Guidance Department Head

Position Overview

The Guidance Department Head is responsible for the implementation of the goals and objectives of the Guidance Program at Weston Middle and High School (grades 6-12). The Department Head Provides leadership under the direction of Principals and the Director of Student Services, and is responsible for the overall quality of services within the department. This is a full-time role (0.50 FTE Department Head; 0.50 Guidance Counselor). We are looking for a diverse pool of applicants who are inspired by our mission to educate, equip, and inspire all students to achieve their full potential and enrich their community.

About the Weston Public Schools

The Weston Public Schools enrolls approximately 2,000 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12. The school district includes a high school for grades 9-12, a middle school for grades 6-8, an upper elementary school for grades 4-5, and two lower elementary schools for pre-kindergarten through grade 3. Since 1967, Weston has participated in METCO (Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity) - a voluntary school integration program that places Boston residents in suburban schools. The Weston METCO program enrolls approximately 160 students (K-12).

Key Responsibilities

Embrace the diversity of the Weston Public Schools by fostering an environment of respect and inclusion.

Coordinates program development and delivery of services.

Develops and administers the department budget.

Serves as a resource to department and faculty members on post-graduation planning, academic advising, student support systems, and social-emotional counseling in grades 6-12.

Serves as the 504 Coordinator for students in grades 6-12, and serves as a resource to school counselors serving as 504 liaisons for students on their caseload.

Leads Post-Secondary Planning efforts, including planning parent/student education, and building and maintaining relationships with post-secondary institutions

Serves as program supervisor of the BRYT program, Compass.

Develops and maintains the master schedule according to the Principal's guidance.

Advises the principal in setting program priorities and in-service training needs of counselors.

Prepares and presents guidance reports of student data at the request of the administration.

Assists in planning summer workshops.

Responsible for organizing weekly coverage of the high school Guidance & Counseling Office during the summer.

Orients and directs new teachers and counselors.

Supervises departmental aides, interns, and support staff.

Supervises departmental involvement in the system-wide program planning and development.

Evaluates departmental staff and provides assessment data in writing to the Principals and Director of Student Services.

Other duties as assigned Desired Qualifications

Hold a valid Massachusetts license as a School Counselor and a Supervisor/Director by time of appointment

Minimum 5 years experience as a middle or high school guidance counselor

Master's degree required

Excellent team building and interpersonal skills

Excellent communication skills - clear writer, effective facilitator/public speaker Compensation and Benefits

The Guidance Department Head is a school-year role (189 days over a full school year), represented by the Weston Education Association, and entitled to the same salary schedule as teachers and other professional staff. In addition to the base salary, the Guidance Department Head will be eligible for a leadership stipend between $14,200 - $$17,750. The Weston Public Schools also offer a comprehensive benefits package, including subsidized health insurance and participation in the Massachusetts Teachers' Retirement System. Professional growth is ongoing in Weston and supported through multiple opportunities, both internally and externally.

Hiring Timeline

This position is for the 2025-26 school year. Please note that we will carefully review every application, but only candidates invited to advance in the hiring process will be contacted.