Academic Advisor & College Counselor

Job Title:  Academic Advisor & College Counselor

Reporting Line:  Director of Franklin College Connections
 

Franklin Academy is seeking dedicated and proactive candidates for the role of Academic Advisor & College Counselor to work with a cohort of neurodivergent post‑graduate students. This position provides individualized academic support and targeted interventions aligned with each student’s learning profile and performance needs. The Academic Advisor & College Counselor will directly monitor student progress, provide academic and course advising, conduct both 1:1 and group interventions, and collaborate closely with Franklin Academy faculty and partner college faculty to promote student success. This role is responsible for guiding students and families through the post‑secondary application and transition process. The ideal candidate brings a background in education, special education, or transition services and a strong commitment to supporting student growth in organization, goal‑setting, executive functioning, and social engagement.

Key Responsibilities & Oversight

1. Case Management & Student Support

• Serve as the primary point of contact for academic services for a cohort of approximately 16–19 post-graduate students, providing ongoing academic and emotional support.
• Directly advise 6-8 students, supporting direct communication and outreach to families. 
• Monitor and evaluate student performance, and develop and implement personalized learning plans and targeted intervention strategies.
• Maintain regular communication with students, faculty, and parents regarding academic progress, goals, and support plans.
• Conduct individual and group interventions focused on academic success, organizational skills, study strategies, and social engagement.
• Partner with local colleges and universities on enhancing academic course offerings for post-graduate students. 
   

2. Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate with faculty and staff to establish a coordinated and responsive support system for students.
• Ensure students’ learning plans and 504 accommodations are clearly communicated to relevant faculty and staff, with follow‑up as needed.
• Support student registration with offices of disability services at the local community college. 
• Partner with internal stakeholders to align academic expectations, supports, and student goals.
   

3. Progress Monitoring & Reporting

• Collect, analyze, and interpret student performance data to identify trends, strengths, and areas requiring additional intervention.
• Provide regular, clear, and actionable updates to parents and guardians regarding academic and behavioral progress.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and recommend adjustments or new strategies as appropriate.

4. Postsecondary Oversight & Transition Planning

• Establish collaborative and supportive relationships with students and families throughout the post‑secondary planning process.
• Assist students with college or post‑Franklin program applications, ensuring timely and accurate completion of required materials.
• Create, maintain, and file student transcripts as requested during enrollment and post‑graduation.
• Utilize the student information system to track progress, inform advising decisions, and communicate next steps to families.
• Collaborate with the Associate Dean of College & Career Counseling to design and deliver workshops or classes preparing students for transition beyond high school.
   

5. Community Engagement & School Service

• Serve on Franklin Academy committees as assigned.
• Actively participate in school-wide professional development activities.
• Engage fully in the life of the school community, including residential and extracurricular programming.

6. Evening & Weekend Programming 

As part of Franklin Academy’s residential program, participation in evening and weekend programming is required and additional stipend is earned.  Responsibilities include:

• One assigned evening duty per week, based on residential life needs.
• Weekend duty as assigned per residential life schedule.
• Leading or supporting evening seminars, workshops, or activities.
• Participating in all‑campus special events and community programming.

Qualifications & Desired Background

Education: Master’s degree in education, special education, or a closely related field.

Preferred Experience:

• Prior experience working with students in an academic, advisory, or support role.
• Familiarity with transition planning, college counseling, or special education practices. 
• Experience in case management, executive functioning coaching, or social skills instruction is strongly preferred.

Licensure & Credentials:

• Holds or is able to obtain a Connecticut public passenger endorsement (Endorsement A).

Skills:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with students, families, and faculty.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and apply student data to inform academic and behavioral interventions.
• Familiarity with educational strategies for students with learning differences, including experience with 504 plans and IEPs.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills, with the capacity to manage multiple responsibilities and deadlines.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a 12-month, full-time position with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2026.

• Salary established based on education and experience.
• Housing Stipend.
• Access to health insurance, dental plan, and life insurance.
• Participation in a matched retirement fund (TIAA-CREF).
• Use of school facilities, including dining services when available.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following materials:

• A cover letter outlining interest in the position and relevant experience
• A current résumé or curriculum vitae
• Contact information for three professional references

Application materials should be submitted electronically to hr@fa-ct.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The priority deadline for initial review is Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

Franklin Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.