Admissions Counselor
The Putney School is seeking a full-time Admissions Counselor to begin on July 1, 2026. The Admissions Counselor functions as a guide for families navigating one of the most important decisions of their child’s life, and as a passionate advocate for this community. Working closely with the admissions team to recruit, interview, and enroll students who are ready to thrive in a hands-on boarding school environment, this position entails travel to school fairs and visit feeder schools to build and nurture relationships with counselors and families, supporting students through every step of the admissions process with care and intention.
About The Putney School
Putney is a progressive boarding school for 220 hardworking and curious students in a beautiful corner of Southern Vermont. Since 1935, Putney has prepared intellectually curious, community-minded students by joining time-tested educational principles and cutting-edge progressive teaching methods. The school blends high expectations and unique levels of student agency so that they achieve college success and grow into inspiring and well-rounded people. Hands-on learning is embedded in the school’s culture: a working dairy farm, expansive arts offerings, a robust work program, miles of wooded trails, and large solar arrays serve our curriculum.
The school cultivates and sustains an educational community that values difference. Community members explore how they contribute to building a home at Putney where everyone, especially those from historically marginalized populations, can honor their individual racial, gender, political, ethnic, and socio-economic identities. Putney recognizes this is difficult, communal work, and the school supports all its employees in developing this critical skill set.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct student interviews — in person on campus and virtually — with curiosity and genuine care.
- Travel to school fairs and visit feeder schools (approximately 6-8 weeks per year).
- Review and evaluate applications thoughtfully, considering the whole student.
- Build and maintain relationships with feeder school counselors and prospective families.
- Provide support with financial aid review and family communication as needed.
- Assist with re-enrollment outreach when needed, helping current families feel connected and informed.
- Manage Student Tour Guide Program.
Benefits
- Salary range of $40,000 to $52,000 depending on experience.
- Health, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, Disability, and optional group insurance plans, HSA/FSA options, paid time off, and 403(b) retirement plan contributions.
- Annual professional development opportunities.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Prior experience in admissions, student recruitment, or a related field preferred.
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills — written and verbal.
- Valid driver’s license and comfort with regular travel.
- Experience in or familiarity with boarding school life is a plus.
- Ability to pass a criminal-background check and authorization to work in the United States are required.
The ideal candidate is someone who lights up around young people and believes that every student deserves to be seen and supported as a whole person. Comfort in a community where life and work are intertwined is essential. The person in this position demonstrates good judgment, and a deep respect for the adolescent experience.
All job applications must be accompanied by a cover letter. In your cover letter, please tell us what draws you to The Putney School and what you believe makes for a truly student-centered admissions experience. Applications should be submitted by May 5, 2026. For more information, please visit www.putneyschool.org/employment.