Academic Guidance Counsellor

Are you a thoughtful and student-centered educator who is passionate about helping young people navigate their academic journey and pursue meaningful post-secondary pathways? Canada’s National Ballet School (NBS) is excited to invite applications for the position of Academic Guidance Counsellor on a full-time basis. This is an exciting opportunity to provide comprehensive academic guidance to students, support post-secondary planning and applications, and contribute to the effective coordination of NBS’s Academic program. 

About Us: 

Canada’s National Ballet School (NBS) is a leading arts and education institution dedicated to excellence in dance training, community programming, and health initiatives. NBS has 300+ employees supporting programs ranging from professional ballet training and community engagement to groundbreaking health initiatives. NBS fosters a collaborative, creative environment rooted in inclusion, innovation, and continuous growth. 

The Role: 

Reporting to the Academic Principal, the Academic Guidance Counsellor plays an important role in supporting students across NBS through academic counselling, university guidance, and post-secondary planning. 

Working in a collaborative school environment, you will support students in identifying and pursuing post-secondary pathways aligned with their interests, strengths, goals, and aspirations. You will work closely with students, families, teachers, and school leadership to support academic planning, course selection, applications, scholarships, and successful transitions beyond secondary school. 

As a key partner to the Academic Principal, you will also contribute to the effective administration and coordination of the Academic program, including student timetabling, staff scheduling, day-to-day academic matters, and administrative priorities. The role may also provide occasional classroom coverage when required. 

This role is ideal for an experienced educator and counsellor who is knowledgeable about post-secondary pathways, highly organized, approachable, and committed to supporting students through thoughtful, inclusive, and student-centered guidance. 

Why You’ll Love This Role : 

• You make a meaningful difference in students’ academic journeys and aspirations 
• You build trusted relationships with students and families and help them navigate important educational decisions 
• You work collaboratively with teachers, school leadership, and colleagues across NBS 
• You contribute to academic planning, university applications, scheduling, and other initiatives that support student success 
• Every day brings opportunities to guide, problem-solve, collaborate, and respond to the diverse needs of students 
• You become part of a creative, collaborative, and mission-driven organization committed to supporting the whole student 

What You’ll Do: 

• Provide Student Guidance: Provide comprehensive guidance and academic counselling to students across the school, supporting them in identifying post-secondary pathways aligned with their interests, strengths, goals, and aspirations 
• Support Post-Secondary Planning: Guide students through course selection, academic planning, post-secondary applications, scholarships, and transition planning 
• Advise Students and Families: Provide clear and informed guidance to students and families regarding post-secondary programs, admission requirements, application timelines, and opportunities 
• Maintain Post-Secondary Knowledge: Maintain current knowledge of Canadian and international post-secondary institutions, programs, admissions requirements, and emerging pathways 
• Support Student Success: Monitor student academic progress and collaborate with teachers, Academic leadership, and families to identify needs and support student success 
• Maintain Student Records: Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential student guidance and academic records 
• Coordinate Academic Scheduling: Support student timetabling and coordinate staff scheduling in collaboration with Academic colleagues 
• Support the Academic Principal: Work closely with the Academic Principal on day-to-day academic matters, problem-solving, communication, and administrative priorities 
• Provide Classroom Coverage: Provide occasional substitute teaching or classroom coverage when required 
• Participate in School Activities: Participate in faculty meetings, professional development, school events, and other activities that support the Academic program 
• Maintain Confidentiality: Handle sensitive student and family information with discretion and ensure confidential information is shared only with authorized individuals 
• Represent NBS Professionally: Build positive relationships with students, families, colleagues, and external post-secondary partners while representing NBS with professionalism, sound judgement, and a high standard of service 
• Support an Inclusive Environment: Apply an equity, diversity, and inclusion lens to guidance, academic planning, and decision-making to support fair, inclusive, and student-centered outcomes 
• Perform Other Related Duties: Take on other related responsibilities as assigned by the Academic Principal 

What You Bring: 

First and foremost, we value strong communication, collaboration, sound judgement, and a genuine commitment to supporting students. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every qualification listed. 

• A Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related discipline is required; a master's degree is preferred 
• Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) certification is required 
• Additional Qualification (AQ) in Guidance and Career Education, Part I is required 
• Guidance and Career Education, Part II or Specialist is considered an asset 
• Minimum of five years of teaching experience, preferably in a private secondary school setting 
• Demonstrated experience providing academic advising, university guidance, or post-secondary counselling to students 
• Strong knowledge of Canadian and international post-secondary institutions, programs, and admission requirements 
• Experience supporting student course selection, academic planning, and post-secondary applications 
• Ability to understand and respond to individual student needs, interests, strengths, and post-secondary goals 
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with students, families, faculty, and school leadership 
• Sound judgement, discretion, and sensitivity when handling confidential and student-related matters 
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines 
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in student records, applications, scheduling, and timetabling 
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and adapt to changing student and school needs 
• Proficiency with relevant educational, scheduling, and administrative technology 
• Commitment to applying an equity, diversity, and inclusion lens to student guidance and decision-making 

Compensation: 

Salary Range: $70,000 – $90,000 annually, commensurate with experience and aligned with internal equity.  

Work Conditions: 

The role is primarily performed in a school and office environment, with regular interaction with students, families, faculty, and school leadership. Our school is located at 400 Jarvis Street, Toronto, ON, Canada, M4Y 2G6. Work involves extended periods of computer and desk-based activity, frequent interruptions, and the need to manage multiple priorities and deadlines, particularly during university application and academic planning periods. The role may occasionally require classroom coverage, movement throughout the school, and flexibility in working hours to meet student, family, and school needs.  

Total Rewards:  

• Health & Wellness Benefits: Dental, Health, Paramedical, Short & Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program   
• Employer-matched Defined Contribution Pension Plan   
• Paid vacation time in accordance with the school calendar   
• Commitment to work-life balance   
• Professional development opportunities   
• Discounted rates for NBS Adult Ballet Classes   
• Employee discount at The Shoe Room, our dance retail store   
• Subsidized lunch, beverages, and snacks at our onsite café   
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment with opportunities to participate in employee engagement initiatives   

Our Commitment to Equity & Accessibility:  

NBS is committed to addressing systemic inequities in every facet of our organization, including programs, policies, and practices. It is NBS' top priority to build a remarkable and talented workforce that reflects the diversity of the City of Toronto. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals, especially welcoming those with diverse intersectional identities who bring unique perspectives and contribute to the diversification of ideas.  

If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please inform us.  

Successful candidates must supply Canada's National Ballet School with a Vulnerable Sector Check in accordance with the School's Child Abuse/Sexual Abuse Prevention Policy; this will be coordinated through the Human Resources Department at NBS.  

Please note: This role is for an existing vacancy.