Director of School Counseling

Franklin School
Jersey City, NJ

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Join The Franklin School: Shaping the Future of Education

The Franklin School is redefining high school education through an innovative, applied-learning approach that equips students with the skills, mindset, and adaptability to thrive in an ever-changing world. We are seeking passionate educators and industry professionals who are committed to fostering a dynamic, interdisciplinary learning environment where students engage deeply with real-world challenges.

At Franklin, we blend historical best practices with cutting-edge educational strategies, including Transdisciplinary Learning, Experiential Learning, and a future-proof curriculum that integrates emerging technologies, leadership development, and creative exploration. Our Maker Curriculum and Skills Curriculum provide students with hands-on opportunities to experiment, invent, and tackle complex global issues using Systems Thinking, Agile Thinking, Complex Problem-Solving, Artificial Intelligence, and more. Through micro-courses and electives designed by experts, we expose students to industry-leading practices in fields such as engineering, business incubation, journalism, and digital design.

As part of our team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators. Franklin offers a collaborative, forward-thinking environment where educators are empowered to push boundaries, explore new methodologies, and inspire curiosity in every student.

If you are passionate about education, eager to make an impact, and ready to challenge conventional teaching models, The Franklin School is the place for you. Join us in creating a school where learning is an experience, innovation is celebrated, and students are prepared to lead with confidence in an evolving world.

Director of School Counseling

Grades 9-12

Full Time, 7:45 am - 3:45 pm

Compensation commensurate upon experience: $75,000-$115,000/annum


Position Overview
The Director of School Counseling is a key member of the school’s leadership team, responsible for the strategic vision, implementation, and oversight of a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate counseling program that prioritizes the social, emotional, and psychological well-being of students in grades 9–12. This position focuses on creating a culture of care and proactive support across the student body. The Director will lead individual and group counseling efforts, guide faculty and families in responding to student concerns, develop and supervise a Peer Support Program, and build strong, responsive relationships with external clinical providers and wellness partners to ensure all students have access to high-quality support beyond the school walls.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Leadership & Program Development
Design, implement, and regularly evaluate a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with best practices in adolescent mental health and development.

Serve as the chief architect of wellness culture at the school, shaping policy, practice, and pedagogy around student mental health, resilience, and socio-emotional growth.

Collaborate with division heads, faculty, and deans to integrate social-emotional learning principles and mental wellness into the broader academic and co-curricular life of the school.

Provide confidential short-term counseling, case management, and crisis intervention for students, while establishing pathways for appropriate long-term referrals.

Peer Support Program Oversight
Design and launch a robust Peer Support Program, including the recruitment, training, and supervision of peer mentors and student leaders.

Develop clear protocols and training modules in collaboration with external experts to ensure student safety, confidentiality, and professionalism.

Monitor the efficacy and impact of peer-led initiatives and continuously refine the program to reflect student needs and current research.

Student Support & Crisis Response
Serve as the first point of contact for student mental health crises during school hours.

Coordinate closely with deans, advisors, and classroom teachers to identify students of concern and initiate proactive interventions.

Maintain thorough, confidential documentation of student cases and communications in compliance with ethical and legal guidelines.

External Provider Network & Family Engagement
Establish, vet, and maintain a referral network of external clinical providers, including therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and assessment professionals.

Serve as the school’s primary liaison with outside professionals, coordinating care plans and ensuring continuity of support between school and external settings.

Provide structured support for families navigating mental health care systems, including workshops, one-on-one guidance, and facilitated family meetings when necessary.

Faculty Collaboration & Professional Development
Provide training and consultation for faculty and staff on issues related to adolescent mental health, trauma-informed teaching, student behavior, and mandated reporting.


Develop and lead workshops or drop-in sessions to help teachers support student wellness within classroom contexts.

Participate in the Professional Learning Community as a thought partner and co-designer of well-being-focused initiatives across the school.

Institutional Engagement & Strategic Planning

Contribute to the school’s strategic vision as a senior leader, offering input on policies, schedules, and programs from a student well-being perspective.

Ensure that equity, inclusion, and belonging are embedded within all counseling and wellness programming.

Stay current with national trends in school counseling and adolescent development and represent the school at relevant professional organizations and conferences.

The Ideal Franklin Teacher

The ideal Franklin teacher is a dynamic and innovative educator who is passionate about shaping the future of education. They are deeply committed to student-centered learning, bringing energy, creativity, and adaptability to the classroom. More than an instructor, they are a mentor and guide, inspiring students to think critically, solve complex problems, and explore interdisciplinary connections.

At Franklin, we seek educators who thrive in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment. Our teachers embrace applied learning, leveraging real-world experiences, emerging technologies, and transdisciplinary approaches to deepen student understanding. They foster a culture of curiosity, encouraging students to take intellectual risks and engage in meaningful inquiry.

Beyond the classroom, Franklin teachers actively contribute to the school community, sharing their expertise and passions through our Skills, Micro-Courses, and Electives programs. They are eager to mentor students, collaborate with colleagues, and continually refine their practice to stay at the forefront of educational innovation.

Above all, the ideal Franklin teacher embodies our core values of joy, kindness, and respect. They cultivate an inclusive, supportive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and every student feels seen, heard, and empowered to succeed. If you are an educator who believes in reimagining high school education and preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow, we invite you to join our community and help shape the future of learning.

Equal Opportunity & Accessibility at Franklin

The Franklin School is committed to an inclusive, accessible, and barrier-free recruitment process. We accommodate individuals with disabilities and long-term health conditions, if you need adjustments or alternative formats, let us know.

We are an equal opportunity employer dedicated to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status.

Posted 2026-02-27

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