Director of Counseling and Student Life

About GJA

George Jackson Academy (GJA), a small (85 - 95 students) all-boys independent middle school, grades 6 - 8, in New York City, seeks a dedicated, student-centered Director of High School Placement to oversee and execute all elements of the high school admissions process. This role is deeply integrated into student life, includes teaching responsibilities, and plays a critical part in ensuring each GJA graduate is well-prepared for the next step of their academic journey. The Director of High School Placement is a key member of the Leadership Team and reports directly to the Head of School. This is an in-person, full-time, 12-month position with a July 1, 2026 start date.

A fundamental goal of the GJA mission is to help high-achieving boys from low-income and low-wealth backgrounds gain access to excellent high schools. GJA graduates attend a mix of independent day & boarding schools, parochial schools, and specialized public schools in New York City and throughout the northeast. 100% of alumni graduate high school and 95% attend selective colleges and universities. The high school placement process is an essential aspect of the promise that GJA makes to students and families.

About the Role

Reporting to the Head of School, the Director of Counseling and Student Life will join the six-person Leadership Team. The new Director of Counseling and Student Life will be responsible for managing counseling support at GJA, addressing day-to-day disciplinary matters grounded in restorative principles, subsequent communication with parents and guardians, and the non-academic life of students. This role requires a deep understanding of the developmental needs of middle school boys, and the ability to build meaningful relationships with students, families, and staff. 

GJA offers a free, 60-minute, After School Academic Program (ASAP) to all students. From our partnership with STEMKIDS, to physical fitness, chess, homework help, and Mock Trial, the boys have access to a variety of experiences. The new Director of Counseling and Student Life will also manage the overall operation of ASAP.  

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Counseling 

• Provide individual and small-group school counseling, as needed, to support the social, emotional, and mental health of middle school boys. 
• Design and teach an emotional intelligence course that helps build healthy decision-making. 
• Identify external counseling and mental health resources for students requiring additional or specialized support.
• Serve as the primary liaison with outside mental health providers to ensure consistent, student-centered care.
• Collaborate with faculty, advisors, and administrators to support student growth and development.
• Deliver occasional professional development for faculty and staff on student wellness and social-emotional learning.

Student Culture & Restorative Practices

• Lead a schoolwide restorative approach to student discipline, embedded with GJA's core values, that prioritizes learning, accountability, and reflection.
• Respond promptly and compassionately to student concerns and interpersonal conflicts, helping boys understand how their choices impact themselves and their community.
• Build trusting relationships with students and model emotional intelligence and healthy communication skills.
• Collaborate with advisors, staff, and administration to address student concerns.

Advisory Program Leadership

• Oversee GJA’s multi-grade Advisory Program.
• Design, evaluate, and refine advisory programming to ensure alignment with GJA’s mission and values.
• Support Advisors with training, resources, and structures that promote student belonging and connection.

After School Academic Program (ASAP) 

• Manage ASAP which currently serves 60% of GJA students and offers a variety of academic and extracurricular programming at no cost to families. 
• Implement a more structured, mission-aligned program that includes regular program evaluation. 
• Partner with the leadership team to position ASAP as a compelling program for student recruitment and fundraising.

Additional Duties & Responsibilities 

• Teach the Emotional Intelligence Class for 7th & 8th grade students
• Lead weekly Community Meeting, a school-wide gathering that focuses on GJA Core Values, features guest speakers, and explores GJA's mission
• Support students during GJA's three-week Summer Academy in July 
• Enhance and manage daily Recess
• Serve as an occasional substitute teacher
• Attend occasional evening or weekend school functions
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required

• Master’s degree in Counseling or Social Work
• A deep commitment to mission-driven work 
• Deep understanding of middle school boys’ developmental needs
• Commitment to restorative practices and GJA’s core values
• Experience working with parents and families
• Strong communication and conflict-resolution skills
• Ability to manage sensitive student concerns with discretion
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize work
• Accuracy, meticulous attention to detail and ability to follow through
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for all facets of work including email, written, and phone
• A collaborative colleague dedicated to working as a member of a team
• “Can do” spirit and a sense of humor
• Participate in the life of the school 
• Perform other duties as assigned

Preferred

• Experience leading student programs, advisory systems, or SEL initiatives
• Background in independent or mission-driven schools
• Experience designing programming for adolescent boys
• Classroom teaching experience 

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range of $80,000 - $100,000 
• full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, flex-spending, and commuter benefit accounts

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a résumé and cover letter rjavier@gjacademy.org addressed to the Head of School.

George Jackson Academy is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.