University Counsellor

Position: University Counsellor & AP Coordinator Start Date: August 16, 2026 Urban Academy staff, students and families are connected through learning, inspired by community, and empowered to contribute as we work toward our vision of truly educating for tomorrow. We value creativity, collaboration, global citizenship, technology, the outdoors and the arts as means through which we can offer excellence in education. A gender-inclusive JK–12 independent school, we are located in a beautiful facility in New Westminster, across the street from Braid Street Skytrain Station. At Urban Academy, we seek faculty and staff who are aligned with our values of belonging, future‑focused education, changemaking and entrepreneurial spirit. Urban Academy is distinguished by extraordinary teachers who provide a collaborative, inquiry‑based, and student‑centred approach to teaching. Through the Urban Academy educational program, students develop critical thinking, creative thinking, and problem‑solving skills in a technology‑rich learning environment. Urban Academy teachers inspire students. They are actively engaged in planning, implementing and assessing student learning. They are confident in curriculum development and demonstrate an approach to teaching that is reflective of the way in which young people learn. They optimise the resources available to students. They support all learners with diverse strategies and approaches and bring innovative solutions to learning challenges experienced by students. The students, members of your department, colleagues, and parents describe our teachers as approachable, available, knowledgeable, genuine, supportive and connected to our community. Urban Academy teachers understand the importance of parents as partners by maintaining open and collaborative relationships with the parent community. As lifelong learners, Urban Academy teachers demonstrate a commitment to actively seek professional development, to continuously reflect on their practice and to collaborate with colleagues to maximise student learning. Urban Academy teachers participate actively in the life of the school. In addition to spending an engaging day with students who are genuinely interested in learning, thinking and playing, teachers are provided with dedicated work time as part of their daily schedule to plan and work collaboratively with others. If this description of our teachers sounds like you, Urban Academy is currently inviting dedicated, team‑oriented teachers to apply for our University Counsellor & AP Coordinator role. Responsibilities of every Urban Academy teacher Planning, implementation and assessment: Bring a student‑centred, inquiry‑based, and collaborative approach to the delivery of the BC curriculum utilizing competency‑based assessment and instruction as well as strong formative and summative assessment strategies. Collaboration: Work collaboratively with teachers to plan, develop, and implement an extraordinary learning experience for each student. Pluralism: Demonstrate commitment to culturally sustaining teaching practices: infuse diverse voices and perspectives in the planning and delivery of learning experiences, including Indigenous, local, and global world views. Knowledge of differentiated learning approaches and current practices in Inclusive Education. SEL: Build relationships with teachers and staff across the school community. Student Life: Be an active and positive participant in the co‑curricular program. Communication: Communicate consistently and professionally with students, parents, faculty and other stakeholders about student needs and growth. Continuous Growth: Practice professionalism through ongoing professional development, reflection, and continuous improvement. As a University Counsellor & AP Coordinator, your key responsibilities include Academic Advising Assist students applying to universities in Canada and beyond, including the USA, UK, and elsewhere. Meet with students during structured and ad‑hoc appointment times to develop and execute plans to complete university applications. Counsel students to plan, structure, and programme Urban Academy courses with university studies plans in mind. Assist students in submitting applications, including reviewing completed applications and all supplementary material such as essays and written responses. Communicate with parents, both informally and through formal reporting means, regarding a student’s course programming and/or university plans. Liaise with university admissions staff to discuss matters of admission and applications. Facilitate and supervise university visits and presentations for students. Draft letters of recommendation and other documentation required for applications, and collate other recommendations required from faculty and staff. Maintain thorough electronic records of direct student interaction and work done on their behalf in connection with their applications to post‑secondary institutions. Keep current with trends in university admissions. Attend university / professional development conferences. Post‑Secondary Transition Support: Act as a liaison for students and families navigating life after high school, providing guidance on university applications, scholarship opportunities, vocational training, and the development of essential financial literacy skills. Exam Management & Ordering Oversee the AP Registration and Ordering (APRO) system, ensuring all students are enrolled in their respective class sections and that exam orders are placed accurately before College Board deadlines. Logistics & Scheduling: Develop and execute the May exam calendar, securing appropriate testing spaces within the school and arranging for qualified proctors while ensuring no conflicts with BC Provincial Assessments. Communication & Liaison: Serve as the primary point of contact between the College Board, school administration, teachers, and families regarding exam fees, deadlines, and digital testing requirements. Accommodations Coordination: Collaborate with the Learning Support Department to ensure that approved SSD (Services for Students with Disabilities) accommodations are properly implemented for all eligible students during the testing window. Security & Compliance: Maintain the integrity of the AP program by strictly adhering to the AP Coordinator’s Manual, including the secure storage of paper materials and the oversight of digital testing protocols. Career Life Education & Capstone Deliver the Career Life Education 10 (CLE 10) and Career Life Connections 12 (CLC 12) curricula using a hybrid model, combining in‑person seminars and workshops with asynchronous online modules through the school’s Learning Management System (LMS). Capstone Project Oversight: Lead the Grade 12 Capstone process, including approving student proposals, managing a network of teacher‑mentors, and organising the final Capstone Showcase, where students present their learning to the community. Career Exploration & Community Engagement: in collaboration with Grade level advisors coordinate experiential learning opportunities, such as guest speaker series, job shadowing, and local work experience placements, to help students connect classroom theory with real‑world professional environments. Qualifications and requirements Essential: BC Ministry of Education Certificate or Independent School Certification qualification criteria. Please indicate your TRB # on your application (L or J followed by 6 digits). A comprehensive understanding of current educational practices outlined in the BC Ministry of Education document. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem‑solving skills. Superior EQ skills in self‑awareness, self‑management, social agility, impact and influence. Strong knowledge of educational IT applications and assistive technologies. Preferred qualifications, experiences, and dispositions Experience and expertise in counselling students in making applications for acceptance to post‑secondary institutions. Self‑motivated and detail‑oriented, adaptable to changing priorities and procedures. Excellent teamwork, analytical thinking, planning, organisation, and problem‑solving skills. High level of energy and patience. Works well under pressure and meets tight deadlines; maintains a calm, analytical mindset. Experience with online platforms such as MyBlueprint and Google Classroom is an asset. Benefits Competitive Compensation at a salary range of $67,800 – $116,500, inclusive of vacation pay and commensurate with years of teaching experience. Open and collaborative culture. Comprehensive benefits package. Matching RRSP program. Personalised professional development plans. Newly built inspiring campus setting. Innovative and progressive approach to teaching. Low student/teacher ratios. Urban Academy offers a comprehensive total compensation package including health benefits and RRSP program. We thank all applicants in advance for their interest, but only those candidates who are short‑listed will be contacted. No phone calls or drop‑ins, please. Please email your cover letter and resumé to #J-18808-Ljbffr