Director of College Placement

Director of College Placement
Location: CATS Academy Boston – Braintree, MA
Reports To: Head of School
Salary: $85,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

ABOUT CATS ACADEMY BOSTON
CATS Academy Boston is a private, international boarding school located on a stunning campus in Braintree, Massachusetts, just minutes from downtown Boston. Our diverse and vibrant student body represents more than 30 countries, offering a truly global learning experience. We are committed to supporting the growth, aspirations, and academic journeys of our students, with a focus on preparing them for successful matriculation to leading colleges and universities in the United States and around the world. Our mission is to prepare talented, globally minded students to realize their full potential through a personalized education that strengthens English fluency, cultivates critical and creative thinking, and supports each student’s path to college and beyond.

JOB OVERVIEW
The Director of College Placement is responsible for developing and leading a comprehensive college counseling program that guides students—primarily international boarding students—through every stage of the university selection, application, and enrollment process. The Director will ensure each student receives personalized support to explore their aspirations, identify best-fit institutions, and present competitive
applications. This role requires a strategic leader with deep knowledge of U.S. and international higher education landscapes, exceptional communication skills, and a passion for mentoring students toward achieving their academic and personal goals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Lead the college counseling program for grades 8–12 and post-graduate students, with an emphasis on personalized guidance for international students.
• Develop multi-year college planning frameworks that include academic advising, standardized testing strategies, extracurricular engagement, and application
preparation.
• Conduct individual and group counseling sessions for students and families on college exploration, application processes, essays, financial aid, and scholarship
opportunities.
• Build strong relationships with universities domestically and internationally; maintain knowledge of evolving admissions trends and requirements.
• Organize and host college visits, fairs, and information sessions on campus.
• Collaborate with faculty, residential life, and student support services to ensure students are well-prepared academically and socially for post-secondary success.
• Train and support faculty in writing effective letters of recommendation.
• Oversee all aspects of college application submissions, ensuring deadlines are met and student materials are of the highest quality.
• Provide data-driven reports on student outcomes and trends in admissions to the Head of School and senior leadership team.

PERSON SPECIFICATION
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in Education, Counseling, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in college counseling or university admissions, preferably in an independent school or international student setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of selective college admissions and financial aid processes.
• Experience guiding non-U.S. citizens through U.S. and international university application processes.
• Outstanding interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced boarding school environment.
• Proficiency in I-20 issuance processes, SEVIS regulations, and compliance standards for international students.
• Proficiency in relevant technology platforms (Naviance, SCOIR, or similar).

Personal Attributes
• Deep commitment to student growth, well-being, and success.
• Cultural competency and the ability to work effectively with a diverse international community.
• Collaborative and collegial approach to leadership.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Professional discretion and integrity in handling sensitive student information.

WHY JOIN US?
• Opportunity to shape the college pathways of a globally diverse student body.
• Collaborative, mission-driven work environment.
• Professional development opportunities to enhance expertise in global higher education trends.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package

ABOUT CATS GLOBAL SCHOOLS (CGS)
CATS Global Schools is a leading education group committed to inspiring the next generation of world shapers. With a history dating back to 1899, but a focus on the future, our group brings together 16 institutions comprising independent boarding schools, an Arts University College, English language schools and a variety of summer programmes in the UK, US, Canada, and China.

Each year, we provide 18,000 students around the globe with the education they need to develop real-life skills for the future. We are dedicated to academic excellence and our students benefit from our well-developed links to over 40 top global universities.

We create a positive learning environment where every student is empowered to make a contribution to shape their world. This is made possible because of the commitment of our pioneering, persevering people who do the very best for our students.

OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY
We are committed to diversity, inclusion and belonging. Building on our core values – Pioneering, Persevering, People – We pledge to deliver a series of events, guest speakers and focus groups to make CATS Global Schools and employer of choice for all.

SAFEGUARDING
CGS is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and well-being of children and young people. As such, appointment is subject to the satisfactory completion of safer recruitment employment checks in line with KCSIE guidelines. This will include satisfactory references, enhanced DBS from the Disclosures and Barring Service and, where applicable, any international equivalent being obtained. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to online checks which may include social media.