state and local education policies
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Program Leadership and Oversight
- Lead direct and evaluate the implementation of the districts academic guidance counseling and college readiness programs
- Ensure alignment of counseling services with state requirements district goals and best practices
- Provide ongoing support and guidance to campus counselors college advisors and the Coordinator of College Readiness
- Monitor the implementation of HB5/HB3 mandates and CCMR initiatives across all secondary campuses
- Review approve and support the use of instructional and counseling resources across K12
Instructional Support and Professional Development
- Design and deliver targeted professional learning for counselors focused on academic advising mental health supports graduation planning and post-secondary success
- Coach and mentor campus counselors to improve student engagement and program effectiveness
- Facilitate training for school staff and parents on topics such as student behavior management parenting skills and academic planning
Student Services and Planning
- Oversee the development and maintenance of Personal Graduation Plans (PGPs) for all high school students
- Lead and monitor the four-year planning process at all secondary campuses
- Ensure equitable scheduling practices and alignment with endorsements and pathways
- Collaborate with principals and the HR department to recruit hire support and evaluate school counselors
Collaboration and Cross-Departmental Work
- Work closely with:
- Director of Mental Health to support student wellness and mental health initiatives
- Director of Career and Technology Education to ensure proper student placement in CTE pathways
- Director of Student Information Systems to support transcript audits PGP tracking and academic history reviews
- Director of Data Management and Compliance on data integrity and scheduling alignment
- Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction to align course offerings with student graduation needs
Compliance Operations and Evaluation
- Monitor compliance with all federal state and local regulations affecting counseling services
- Analyze student data and program metrics to inform improvement planning
- Compile and present reports evaluations and documentation to district leadership and stakeholders
- Support strategic planning including the districts Five-Year Education Plan
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
- Promote counseling and college readiness initiatives to parents students and the community
- Serve as a liaison to community organizations higher education institutions and external partners
- Attend college nights parent information sessions and relevant district events
Other Duties
- Maintain current knowledge of emerging trends research and best practices in academic counseling
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff personnel. Provide leadership in recruitment training and evaluation of school counselors. Make recommendations regarding personnel program structure and strategic goals. Collaborate with district leadership on policies staffing and planning initiatives to ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Physical Demands / Environmental Factors:
The usual and customary methods of performing the jobs functions require physical mobility prolonged sitting and standing and occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds. This position requires frequent travel within the district and occasional travel statewide.
Mental Demands:
Ability to manage multiple complex projects and deadlines; interpret policy and legislation; analyze and act on data; communicate effectively; and remain adaptable and composed in dynamic environments. Must maintain emotional control under stress and support staff through conflict and change.
The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.
Required Experience:
Director
Employment Type
Full-Time
