University & Careers Counsellor

Purpose of the Role

The University & Careers Counsellor is responsible for spearheading the strategic advancement and execution of HTS’s Student Futures program for Grades 9–12, ensuring that every student is well-equipped for successful post-secondary opportunities both in Vietnam and abroad.

This position offers tailored university advising, career guidance, and application assistance, while integrating ISP’s Life Competencies and Future Pathways framework into the secondary education curriculum.

The University Counsellor's role is to ensure that students are not only academically ready but also well-informed, confident, and competitive candidates for top global universities, including those in the QS Top 100, across various regions (US, Canada, UK, Australia, Asia, Europe, Vietnam).

This position is structured as a 0.5 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) role. The remaining 0.5 FTE will be determined based on the successful candidate’s qualifications, experience, and the school’s strategic needs. When applicable, the additional allocation may encompass teaching or another specialized role that aligns with the candidate’s expertise and the school’s program requirements.

Possible additional responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, English language instruction, learning support, or other academic subjects. This arrangement enables the school to effectively support students with additional learning needs while maximizing the deployment of staff expertise throughout the broader academic program.

This role is vital for enhancing HTS’s academic standing, fostering parent confidence, and improving long-term university outcomes as the school transitions to FISV standards.

Core Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership of University & Careers Programme

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Design and execute a thorough university guidance program for Grades 9–12.

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Create a four-year roadmap for university readiness starting in Grade 9.

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Ensure alignment of counselling practices with the ISP Student Futures strategy and Life Competencies.

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Set measurable annual objectives for university placements, scholarship achievements, and application success.

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Lead HTS university-related events: fairs, parent workshops, financial aid sessions, and pathway seminars.

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Cultivate and sustain relationships with universities around the world.

2. Individual Student Guidance & Application Management

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Offer personalized counselling to students and families concerning:

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University choices

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Career pathways

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Major exploration

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Scholarship options

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Visa requirements

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Manage and assist with applications for:

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US (Common App, Coalition, UC system)

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UK (UCAS)

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Canada (OUAC & direct applications)

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Australia

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Europe

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Vietnam and regional universities

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Oversee the development of personal statements and essays.

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Compose persuasive, data-driven school recommendation letters.

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Ensure timely submission of transcripts, predicted grades, and other necessary documents.

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Keep detailed records of student applications and their outcomes.

3. Academic Alignment & Data Use

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Collaborate with academic leaders to ensure:

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Course rigor aligns with target universities.

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Grade distributions reflect credible academic standards.

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MAP and other standardized data are accurately interpreted within applications.

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Guide students on course selections to enhance university competitiveness.

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Monitor the academic profiles of Grade 10–12 students and intervene proactively when gaps are identified.

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Assist in aligning HTS grading systems with international university expectations.

4. Parent Engagement & Communication

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Conduct structured meetings with parents starting in Grade 9.

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Provide regular university update newsletters.

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Offer clear guidance regarding competitiveness, admissions realities, and timelines.

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Lead informational sessions on:

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Admissions trends

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Standardized testing

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Financial planning

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Scholarships and merit awards

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Uphold professional, realistic, and ethical counselling standards.

5. Career Exploration & Student Futures Development

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Implement organized career exploration programs for Grades 9–12.

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Facilitate internships, mentorships, and experiential learning opportunities whenever feasible.

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Collaborate with ISP Student Futures initiatives and ILOS opportunities.

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Incorporate Life Competencies (resilience, communication, critical thinking, adaptability) into guidance processes.

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Assist students in creating portfolios and extracurricular narratives that align with their intended majors.

6. Systems & Documentation

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Maintain precise records within iSAMS and/or approved school systems.

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Track university offers, scholarship totals, and destination data.

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Generate annual University Destination Reports for leadership and marketing purposes.

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Establish ethical policies regarding document submission, predicted grades, and transcript reporting.

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Ensure compliance with safeguarding standards in all student interactions.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

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100% of Grade 12 students receive structured counselling support.

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Clear four-year pathway plan established by Grade 9.

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Increase in:

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Competitive university offers

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Scholarship attainment

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Parent satisfaction with the counselling process

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Transparent and accurate destination reporting.

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High engagement in university events and pathway programming.

Qualifications & Experience

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Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred (Counselling, Education, Psychology, or a related field).

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Formal training in university counselling is highly preferred.

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A minimum of 3 years of experience in university admissions or international school counselling.

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Proven track record of successfully placing students in competitive global universities.

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In-depth knowledge of:

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US admissions systems

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UCAS

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Canadian admissions

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International credential evaluation

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Experience with data-informed academic planning.

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Familiarity with ISP frameworks or similar international systems is preferred.

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Strong written English skills (recommendation letter standard required).

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High standards of discretion, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity.

Professional Skills

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Outstanding interpersonal communication.

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Highly organized and able to meet deadlines.

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Proficient in presentation and public speaking.

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Analytical mindset (capable of interpreting academic data).

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Ethical decision-making abilities.

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Capacity to manage parent expectations with professionalism and transparency.

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Collaborative approach aligned with whole-school improvement.

ISP Leadership Competencies

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Collaboration

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Learning & Continuous Improvement

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Outcome Driven

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Community Focus

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Integrity & Ethical Practice

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Innovative Leadership

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Resilience

Safeguarding Commitment

HTS is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young individuals. All appointments are conditional upon:

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Reference checks

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Criminal background checks

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Online due diligence screening

Why This Role Matters at HTS (2026–2027)

As HTS enhances its academic rigor and aligns with international standards under the FISV direction, the University & Careers Counsellor is crucial in:

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Raising student ambitions

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Bolstering parent confidence

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Ensuring credible academic alignment

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Facilitating competitive placements in global universities

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Meaningfully integrating Student Futures into everyday school life