University & Careers Counsellor

Job Description

ISP University & Careers Counsellor Profile

Academic Year 2026–2027
Reports to: Executive Principal
Collaborates with: Head of Secondary, Academic Data Analyst, Marketing & Admissions, ISP Regional Student Futures Team

ISP Principles                                                                             ��                                                         

Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.

Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.

Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.

Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.

Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.

Purpose of Role

Why This Role Matters at HTS (2026–2027)

As HTS strengthens its academic rigor and aligns with international standards under the FISV direction, the University & Careers Counsellor plays a pivotal role in:

• Elevating student ambition
• Strengthening parent confidence
• Ensuring credible academic alignment
• Supporting competitive global university placement
• Embedding Student Futures meaningfully into daily school life

The University & Careers Counsellor leads the strategic development and implementation of HTS’s Student Futures programme for Grades 9–12, ensuring every student is prepared for successful post-secondary pathways in Vietnam and internationally.

This role provides individualized university guidance, career planning, and application support while embedding ISP’s Life Competencies and Future Pathways framework within the secondary programme.

The University Counsellor ensures students are not only academically prepared but also informed, confident, and competitive applicants to leading global universities — including QS Top 100 institutions — across multiple destinations (US, Canada, UK, Australia, Asia, Europe, Vietnam).

The role is central to strengthening HTS’s academic credibility, parent confidence, and long-term university outcomes as the school transitions toward FISV standards.

This position is structured as a 0.5 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) role. The remaining 0.5 FTE will be assigned in accordance with the successful candidate’s qualifications, experience, and the strategic needs of the school.

Preference may be given to candidates who are able to combine the SEN Coordinator role with responsibilities in College and University Counselling, supporting students and families in planning for post-secondary pathways and applications.

Where appropriate, the additional allocation may include teaching or another specialist role aligned with the candidate’s expertise and the school’s programme requirements.

This may include, but is not limited to, English language instruction, learning support, or another academic subject area. This structure ensures that the school maintains strong provision for students with additional learning needs while enabling effective deployment of staff expertise across the wider academic programme.

Key Responsibilities 

1. Strategic Leadership of University & Careers Programme

• Design and implement a comprehensive Grades 9–12 university guidance programme.
• Develop a four-year university readiness roadmap beginning in Grade 9.
• Align counselling practices with ISP Student Futures strategy and Life Competencies.
• Establish measurable annual targets for university placement, scholarship attainment, and application success.
• Lead HTS university events: fairs, parent workshops, financial aid sessions, pathway seminars.
• Build and maintain relationships with universities globally.

2. Individual Student Guidance & Application Management

• Provide personalized counselling for students and families regarding:
  • University selection
  • Career pathways
  • Major exploration
  • Scholarship opportunities
  • Visa processes
• Manage and support applications for:
  • US (Common App, Coalition, UC system)
  • UK (UCAS)
  • Canada (OUAC & direct applications)
  • Australia
  • Europe
  • Vietnam & regional universities
• Oversee personal statement and essay development.
• Write compelling, data-informed school recommendation letters.
• Ensure timely submission of transcripts, predicted grades, and documentation.
• Maintain detailed records of student applications and outcomes.

3. Academic Alignment & Data Use

• Collaborate with academic leadership to ensure:
  • Course rigor aligns with target universities.
  • Grade distributions reflect credible academic standards.
  • MAP and other standardized data are interpreted appropriately within applications.
• Advise students on course selection to maximize university competitiveness.
• Monitor academic profiles of Grade 10–12 students and intervene early where gaps exist.
• Support alignment between HTS grading systems and international university expectations.

4. Parent Engagement & Communication

• Conduct structured parent meetings beginning in Grade 9.
• Deliver regular university update newsletters.
• Provide transparent guidance on competitiveness, admissions realities, and timelines.
• Lead information sessions on:
  • Admissions trends
  • Standardized testing
  • Financial planning
  • Scholarships and merit awards
• Maintain professional, realistic, and ethical counselling standards.

5. Career Exploration & Student Futures Development

• Implement structured career exploration programming (Grades 9–12).
• Coordinate internships, mentorships, and experiential opportunities where possible.
• Collaborate with ISP Student Futures initiatives and ILOS opportunities.
• Embed Life Competencies (resilience, communication, critical thinking, adaptability) into guidance processes.
• Guide students in developing portfolios and extracurricular narratives aligned with intended majors

6. Systems & Documentation

• Maintain accurate records within iSAMS and/or approved school systems.
• Track university offers, scholarship totals, and destination data.
• Produce annual University Destination Reports for leadership and marketing.
• Develop ethical policies around document submission, predicted grades, and transcript reporting.
• Ensure safeguarding compliance in all student interactions.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• 100% of Grade 12 students receive structured counselling support.
• Clear four-year pathway plan implemented by Grade 9.
• Increase in:
  • Competitive university offers
  • Scholarship attainment
  • Parent satisfaction with counselling process
• Transparent and accurate destination reporting.
• Strong engagement in university events and pathway programming.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred (Counselling, Education, Psychology, or related field).
• Formal training in university counselling strongly preferred.
• Minimum 3 years experience in university admissions or international school counselling.
• Demonstrated success placing students in competitive global universities.
• Strong knowledge of:
  • US admissions systems
  • UCAS
  • Canadian admissions
  • International credential evaluation
• Experience in data-informed academic planning.
• Familiarity with ISP frameworks or similar international systems preferred.
• Strong written English (recommendation letter standard required).
• High level of discretion, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity.

Professional Skills

• Excellent interpersonal communication.
• Highly organized and deadline-driven.
• Skilled in presentation and public speaking.
• Analytical mindset (able to interpret academic data).
• Ethical decision-making.
• Ability to manage parent expectations professionally and transparently.
• Collaborative and aligned with whole-school improvement.

ISP Leadership Competencies

• Collaboration
• Learning & Getting Better
• Outcome Driven
• Community Focus
• Integrity & Ethical Practice
• Innovation Leadership
• Resilience

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history. 

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.

ISP Principles

Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding

and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.

Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.

Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.

Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.

Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.