Director of School Counseling Jobs
Director of School Counseling jobs are open across K-12 public schools, charter networks, and private institutions, from lead counselor to district-level director, with specializations in student mental health programs, college and career readiness, and multi-tiered support systems. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Hiring Department
UNIVERSITY of MISSOURI-KANSAS CITY
SCHOOL of EDUCATION, SOCIAL WORK, and PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Department of Psychology and Counseling
The Department of Psychology and Counseling, within the School of Education, Social Work, and Psychological Sciences, at the University of Missouri—Kansas City seeks to hire a 9-month, tenure-track, benefit-eligible, Assistant Professor in Clinical Psychology to begin in Fall 2027.
Our department has a PhD program in Clinical Psychology accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). The program faculty are committed to rigorous training, innovative research, and the development of skilled, compassionate clinicians and researchers who are able to work effectively in a wide range of settings. We also have an undergraduate program in Psychology and a master’s program in Counseling (accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council [MPCAC]). The School Counseling emphasis area within our master’s program is accredited by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. In addition, our Department houses the Community Counseling and Assessment Services (CCAS) clinic, an in-house training facility that provides services to the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. We are excited to support and grow our Department through this Assistant Professor position.
The Department of Psychology and Counseling is a community of 16 psychological scientists, practitioners, and educators who are dedicated to supporting our students’ academic and career success. We take pride in the interdisciplinary perspectives that we bring to our academic training programs, and we seek a colleague who values such perspectives and who shares our commitment to students’ achievement and academic excellence. Our faculty actively collaborates with a wide range of partners, including multifarious communities, schools, mental health settings, and medical organizations across our campus, the region, and the nation. Please visit our website for a full description of our Department, programs, faculty, and resources.
Job Description
The Department of Psychology and Counseling seeks a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor candidate with training in Clinical Psychology. Areas of research and teaching expertise are open. We seek applicants who:
- demonstrate potential for excellence in research;
- will contribute to our Clinical Psychology doctoral program, as well as to our other academic programs;
- show dedication to graduate and undergraduate teaching through various modalities, including in-person, blended, online synchronous, and online asynchronous; and
- will be excited to serve as a mentor for our graduate and undergraduate students.
The candidate selected for this position will join a collaborative and interdisciplinary group of faculty and staff. This is an on-campus position.
Successful candidates will be expected to:
- maintain an active research program that contributes to the Department’s and School’s commitment to encourage inclusive excellence and lead change through innovative research;
- maintain a record of peer-reviewed publications;
- seek and secure external funding as needed for sustained research productivity;
- mentor and provide research supervision for our Clinical Psychology PhD students, as well as have opportunities to mentor students from our BA and MA programs;
- demonstrate teaching excellence in graduate and undergraduate courses;
- effectively collaborate with faculty in program development and in support of our teaching, research, and mentoring missions;
- collegially engage with faculty and staff across the School; and
- engage in Departmental, School, University, and/or disciplinary service.
Qualifications
Candidates must have a PhD (awarded by 9-1-27) in Clinical Psychology from an APA-accredited program.
Preference will be given to candidates with prior university teaching experience, a record of scholarship commensurate with the rank of Assistant Professor, and eligibility for licensure in Missouri as a psychologist within 24 months.
Anticipated Hiring Range
Salary is commensurate with credentials, experience, and demonstrated potential for success in externally funded research. Full time [100% FTE], benefit-eligible, 9-month ranked academic appointments to begin Fall Semester 2027. Summer teaching may be available beginning summer 2028. Our academic schedules and workloads provide for a positive work/life balance.
Application Materials
For consideration, you must apply online at www.umkc.edu/jobs, click on Academic Positions (Job Opening ID 61715). Please complete the application and questionnaire.
Please combine all application materials into one PDF or Microsoft Word document and upload it as a resume attachment. Limit the document name to 50 characters. Do not include special characters (e.g., /, &, %, etc.). The maximum file size limit is 11 MB. Required materials include:
- a cover letter outlining research and teaching interests;
- a current Curriculum Vitae;
- teaching evaluations (if available);
- reprints or links to reprints for up to three publications;
- current contact information for three professional references. Letters of recommendation will be requested for finalists.
Inquiries about the position may be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Laurel Watson (watsonlb@umkc.edu).
- If you are experiencing technical problems during application, please email umpshrsupport@umsystem.edu .
- Reasonable accommodations may be requested during the application and recruitment process. If you need an accommodation, please contact the Office of Affirmative Action at (816) 235-1323.
We will contact references and request higher educational transcripts for all candidates that advance to the finalist stage. The candidates hired for these positions will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check prior to beginning employment.
Application Deadline
Review of applications will begin on January 11, 2027, and continue until a qualified candidate is selected.
Sponsorship Information
Employment visa sponsorship may be available for candidates currently in the United States in H-1B status or other work-authorized status.
Other Information
The University of Missouri—Kansas City (UMKC) is the largest comprehensive, fully accredited university in the Kansas City area. In February of 2025, UMKC was one of 187 universities in the country designated as a Very High Spending and Doctorate Production (R1) institute by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. As one of four universities of the University of Missouri system, it offers traditional and interdisciplinary programs. Few urban universities have the depth and breadth of disciplines (ranging from Medicine to the Performing Arts) offered at UMKC. Research - Home Suite | UMKC
To recast the institution’s investment strategy and academic landscape, UMKC recently launched the newly designed School of Education, Social Work, and Psychological Sciences as part of its UMKC Forward initiative. The School prepares educators, educational leaders, mental health and human service providers, and researchers that engage in critical thinking, promote an environment of inclusive opportunity and excellence, uphold ethical and professional standards, collaboratively transform marginalized communities, and embrace continuous learning and growth.
School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences | UMKC
Community Information
Kansas City is a vibrant, fast-growing metropolitan area that blends Midwestern charm with urban energy. In recent years, the city has experienced remarkable development, expanding its cultural districts, investing in cutting-edge infrastructure, and cultivating a thriving innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem. With a strong focus on smart city planning, sustainability, and inclusive growth, Kansas City is a place where progress and possibility go hand in hand.
Home to nationally recognized arts institutions, championship sports teams, a new international airport, and a celebrated culinary scene, Kansas City truly offers something for everyone. The city’s cost of living remains affordable even as it experiences rapid growth and revitalization, making it an ideal place to build both a meaningful career and a fulfilling personal life.
Visit Kansas City: Find Events, Things to Do & More
UMKC is situated in the heart of the city, with close ties to its leading industries, vibrant communities, and cultural centers. Whether you are drawn to miles of scenic trails, dynamic neighborhoods, or the chance to be part of a city on the rise, Kansas City is a place where new faculty can thrive both professionally and personally. University of Missouri-Kansas City
Benefit Eligibility
This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.
Hiring Department
UNIVERSITY of MISSOURI-KANSAS CITY
SCHOOL of EDUCATION, SOCIAL WORK, and PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Department of Psychology and Counseling
The Department of Psychology and Counseling, within the School of Education, Social Work, and Psychological Sciences, at the University of Missouri—Kansas City seeks to hire a 9-month, tenure-track, benefit-eligible, Assistant Professor in Clinical Psychology to begin in Fall 2027.
Our department has a PhD program in Clinical Psychology accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). The program faculty are committed to rigorous training, innovative research, and the development of skilled, compassionate clinicians and researchers who are able to work effectively in a wide range of settings. We also have an undergraduate program in Psychology and a master’s program in Counseling (accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council [MPCAC]). The School Counseling emphasis area within our master’s program is accredited by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. In addition, our Department houses the Community Counseling and Assessment Services (CCAS) clinic, an in-house training facility that provides services to the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. We are excited to support and grow our Department through this Assistant Professor position.
The Department of Psychology and Counseling is a community of 16 psychological scientists, practitioners, and educators who are dedicated to supporting our students’ academic and career success. We take pride in the interdisciplinary perspectives that we bring to our academic training programs, and we seek a colleague who values such perspectives and who shares our commitment to students’ achievement and academic excellence. Our faculty actively collaborates with a wide range of partners, including multifarious communities, schools, mental health settings, and medical organizations across our campus, the region, and the nation. Please visit our website for a full description of our Department, programs, faculty, and resources.
Job Description
The Department of Psychology and Counseling seeks a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor candidate with training in Clinical Psychology. Areas of research and teaching expertise are open. We seek applicants who:
- demonstrate potential for excellence in research;
- will contribute to our Clinical Psychology doctoral program, as well as to our other academic programs;
- show dedication to graduate and undergraduate teaching through various modalities, including in-person, blended, online synchronous, and online asynchronous; and
- will be excited to serve as a mentor for our graduate and undergraduate students.
The candidate selected for this position will join a collaborative and interdisciplinary group of faculty and staff. This is an on-campus position.
Successful candidates will be expected to:
- maintain an active research program that contributes to the Department’s and School’s commitment to encourage inclusive excellence and lead change through innovative research;
- maintain a record of peer-reviewed publications;
- seek and secure external funding as needed for sustained research productivity;
- mentor and provide research supervision for our Clinical Psychology PhD students, as well as have opportunities to mentor students from our BA and MA programs;
- demonstrate teaching excellence in graduate and undergraduate courses;
- effectively collaborate with faculty in program development and in support of our teaching, research, and mentoring missions;
- collegially engage with faculty and staff across the School; and
- engage in Departmental, School, University, and/or disciplinary service.
Qualifications
Candidates must have a PhD (awarded by 9-1-27) in Clinical Psychology from an APA-accredited program.
Preference will be given to candidates with prior university teaching experience, a record of scholarship commensurate with the rank of Assistant Professor, and eligibility for licensure in Missouri as a psychologist within 24 months.
Anticipated Hiring Range
Salary is commensurate with credentials, experience, and demonstrated potential for success in externally funded research. Full time [100% FTE], benefit-eligible, 9-month ranked academic appointments to begin Fall Semester 2027. Summer teaching may be available beginning summer 2028. Our academic schedules and workloads provide for a positive work/life balance.
Application Materials
For consideration, you must apply online at www.umkc.edu/jobs, click on Academic Positions (Job Opening ID 61715). Please complete the application and questionnaire.
Please combine all application materials into one PDF or Microsoft Word document and upload it as a resume attachment. Limit the document name to 50 characters. Do not include special characters (e.g., /, &, %, etc.). The maximum file size limit is 11 MB. Required materials include:
- a cover letter outlining research and teaching interests;
- a current Curriculum Vitae;
- teaching evaluations (if available);
- reprints or links to reprints for up to three publications;
- current contact information for three professional references. Letters of recommendation will be requested for finalists.
Inquiries about the position may be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Laurel Watson (watsonlb@umkc.edu).
- If you are experiencing technical problems during application, please email umpshrsupport@umsystem.edu .
- Reasonable accommodations may be requested during the application and recruitment process. If you need an accommodation, please contact the Office of Affirmative Action at (816) 235-1323.
We will contact references and request higher educational transcripts for all candidates that advance to the finalist stage. The candidates hired for these positions will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check prior to beginning employment.
Application Deadline
Review of applications will begin on January 11, 2027, and continue until a qualified candidate is selected.
Sponsorship Information
Employment visa sponsorship may be available for candidates currently in the United States in H-1B status or other work-authorized status.
Other Information
The University of Missouri—Kansas City (UMKC) is the largest comprehensive, fully accredited university in the Kansas City area. In February of 2025, UMKC was one of 187 universities in the country designated as a Very High Spending and Doctorate Production (R1) institute by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. As one of four universities of the University of Missouri system, it offers traditional and interdisciplinary programs. Few urban universities have the depth and breadth of disciplines (ranging from Medicine to the Performing Arts) offered at UMKC. Research - Home Suite | UMKC
To recast the institution’s investment strategy and academic landscape, UMKC recently launched the newly designed School of Education, Social Work, and Psychological Sciences as part of its UMKC Forward initiative. The School prepares educators, educational leaders, mental health and human service providers, and researchers that engage in critical thinking, promote an environment of inclusive opportunity and excellence, uphold ethical and professional standards, collaboratively transform marginalized communities, and embrace continuous learning and growth.
School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences | UMKC
Community Information
Kansas City is a vibrant, fast-growing metropolitan area that blends Midwestern charm with urban energy. In recent years, the city has experienced remarkable development, expanding its cultural districts, investing in cutting-edge infrastructure, and cultivating a thriving innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem. With a strong focus on smart city planning, sustainability, and inclusive growth, Kansas City is a place where progress and possibility go hand in hand.
Home to nationally recognized arts institutions, championship sports teams, a new international airport, and a celebrated culinary scene, Kansas City truly offers something for everyone. The city’s cost of living remains affordable even as it experiences rapid growth and revitalization, making it an ideal place to build both a meaningful career and a fulfilling personal life.
Visit Kansas City: Find Events, Things to Do & More
UMKC is situated in the heart of the city, with close ties to its leading industries, vibrant communities, and cultural centers. Whether you are drawn to miles of scenic trails, dynamic neighborhoods, or the chance to be part of a city on the rise, Kansas City is a place where new faculty can thrive both professionally and personally. University of Missouri-Kansas City
Benefit Eligibility
This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.
See All 21 Director of School Counseling Jobs
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Find JobsDirector of School Counseling Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in director of school counseling jobs.
- Master's degree in school counseling or a related field required
- Valid state school counselor license or certification required
- Minimum five years of school counseling experience, including supervisory roles
- Experience developing and managing multi-tiered support systems or MTSS frameworks
- Proficiency with student information systems such as PowerSchool or Infinite Campus
- Knowledge of federal and state regulations governing student mental health and special education services
Tips for Your Director of School Counseling Job Search
Tailor your resume to district size
Hiring committees at large urban districts and small rural schools weigh your experience very differently. Highlight the student population you've managed, the number of counselors you've supervised, and the scope of programs you've built or scaled.
Lead with your licensure and credentials
Most postings screen for a state school counseling license or a school administrator credential before reviewing anything else. Put your certifications and license number in your resume header so reviewers confirm eligibility before reading further.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists director of school counseling openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Show data behind your program outcomes
Interviewers ask directors to demonstrate impact, not just describe duties. Bring documentation of graduation rate changes, college application rates, or crisis intervention outcomes your department influenced, and be ready to walk through your methodology.
Prepare for scenario-based interview questions
School counseling director interviews often include scenarios involving a student mental health crisis, a counselor performance issue, or a parent complaint. Rehearse structured responses that show you can balance compliance, empathy, and administrative accountability simultaneously.
Negotiate start date around the academic calendar
Most districts post these roles in spring for a July or August start. If you're leaving a mid-year position, negotiating your start date during the offer stage protects your professional relationships and avoids overlap with critical end-of-year counseling cycles.
Director of School Counseling Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most director of school counselings?
The most active employers for director of school counselings right now are University of Missouri-Kansas City, Connections Education, and Loudoun County Public Schools, and the most openings are in Virginia, Massachusetts, and Missouri, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Charter management organizations and large urban public school districts tend to post these roles most consistently throughout the year.
How many director of school counseling jobs are remote?
About 50% of director of school counseling openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, which is lower than most administrative education roles. The portions of the work most commonly done remotely include program development, data analysis, and professional development coordination, while direct staff supervision and family engagement typically require on-site presence.
How do you become a director of school counseling?
Start by earning a master's degree in school counseling, obtain your state's school counselor license, and build several years of direct counseling experience in a school setting. Move into a lead or department head role to develop supervisory experience, then pursue positions with program oversight. Some districts also require or prefer a school administrator license for director-level roles.
Can you get hired as a director of school counseling with limited experience?
Most districts require substantial direct counseling experience before considering candidates for director roles, so a direct path with no experience is uncommon. Candidates who have served as a lead counselor, department chair, or district counseling coordinator are most competitive. Building experience managing a caseload, mentoring peers, and presenting data to administrators strengthens your candidacy significantly before applying at the director level.
What does the director of school counseling interview process look like?
The process typically starts with a phone or video screen conducted by HR or an assistant superintendent, followed by an in-person panel interview that includes district administrators, school principals, and sometimes counseling staff. Finalists are often asked to present a vision for the counseling program or respond to a written scenario. Reference checks and background screening come before an offer.
Where can I find and apply to director of school counseling jobs?
You can find and apply to director of school counseling jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your experience, credentials, and preferred location, then apply directly to each listing that fits your background.
See All 21 Director of School Counseling Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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