Upper School Academic Advisor/School Counselor

About ICL Academy

ICL Academy is a private online school serving grades 5 through 12. Its approach combines core academics with student interests and guidance from industry specialists to create a more personalized and engaging educational experience. The school is built on a long educational legacy through the Institute for Civic Leadership, a nonprofit established in 2001, and is led by founder Kirk Spahn, an educator with more than 20 years of experience in digital learning and youth civic engagement. The school also collaborates with well-known Champion Mentors and industry experts who contribute to the community.

The organization has positioned itself as a leading online school for students pursuing their passions.

Position Summary

ICL Academy is hiring an experienced and driven Upper School Academic Advisor/School Counselor to support its upper school students and families. The role is central to building a welcoming, inclusive, and resource-rich environment where students can thrive academically and personally. The advisor/counselor will help ensure students receive the support, guidance, and planning they need to succeed in a diverse online school setting.

Onboarding and Student Advising

• Support the welcome and transition process for new upper school students and families, working closely with admissions and placement teams.
• Create individualized, supportive relationships with students and their families within the assigned caseload.
• Help improve student persistence and academic success by sharing pacing plans and coaching executive functioning skills such as organization, time management, and goal setting.
• Use the learning management system to share academic updates, pacing information, and support resources with students and families.
• Keep a thorough roster of students in the caseload, including academic, demographic, and personal details.
• Maintain current four-year academic plans aligned with each student’s academic path, post-secondary plans, and collegiate athletics goals.
• Act as the main point of contact between students, families, and the larger school community.
• Reach out early to identify and assist students who may be facing academic challenges.
• Track and revise academic plans and progress regularly.
• Escalate academic or mental health concerns to the Dean of Counseling and Advising when needed.
• Identify, support, and monitor students admitted under conditional enrollment.
• Work with the academic team on re-enrollment, course planning, course extensions, and summer school enrollment for students in the caseload.
• Participate in virtual orientations and webinars that help students and families transition into the school.
• Contribute to broader retention initiatives across the school.

College Counseling

• Advise a group of senior students and their families through the full college admissions planning process, including college list development, standardized testing, application timing, essays, recommendation letters, and financial aid or scholarship planning.
• Use a developmental and student-centered approach to build trust with students and families.
• Support varied student pathways, including academic, athletic, gap year, and other alternative post-secondary options.
• Manage student application records and progress in SCOIR.
• Work with the Registrar to verify transcripts and student records.
• Prepare and submit accurate student materials such as transcripts, recommendation letters, school profiles, and school reports for college applications.
• Write compelling recommendation letters that advocate for students effectively.
• Show understanding of NCAA eligibility rules and University of California admissions requirements.
• Represent the school at conferences when needed.
• Maintain active membership in NACAC.

Additional Duties

• Partner with the Director of Community Engagement to support community-building experiences for upper school students and families through events such as Community Day, talent shows, volunteer opportunities, pep rallies, and celebrations.
• Assist with planning the school’s annual year-end celebration.
• Attend the annual year-end celebration.
• Carry out other responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements, Skills, and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree is required.
• A graduate degree in school counseling or academic advising is strongly preferred.
• Prior experience in college admissions, either at the high school or college level, is strongly preferred.
• School counseling specialization or certification is preferred.
• Experience in tutoring or academic advising is preferred.
• Strong proficiency with student information systems is required.
• Must be highly organized.
• Excellent interpersonal and community-relations skills are needed, along with the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively in a diverse setting.
• Ability to contribute to a cooperative workplace culture.
• Strong ethical standards and integrity are essential.
• Must be adaptable and flexible.
• Ability to perform effectively in a fast-moving environment.

Benefits

• Employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employer-sponsored 401(k) plan
• Employer-sponsored $50,000 life insurance for all employees
• Flexible paid time off
• Remote work from home with flexible hours
• Professional development opportunities

Equal Opportunity Statement

ICL Academy is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. Hiring decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Compensation

The salary range for this remote United States position is USD 60,000 to 70,000 per year.