About This Role
At UWC Dilijan, we don’t just prepare students for exams; we prepare them to change the world. We are seeking a high-calibre University Counsellor to join in August 2026 to help shape the futures of our students as changemakers.
UWC Dilijan – one of the 18 United World Colleges – is an intentionally diverse international boarding school in Armenia. It first opened its doors in August 2014 and now has more than 220 students (16 to 18 years old) from 80 countries, studying for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.
This is a high-profile opportunity for a professional who understands that university placement is the culmination of a transformative journey, requiring a mentor who can balance high-stakes strategy with a profound commitment to each student's unique aspirations.
If you are a seasoned expert ready to leverage your international network and passion for student success within a world-class institution, we invite you to help us build the institutional frameworks that will sustain our students' success long after they leave UWC Dilijan.
At UWC Dilijan, we believe that education is “a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future” (UWC Mission Statement). We are a caring learning community that aims to support the intellectual, moral, emotional, social, spiritual and physical development of our members following the UWC educational principles and values.
UWC Dilijan is also part of a wider network of organisations that work to transform Armenia, such as the IDeA Foundation, the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity, the Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology. In this role, you will draw on the unique positioning of UWC Dilijan to leverage a powerful network of innovation and philanthropy to provide students with unparalleled opportunities for unique career pathways.
Main responsibilities:
Lead students through the pathways of global higher education, providing expert guidance on selection, testing and application strategies that align with their identity and ambitions.
Provide bespoke individual and group coaching to navigate complex financial aid and scholarship systems, ensuring that financial barriers do not limit a student's potential.
Partner with the DP Coordinator to guide students on IB course selection to ensure their academic profile is both rigorous and strategically aligned with their future ambitions.
Support non-traditional trajectories, including gap years, summer courses and entrepreneurial ventures.
Represent UWC Dilijan on the world stage, building effective partnerships with university admissions offices through international conferences, fly-in programmes and high-level networking.
Curate and host high-level visits from premier international universities, engaging global recruiters and our diverse student body in productive dialogue.
Refine student testimonials and school profiles to ensure our students' unique narratives resonate with the world’s most selective institutions.
Direct the meticulous and timely production of essential school documents, including transcripts and school profiles, ensuring they provide a high-impact, accurate representation of our students to global admissions committees.
Maintain our standing within International ACAC and the UWC advisors' network, ensuring the school remains at the forefront of global admissions trends and ethics.
Act as a leader for faculty, training staff in the art of writing powerful references and understanding diverse international selection perspectives.
Serve as the vital link between the school, parents and the university world, ensuring all stakeholders are informed, aligned and inspired.
Manage a system of records and reporting for the Board of Governors and SLT, using data to continuously refine our placement success.
Immerse yourself in the life of our residential community, serving as a mentor, supervising CAS projects and participating in the outdoor and service programmes.
Act as a visible leader within the school community by contributing to staff meetings, school assemblies, etc.
Personal and professional specifications
The following specifications outline the expertise and mindset required to thrive in this high-profile role. We recognise that extraordinary mentors follow unique paths. If your professional journey has equipped you with the skills to successfully launch our students into tertiary education, we invite your application.
A deep passion for the UWC mission, supported by at least three years of proven success in navigating the complexities of university counselling.
A proven track record of inspiring and empowering adolescents. We value those who can connect with young change-makers from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
A strong undergraduate degree in a relevant field; a postgraduate qualification in education, counselling or a related discipline is highly desirable and viewed as a mark of professional dedication.
Full professional fluency in English is essential. Proficiency in additional languages and a rich history of intercultural engagement are highly valued.
An open-minded, sophisticated ability to thrive and lead within a complex, international and multilingual environment.
An intuitive and proactive approach to well-being, demonstrating the ability to build trust and provide a stable foundation of care for students as they navigate the transformative journey of a UWC education.
A genuine readiness to embrace the rhythm of a 24/7 residential school, understanding that some of the most profound mentorship occurs outside the traditional office setting.
Prior engagement with the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the Council of International Schools (CIS) as an examiner, workshop leader or visiting team member will be considered a significant advantage.
A high degree of fluency with platforms like ManageBac, Maia Learning and UCAS to ensure a smooth application experience.
Benefits:
A unique opportunity to mentor a cohort of truly diverse and socially motivated changemakers from 80 different nations.
Access to premium professional development opportunities, ensuring you remain at the forefront of global university counselling.
A renewable two-year contract that offers long-term stability within an international educational network.
A highly competitive salary, fixed in USD and paid in Armenian Dram, providing financial security in a dynamic economy.
Generous relocation and annual travel allowances to ensure you and your family are supported as you join our community and maintain your global connections.
Premium medical and travel insurance, ensuring world-class care.
Rent-free accommodation (on or off-campus) including all utilities and full board in our canteen.
Full access to the school’s state-of-the-art campus, including an indoor pool, high-performance gym, theatre and inspiring art and design studios.
A dedicated social and wellness programme for staff and their families, ranging from aqua fitness and yoga to cultural excursions, fostering a sense of belonging.
Armenia has much to offer, whether you are interested in nature, history or culture. Located in the Caucasus, the region is developing and there are myriad opportunities to explore it. Learn more about Armenia and UWC Dilijan.