University & Academic Counsellor

University & Academic Counsellor

Senior School (Gr. 8-12)

Full Time - Continuing Contract

Starting August 2026

About York House School

It all began on the corner of Granville and 28th where seven fearless women welcomed 17 students to the very first York House School in 1932. Nearly a century later, thousands of students have found their unique path and purpose at YHS. Our School has since grown into one of Canada’s leading independent schools for girls. Today, we serve approximately 700 students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12.

At York House School, our Vision is clear: seeing the world as it is, and imagining what it could be, we aspire to create a transformational experience for students who are empowered to reshape the future.

Our Mission

We are dedicated to creating an environment that elevates the mind, celebrates uniqueness, inspires creativity, and encourages discourse.

Why Join Us?

At York House School, we’re fostering a learning environment where creative exploration, courageous conversation and deep intellectual engagement are equally celebrated. This bold approach requires a highly skilled, diverse and energetic team of committed faculty and staff. Please check out our Spark Strategic Plan to learn more.

If you are passionate about education, excited by the opportunity to inspire future leaders, and eager to be part of a vibrant, forward-thinking community, we would love to hear from you.

Position Summary

York House School is inviting applications for a thoughtful, skilled, and dynamic University and Academics Counsellor committed to supporting our students’ academic success. The University and Academics Counsellor (UAC) is a specialist in academic counseling, supporting Grade 8 to 12 students in their academic course selections; managing the course offerings for the school, and facilitating the university application process. Working alongside another University & Academic Counsellor, this team provides guidance to grades 8 to 12 students to enable them to make informed decisions about post-secondary education. The successful candidate will also be a Teacher Advisor and will be expected to be involved in the co-curricular life of the school.

Responsibilities

Course Planning/Academic Advising

• Partner with the Senior School Principal to establish yearly deliverables, timelines, and accountabilities for school-wide academic initiatives.
• Lead the Grade 8–12 course selection process, ensuring students meet all prerequisites and resolving scheduling conflicts.
• Provide expert advising to students (Grades 8–12) and parents regarding course pathways, school options, and graduation requirements.
• Collaborate with teachers and the Learning Strategies team to develop and monitor academic support plans for students.

University Applications Process

• Manage the end-to-end university application process (National and International), tracking student progress, acceptances, and scholarship offers.
• Proactively identify scholarship opportunities and assist students and faculty with the preparation of applications and financial aid forms.
• Author comprehensive letters of recommendation for students while overseeing and assisting faculty in drafting their own post-secondary endorsements.
• Facilitate individual and group counseling sessions to demystify post-secondary trends and admission procedures for the school community.
• Support for students in building professional digital footprints (e.g., LinkedIn for high schoolers, digital portfolios).

Student Progress

• Act as the primary liaison for university representatives, organizing campus visits and traveling to establish global institutional partnerships.
• Partner with the Work-Integrated Learning Coordinator and the Associate Director, Alumni Relations to raise the profile of post-secondary pathways and track graduate success.
• Update and analyze annual Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including graduation rates, scholarship totals, and university placement statistics.
• Participate in Grade Meetings and School-Based Team to provide expert input on student progress and achievement.

Ministry of Education Requirements

• Ensure all students meet provincial graduation requirements and oversee the accurate reporting of grades and credits to the Ministry of Education.
• Collaborate with the Admissions team to maintain the accuracy of current and archival student records (BC Student Records) through regular audits.

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in the school’s co-curricular life, attend official functions, and serve as a Teacher Advisor.
• Represent the school at relevant counselor conferences and professional development meetings to stay current on industry standards.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with all stakeholders (students, parents, staff, faculty)
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of student records and information
• Knowledge of current trends in post-secondary education and enrollment, both in Canada and globally
• A proven track record of the sustained commitment to professional growth and improvement
• Demonstrated competence in communication, interpersonal and conflict resolution skills
• Demonstrated advocacy and leadership in advancing the interests and concerns of students

• Knowledge and experience with Canadian scholarships and university application process
• Knowledge and experience with International and US university application processes

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience as a university and/or careers counselor OR relevant experience in a high school or college admissions office
• Familiarity with AI-detection tools and digital portfolio platforms.
• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree

• Masters degree in a relevant subject area is preferred
• Valid certification to teach British Columbia is preferred