The Jewish Leadership Academy Is Hiring An Associate Director Of College Guidance

Join Our Team as the Associate Director of College Guidance 🎓

We are excited to announce that applications are now open for the position of Associate Director of College Guidance at The Jewish Leadership Academy—a vibrant community dedicated to academic excellence and Jewish enrichment in Miami.

About Us 🏫

The Jewish Leadership Academy (JLA) is a distinguished Jewish middle and upper school committed to nurturing ambitious students' skills, curiosity, and potential for a purposeful life rooted in values, leadership, and community service.

• Academic Excellence: Challenging inquisitive minds to think critically and creatively across all disciplines, adhering to the highest academic standards.
• Values in Action: Embedding leadership training and community service into our core educational experience.
• Jewish Heritage: Connecting students to their Jewish past and present through Modern Orthodoxy, engaging both mind and soul.

Since opening in 2023-2024 with 99 students, JLA has grown to 236 students in grades 6-12, drawing students from over 60 feeder schools across Miami-Dade, with a 40% acceptance rate and 75% of families receiving financial aid. Our state-of-the-art campus, rigorous honors-level curriculum, and signature programs like JLA Ba’aretz, a month-long immersive Israel experience, position us at the forefront of Jewish education.

We seek passionate faculty members of all faiths who support our mission to educate Jewish students with high academic standards, deep heritage connection, and a love for teaching. Click here to view our Culture Deck.

About the Role: College Guidance 🍎

The College Guidance Department is dedicated to providing families clarity and support throughout the college application journey. Our program offers extensive resources and personalized counseling from grades 9-12, empowering students to lead their college process while supporting first-generation applicants. Our strong network with college admissions professionals and knowledge of current trends make us a trusted advisor in highly selective admissions.

For the 2026-2027 school year, we are looking for candidates with prior independent school counseling experience who enjoy working with high school students and families and are committed to JLA’s mission and philosophy.

Responsibilities 📋

• Assist students with personal statements, supplemental essays, and college applications; keep families informed about evolving admissions landscape.
• Guide students through the college search and application process, providing workshops and final review support.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism with privileged information.
• Meet regularly with students and communicate effectively with parents; document conversations and plans.
• Build relationships with college admission officials, promoting JLA's programs and student achievements.
• Support school-wide events, including college guidance programming and community engagement activities.
• Travel nationally and internationally (including Israel) for college visits, conferences, and professional development.
• Participate in school committees, extracurricular activities, and other leadership roles.

Qualifications 🌟

• Master’s degree required.
• At least five years of experience as an admission officer or college counselor in selective college admissions.
• Proficiency with Veracross, MaiaLearning, Google Workspace (Gmail, Sheets, Slides, Drive, Forms).
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong data analysis and report-writing capabilities.
• Deep knowledge of college programs, admissions policies, and financial aid processes.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
• Experience in public speaking and event leadership.
• Awareness of trends in higher education and college admissions.
• Fluency in Spanish and/or Hebrew is a plus, but not required.

Benefits 🎁

• Highly competitive salary
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 8% annual retirement matching
• Daily breakfast and lunch
• Generous paid time off
• Relocation stipend
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Short and long-term disability, life insurance

Application Process 📬

Please send your resume and cover letter to our Director of College Guidance, Darling Cerna at dcerna@jlamiami.org. For more information about our school, visit www.jlamiami.org.