Winchester College - Head of US & International Universities

Summary

Winchester College is seeking an experienced and highly capable professional to lead and develop its provision for university applications outside the UK. This pivotal role sits at the heart of the school’s expanding international pathways, offering a unique opportunity to shape the strategic direction of global admissions—particularly for the US, Canada, Europe, and Hong Kong—within a distinguished academic environment. The successful candidate will combine deep technical expertise with significant autonomy to guide ambitious students and their families through the complexities of competitive global admissions.

Detail

The Role

Reporting to the Director of Higher Education, the Head of US & International Universities provides expert, individualized guidance to students while maintaining the school’s reputation with elite global institutions.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Guidance & Student Development

• Pathway Promotion: Advocate for international opportunities through parent evenings, targeted year-group activities, and high-quality digital and physical guidance materials.
• Individual Mentorship: Meet with students to advise on academic choices, extracurricular profiles, and summer programmes to strengthen their global university candidacy.
• Testing & Tours: Advise on standardized testing timelines (SAT/ACT) and lead international experiences, such as university tours or exchange programmes.

Application & Submission Management

• Comprehensive Support: Guide students through the full application lifecycle, from building aspirational college lists and selecting majors to providing substantive support with personal essays.
• Document Oversight: Manage the accurate preparation and timely submission of official school documents, including transcripts, references, and the school profile.
• Institutional Liaison: Act as the primary point of contact for university admissions officers, managing counselor calls and post-results communications.

Networking & Professional Development

• University Relations: Build and sustain strong relationships with global university representatives and coordinate on-campus recruitment visits and roadshows.
• Professional Engagement: Represent the College within key networks (e.g., IACAC, HMC, Rugby Group) and attend international conferences to stay ahead of admissions trends.
• Data & Policy: Develop statistical insights to inform departmental strategy and work with senior staff on higher education policy matters.

About You

We are looking for a professional with significant experience in US university advising and a sophisticated understanding of the highly selective admissions landscape.

Professional Expertise & Skills:

• Admissions Knowledge: Deep insight into institutional cultures, admissions priorities, and financial aid frameworks (merit- and need-based).
• Strategic Assessment: Ability to accurately assess applicant competitiveness and provide honest, tactical guidance to families.
• Communication: Exceptional written and oral skills, with the ability to convey complex or sensitive information with tact and clarity.
• Organization: High levels of administrative precision and the ability to manage competing priorities during peak admissions cycles.

Qualifications & Qualities:

• Essential: An undergraduate degree and substantial experience in international university advising.
• Desirable: Membership of IACAC, relevant certifications (e.g., UCLA College Counseling), or experience working within an institutional admissions office.
• Attributes: A proactive, intellectually curious, and empathetic professional who aligns with the ethos of a traditional international boarding school.

What We Offer

• Start Date: 1 September 2026 (flexible for the right candidate).
• Hours of Work: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, 52 weeks of the year. Some evening and weekend flexibility is required to accommodate international time zones and events.
• Salary: Competitive salary, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Professional Growth: Support for ongoing CPD and the pursuit of recognized professional credentials where appropriate.

HOW TO APPLY

Only applications completed on the school website will be accepted. Please attach a full CV with your application.

Please note that applications will be dealt with as they arrive. Winchester College reserves the right to appoint before the deadline passes.

Closing date for applications: Midnight Wednesday 11 March 2026

For the full job description and to apply please see here

If you have any questions about this vacancy or the recruitment process, please email recruitment@wincoll.ac.uk.

Documents

• Head of US & International Universities - Candidate Pack Feb 2026 PDF Document