Position:
University & Career Counselor / Pathways Coordinator

Reports to:
High School Principal 

About Canadian Academy: 

Canadian Academy is a not-for-profit, secular, gender-inclusive international school located in Kobe, Japan's seventh largest city. CA is accredited by CIS (Council of International Schools) and WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), is an authorized three-programme International Baccalaureate World School, and is a member of TABS (The Association of Boarding Schools).  While most of the 690 students at CA are day students, our campus is also home to a small High School boarding program with a current enrollment of 40 students in Grades 9-12.

Canadian Academy faculty and staff inspire minds and nurture compassion by providing a rich and engaging programme that develops students' skills, promotes curiosity and love of learning, and prioritizes well-being. All students follow the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Grades 6-10, and most students pursue the IB Diploma Programme (DP) in Grades 11 & 12, although 10-20% each year opt for a more personalized pathway to graduation that includes a mix of DP and other courses and leads to a CA Diploma. Some of our areas of focus over the next few years will be to further develop our graduation pathways to better meet the needs of our diverse learners, and to ensure that students have access to a broader range of opportunities for career exploration. 

Position Overview

This is a new role within the High School Leadership Team and Counseling Team, created to strengthen the alignment between Canadian Academy's academic pathways and students' post-secondary opportunities. As CA expands its high school program beyond the traditional IB Diploma, this position will play a pivotal role in shaping a coherent framework of course offerings, graduation pathways, and university guidance that reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of our students.

While the post-holder will report to the High School Principal and work closely with the Vice Principal, Learning Leaders (MYP and DP Coordinator), and schoolwide Director of Learning, they will also work in close collaboration with the Head of School on strategic program development.

Working in partnership with the team of personal and academic counselors, the post-holder will ensure that every student has a clear, personalized, and well-supported route from high school to meaningful post-secondary destinations. The role integrates university guidance, academic advising, and program development to connect curriculum, assessment, and counseling into a unified approach that prepares each student for success beyond CA.

Core Responsibilities

University and Post-Secondary Counseling

• Lead the university and careers counseling program for Grades 9–12, with direct responsibility for the application cycle in Grades 11–12.
• Support students and families in exploring diverse global options, including universities in Japan, North America, the UK, Europe, Australia, and Asia.
• Support students and families in exploring a range of academic and other scholarship opportunities.
• Design and deliver a progressive, developmentally appropriate university and careers education program for students and families in Grades 9–12.
• Provide individualized guidance on future course of study, program choices, application strategies, and gap-year options, and other post-secondary opportunities.
• Oversee standardized testing guidance (PSAT, SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) and preparation opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with university representatives and professional associations; host visits and represent CA at university fairs, conferences, and networks.
• Curate and manage the school's university counseling resources and communications, ensuring accurate, timely information for students, families, and faculty.

Academic Pathways and Course Planning

• Work collaboratively with the Personal and Academic Counselors to ensure alignment between student choices, graduation requirements, and post-secondary goals.
• Use admissions and performance data to guide curriculum decisions, inform enrollment planning, and support development of new courses and pathways.

Program Innovation and Development

• In close collaboration with the Director of Learning and the High School Leadership Team,  contribute to the design and promotion of alternative graduation pathways to the IB Diploma, emphasizing interdisciplinary, experiential, and community-based learning.
• Collaborate with faculty and the Director of Learning to develop a range of course options that appropriately challenge students not pursuing full IB courses.
• Lead the development of internship and job-shadowing opportunities and partnerships with local businesses and organizations.
• Analyze course enrollment patterns and university outcomes to inform long-term strategic planning, staffing, and program growth.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Successfully partner with the Personal and Academic Counselors by adhering to agreements around information sharing and open communication to best support all students.
• Serve as a member of the High School Leadership Team, contributing to school improvement planning, policy development, and communication around academic and counseling initiatives.
• Work in close partnership with Counseling Team colleagues to ensure a holistic, integrated approach to student guidance and well-being.
• Work in close collaboration with the IB Diploma Program Coordinator to monitor student progress toward graduation goals and support academic engagement. 
• Support faculty professional learning related to academic advising and post-secondary readiness.
• Maintain accurate records of student applications, admissions outcomes, and matriculations, using data to improve programs and outcomes.
• Strengthen community understanding of academic pathways, graduation requirements, and post-secondary outcomes through regular communication and workshops.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

• Master's degree in Education, Counseling, or a related field.
• Professional certification or licensure in counseling or college advising preferred.
• Minimum of five years of university or careers counseling experience, ideally in an international or independent school context.
• Deep understanding of university systems and admissions processes across multiple regions (Japan, North America, UK, Europe, Asia, Australia).
• Strong background in academic advising, curriculum development, and assessment practices.
• Experience with the International Baccalaureate (MYP and DP) and other high school programs.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and use data for program development and continuous improvement.
• Familiarity with counseling and college-planning platforms (MaiaLearning, Naviance, Common App, UCAS, OUAC, etc.).
• Strong communication, presentation, and family-engagement skills across diverse cultural contexts; proficiency in Japanese or another language is an asset.

Desired Personal Attributes

• Warm, approachable, and student-centered.
• Culturally sensitive and globally minded communicator.
• Strategic thinker who balances systems-level leadership with individualized support.
• Collaborative and collegial team player who thrives in partnership with other counselors and academic leaders.
• Highly organized, efficient, and detail-oriented, able to manage multiple priorities calmly and effectively.
• Proactive, reflective, and committed to continuous professional learning and program improvement.