Head of University Guidance & Counselling

Position: Head of University Guidance & Counselling

Working Location: True North International School - Lot TH-03, Mo Lao Urban Area, Ha Dong, Hanoi

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RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

1. University & College Counseling

• Guide students and families through the university application process, including course planning, career exploration, and post-secondary pathways. 

• Organize and lead parent workshops, university information sessions, college fairs, and career exploration events. Promote confidence in and strengthen trust in the TNIS University Guidance and Counseling (UGC) program.

• Organize and lead grade-level meetings for students in Grades 9–12 regarding academic planning, extracurricular development, leadership development, and university admissions strategy. 

• Assist students in identifying their career interests, strengths, and goals through assessments and individualized counseling;

• Assist students in developing and refining academic, personal, and social skills necessary for success in post-secondary education and careers;

• Create and implement a schedule to meet with grade-level students in Grades 9–12 according to the following minimum expectations: 

  • Grade 9: 1 time per semester (1 meeting per semester) 

  • Grade 10: 2 times per semester (2 meetings per semester) 

  • Grade 11–12: 4 times per semester (8 meetings per semester) 

• Plan and implement specific activities to be completed during each grade-level meeting in Grades 9–12. 

• Provide individualized university guidance counseling for students in Grades 9–12 regarding academic planning, extracurricular development, leadership development, and university admissions strategy. 

• Create and implement a schedule to meet with each student in each grade level in Grades 9–12 according to the following minimum expectations: 

  • Grade 9: 1 time per semester (approximately 30 meetings per semester) 

  • Grade 10: 2 times per semester (approximately 60 meetings per semester) 

  • Grade 11–12: 4 times per semester (approximately 240 meetings per semester) 

• Create specific activity worksheets to be completed during meetings with students according to the grade level in Grades 9–12. 

• Develop advisory lessons for student advisors to effectively mentor students in Grades 6–12 to support student success, build their student profiles, and prepare them for the university application and admissions process. 

• Create and implement university guidance counseling workbooks for student advisors to use for each grade level in Grades 6–12: 

  • Grades 6–8: 4 lessons (Quarterly) 

  • Grade 9: 8 lessons (Monthly) 

  • Grade 10: 16 lessons (Bimonthly) 

  • Grade 11–12: 24 lessons (Bimonthly-Semester / Weekly-Semester) 

• Actively guide students in university applications, personal statements, recommendation letters, and scholarship opportunities. 

• Develop and implement a 2-week University Guidance Counseling Summer Bootcamp for upcoming Grade 12 students in June each year. 

• Provide weekly university application updates for each Grade 12 student starting in August until all applications are completed. 

• Provide quarterly parent updates (UGC newsletter) regarding the focus for each grade level in Grades 9–12. 

• Work closely with the UGC team to ensure that plans are implemented effectively, strategies are executed as intended, and all activities are completed within the established timelines.

2. University Relations & Networking:

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of international university admissions requirements and trends.

• Stay current on best practices in college and career counseling, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities through professional development, networking, and participation in relevant organizations;

• Develop and maintain partnerships with colleges, universities, and other post-secondary institutions to facilitate student visits, admissions workshops, and information sessions;

• Organize and host university admissions visits, workshops, and information sessions at the school.

• Plan and execute annual university tours, including one local (Vietnam) and one international trip for students.

• Negotiate and secure partnership programs, including scholarships and direct admission pathways, with a range of colleges and universities.

• Coordinate and participate in School-wide events and initiatives that promote a college-going culture, such as college fairs, career days, and parent information nights.

3. Academic Guidance

• Provide counseling support for students’ academic progress and personal development. 

• Identify and support students experiencing academic challenges. 

• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and parents to ensure student success. 

• Support student success through grade-level meetings, individual counseling, and parent workshops. 

4. Team Development 

• Provide training and professional development for Cam Thao and the internal UGC team.

• Review and provide guidance on complex student cases.

• Develop standardized counseling frameworks, guidelines, and templates.

• Establish and promote a consistent University Guidance and Counseling (UGC) methodology across TNIS.

5. Other Duties Assigned by the Head of School

• Support accreditation self-study, action plan implementation, and school improvement initiatives. 

• Assist with compliance, reporting, and institutional documentation. 

• Serve on committees and focus groups aligned with school priorities. 

• Respond flexibly to emerging needs while maintaining focus on student well-being and learning. 

• Uphold professional standards and contribute to a collaborative work environment. 

6. Flex Time and Leave

• Up to 10 days of flex time can be requested based on days worked during Fall Break and Christmas Break. 

• Flex time must be proposed to the Head of School for approval. 

7. Performance Indicators

• These are possible KPI’s for the position. They would be reviewed, revised, and finalized with the Dean of Students. 

• 100% of Grade 12 students completed a minimum of 5 university applications.

• 1-3 Grade 12 students were accepted into top 20 universities worldwide (USNEWS REPORT).

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Education, School Counseling, Psychology, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred). 

• Minimum 3–5 years of relevant experience in: 

  • University & College Counseling 

  • Student Affairs / Dean of Students role 

  • Teaching at Middle or High School level 

• Proven experience supporting students with international university applications (US, UK, Canada, etc.). 

• Strong understanding of university admissions processes, academic planning, and student profile development. 

• Excellent English proficiency (both written and spoken). 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with students, parents, and staff. 

• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage a high volume of student interactions and events. 

• Experience in organizing workshops, college fairs, and student leadership programs is highly preferred. 

• Ability to work independently, proactively, and collaboratively in a dynamic international school environment. 

• High level of responsibility, integrity, and commitment to student success and well-being. 

BENEFITS 

•  Competitive salary package

•  Premium health insurance

•  Laptop provided, lunch provided

•  Free access to the swimming pool and gym 

•  Free tuition and  school development fee for employees’ children 

•  Professional development and career growth opportunities

•  Supportive and collaborative team

HOW TO APPLY
Send your CV to: tns.recruitment@truenorth.edu.vn and join our community to discover your True North.  Title: Head of UGC  – Your full name