College Counselor - Performing Arts Specialist

POSITION DESCRIPTION

We are seeking an experienced, engaging college counselor with a specialty in performing arts to join our team. The counselor must understand the nuances of competitive major selection (including music, theatre, musical theatre, dance, and related disciplines) and help students identify best-fit programs across conservatories, performing arts colleges, and university-based arts programs. The performing arts specialist should be fluent in guiding families through specialized application requirements, including auditions, prescreens, portfolios, artistic resumes, and supplements.

Additionally, the specialist is expected to collaborate with the broader counseling team to integrate academic, extracurricular, and artistic narratives into a cohesive application strategy, while staying current on trends and changes within performing arts admissions, audition processes, and program requirements. Pending client availability, it is expected that counselors have the capacity to work with a minimum of 5 students per graduating class. This is a part-time position with excellent opportunities for growth (including full-time management roles); hours depend on client load and the scope of client work we receive.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Degree from a Top-50 institution required, advanced degree in performing arts, arts education, counseling, or a related field preferred
• Experience in college counseling or educational leadership roles; success in placing high-achieving students into competitive programs
• Demonstrated poise navigating high-pressure, high-expectation client environments
• Proven success working with a range of student engagement levels, from self-driven over-achievers to those requiring strategic re-engagement and motivational scaffolding

Skills/Qualities

• Natural ability to connect with others and build trust and rapport quickly with both families and internal staff
• Genuine desire to help students achieve their academic and personal potential
• Exceptional organizational mastery and the ability to simultaneously manage multiple complex student lifecycles with precision, particularly in environments that require significant emotional intelligence
• Ability to translate complex admissions data and trends into actionable counseling strategies
• Proficiency in using college counseling software, spreadsheets, and data management tools
• Dedicated, quiet workspace with reliable internet access for virtual sessions

Compensation & Additional Details

• This is a part-time, hourly, non-exempt position
• Eligible employees can participate in certain benefits, including but not limited to:
• 401k plan with company match
• Paid time off
• Technology stipend
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Life insurance and LTD coverage
• Regular professional development courses
• Opportunities for growth, learning, and promotion 

We are looking for people who would like to call Great Expectations home for years to come, so if this position piques your interest, please send us a cover letter that demonstrates your creativity, personality, and general writing skills – please be yourself and use this opportunity to show us the real you!

** NOTE: We are extremely dedicated to employee engagement and hiring for the long-term. To that end, our recruiting process includes two virtual meetings, an essay editing assignment, a personality assessment, and reference checks. **

Great Expectations College Prep is a premier, remote-first company that prepares students and their families for the elite college admissions landscape. We provide a "one-stop shop" of services – including test preparation, academic tutoring, and strategic college counseling – designed to help students excel while building a strategic and authentic narrative. Founded in California and now serving a global clientele, we pride ourselves on a high-touch model that matches students and counselors based on personality and expertise. We are committed to a team culture that is dynamic, inclusive, and intellectually adventurous. While our relationships with top-tier schools and professional organizations are strong, our greatest asset is our internal network: you will lead and be supported by an inspiring team of experienced, passionate experts who are dedicated to mutual growth and student excellence.