University Counsellor

University Counsellor  

Senior School – Grades 9 to 12  

Permanent, Full-Time (1.0 FTE), starting September 2026  

One of our core values at St. Michaels University School is respect. With this in mind, we acknowledge that our school rests in the heart of Straits Salish territory, a living culture with its own rites, ceremonies, and unfolding history. We honour the Esquimalt, Songhees, and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples – whose homelands we share and whom we recognize as our neighbours.  

If you are an educator who inspires students, is passionate about holistic learning, and is driven to help young people shape their lives, this is a role, a school, and a place for you.  

Located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, St. Michaels University School (SMUS) is a Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 day and boarding school with a global reputation for academic excellence. Our faculty members enjoy small classes, modern facilities, and substantial preparation time that creates opportunities to understand their students and to make a real impact in their lives. Faculty salaries and benefits exceed the local public school districts and are supported by an exciting professional development program. As lifelong learners, and with students at the centre, SMUS faculty are capacity builders by nature and inspiring educators by practice.  

Our students from all over the world have opportunities in academics, athletics, arts, leadership, service, experiential and outdoor education, and are inspired by an extraordinary faculty that is committed to academic excellence, character growth and preparing students for what lies ahead in life. The school’s Mission shapes all of these endeavours: Our school seeks the excellence in all of us, with passion and compassion. We are a community shaped by the pursuit of truth and goodness, providing outstanding preparation for life. At St. Michaels University School, we seek to employ and empower individuals who wish to forge impactful relationships and careers that place our students at the centre. We firmly believe that expanding our diversity while adjusting our practice will lead to becoming the community we envision – a place where staff and students share a sense that they fully belong.  

The Position:  

The school is seeking a University Counsellor to complement and support a dynamic and high-functioning University Counselling department. Reporting to the Director of Senior School and the Director of University Counselling, the University Counsellor supports students and their parents through the academic planning and university application processes in Canada, the United States, and abroad.  

The successful candidate will have the following skills, background and interest:  

A Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree.  
Eligible for, or holder of, a current BC teaching certificate.  
Familiarity with the BC Curriculum and Independent School experience is an asset. 
Knowledge of university programs, application and admissions processes and scholarships processes in Canada, the United States, and abroad.  
Understanding of BC Ministry of Education graduation requirements and procedures.  
Evidence of a commitment to a collaborative approach with a team of talented educators.  
Experience teaching Career Education, including the graduating Capstone project, in a Senior School setting is an asset.  
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.  
Experience using Google Classroom and other technology to support learning.  
Growth mindset and ability to offer and receive professional feedback.  
Evidence of innovative and inspiring teaching practices and assessment.  
Experience working in an environment of excellence where a broad spectrum of programs operate simultaneously, demanding a great deal of forward planning and creativity.  
Strong relational skills and experience working with adolescents, including student advocacy skills 
A good knowledge of independent school academic programs, and the array of post-secondary options that are appealing to students and parents. 
Experience and knowledge of varsity athletic recruitment in both the USA and Canada is an asset. 
Responsibilities include:  

Work collaboratively with multiple departments on curriculum, instruction and assessment.  
Provide academic counselling for individual students in Grades 9 to 12 and facilitate the course selection and university application processes.  
Advise and support students and their parents with course selections and changes.  
Advise and support students and their parents with summer/extracurricular opportunities.  
Advise students about post-secondary pathways and options.  
Teach Career Life Connections 11 and 12 
Maintain effective ongoing assessment of student learning in order to provide clear feedback to students and their parents. 
Consistent and professional communication with students, faculty and parents.  
A global approach to university counselling with an understanding that extended travel is part of the role, occasionally outside of the school calendar year.   
Liaise with teaching faculty, parents and administration as an advocate for students.  
Practice professionalism through ongoing professional development, reflection and continuous improvement.  
Work closely with the student support team, including teachers, advisors and Boarding staff on academic, social and emotional issues for senior students in order to establish effective protocols and guidelines.  
Deliver group sessions to students for course selection, career, and post-secondary planning through classes and workshops.  
Establish and maintain good relationships with university admission officers in institutions across the globe.  
Maintain current knowledge of new and evolving programs of study as well as scholarship and admission processes.  
Organize, host and promote university campus visits and fairs Take part in the organisation and chaperoning of campus tours that we organise for students.  
Contributing to the extra-curricular and boarding life of the school.    
Salary:  

Annual salary range: $74,040 – $119,832  

Criminal Record Check:  

Must pass and maintain a clear Solicitor General criminal record check for the purpose of working with children.  

Application Details:  

Please respond with a cover letter and resume in a single document by 2pm Tuesday, March 3, 2026.