Founded in 1973, AISB is an accredited, private, non-profit international school. AISB is accredited by CIS and MSA, and is a member of CEESA, SCIS, IB, and ISTA.
AISB is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School and offers the IB Diploma program in addition to our American High School Diploma and our Global Impact Diploma. Students can graduate with a combination of these Diplomas accredited by CIS and the Middle States Association. The high school program is based on an American educational model within an international context with a focus on critical thinking skills, creativity, and inquiry-based learning. All courses focus on developing the knowledge, skills, and dispositions, as well as a global perspective, to equip students to flourish in a rapidly changing workplace. All students have access to a wide range of courses and pathways to cater to students’ different interests and needs. English is the language of instruction, except in World Language courses.
AISB occupies a single campus of 19 hectares on the western outskirts of Budapest. The Middle/High School building houses 51 classrooms, library, cafeteria, computer rooms, double-sized gymnasium, single-size gymnasium, 25-meter swimming pool, 350-seat theatre, and performing and visual arts facilities. The Elementary building has 27 classrooms, library, cafeteria, computer rooms, double-size gymnasium, and performing and visual arts facilities. In the grounds, there are two soccer fields, an athletics track with lights, 4 floodlit tennis courts and a basketball court.
AISB has a strong Student Support Program, and a varied Extra-Curricular program running throughout the school. AISB graduates are welcomed each year to a broad range of the world’s most selective colleges and universities.
The American International School of Budapest (AISB) seeks to appoint a Grade 10-12 High School Counselor (Comprehensive) for 2027. August 1. start date.
Qualified candidates with experience and skills matching the job description are invited to apply by submitting their application through Search Associates by 31st October 2026. Please note that we accept applications exclusively through Search Associates.
The recruitment team will contact shortlisted candidates. The school reserves the right to appoint a suitable candidate prior to the application deadline.
Reports To: High School Principal
Position Overview:
The counselor’s primary function is to work collaboratively with school leadership, teachers, and families to help guide students throughout their high school academic journey involving future pathways and planning, and to foster the personal and social development of our diverse international student body. The High School Counselor strives to ensure all interactions help create an inclusive environment that values each student's well-being and success, in line with the school's Mission, Vision, and Values.
Qualifications and Experience:
Personal Attributes
- Illustrates strong organizational and time-management skills
- Demonstrates initiative, flexibility, and a positive attitude
- High Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Establishes cooperative and collaborative working relationships with staff, students, and parents because of strong communication and empathy skills
- Demonstrates excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with an ability to work effectively with students, parents, faculty, and administration.
- Accepts and manages change effectively
- Collaborates effectively to nurture student growth
- Openly accepts and considers different perspectives
- Contributes to a positive school climate
- Contributes constructively to the AISB community through participation in co-curricular programs or activities
- Cultural sensitivity and an ability to work in a diverse, international environment
- Plans and delivers an effective school counseling program, and seeks continuous improvement.
Knowledge
- Demonstrates solid knowledge and experience with the application and admissions process for various university systems and schools, in particular, North America, the U.K., and continental Europe
- Demonstrates a strong understanding of college admissions processes, academic planning, and career counseling for high school students.
- Experience with a multi-year approach to preparing students for the university application process and life after high school
- Understands the typical (and atypical) challenges with which students present in high school
- Understands the importance of a proactive, articulated Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program across the school
- Knows how to work with students and families to manage mental health / social-emotional problems as they arise
- Has relevant understanding and knowledge about Safeguarding and child protection
Certifications & Experience
- Holds a valid counseling certification (or equivalent)
- Minimum of three years' experience in a high school from which students matriculate to selective and highly selective universities globally
- Counsels students using a variety of theories and appropriate techniques to resolve concerns
- Experience working in a multicultural environment with a culturally diverse student population and with families for whom English is a second language.
- Technology literate in Web and Google Applications
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Master's Degree in counseling or guidance
- Experience working in an international school or with familiarity with international Curriculum (IB/AP programs) and experience in supporting students in these academic tracks.
- Experience with Course Management software (e.g., Veracross, Google Apps)
- Experience with online programs used to administer scheduling and counseling programs (MaiaLearning, Veracross, etc.)
- Demonstration of ongoing professional development in areas of best practice
Key Responsibilities
General
- Implement school policies and procedures to support AISB’s Mission, Vision, and Values.
- Conduct meetings with parents to discuss their child's progress, address concerns, and support family involvement in the student’s education.
- Support professional development for teachers on topics such as mental health awareness, student behavior, and cultural sensitivity.
- Collaborate with faculty to develop programs that support students’ academic and social growth.
- Actively incorporate current research-based counseling practices into daily interactions with students.
- Take a leadership role in Child Protection matters, both preventative and reactive
- Provide ongoing feedback to students that encourages growth and development.
- Maintain accurate and complete records of student progress and development for ongoing communication with parents.
Individual and Group Counseling:
- Provide academic, personal, social, and emotional counseling to high school students through individual and small group sessions.
- Identify students in need of specialized support and provide appropriate interventions or referrals to outside resources when necessary.
- Support professional learning on topics such as stress management, interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, and other relevant areas.
Academic and Career Guidance:
- Assist students in exploring their academic interests and career options, including college and university selection, application processes, and vocational paths.
- Prepare long-term and short-term plans for a career and guidance program
- Collaborate with teachers and program coordinators to guide students in course selection, graduation planning, and setting long-term academic goals.
- Support flexible programming options for students.
- Write recommendation letters for students in the application process
- Organize parent and student workshops and sessions on college admissions and career planning.
Social and Emotional Support:
- Support the development of programs to support students' mental health, resilience, and self-esteem, promoting a safe and respectful learning environment.
- Support / deliver specific SEL lessons as needed, including topics such as mental health and growth and development.
- Act as a resource for students, teachers, and families on issues related to social dynamics, multicultural understanding, and personal development.
- Facilitate crisis intervention and follow-up as needed and provide appropriate referrals to mental health professionals.
- Collaborate with the divisional counselors, grade-level leaders, and other teachers to support students' social, emotional, and educational needs.
Data Collection and Program Evaluation:
- Maintain accurate and complete records of student progress and development for ongoing communication with parents
- Gather and analyze data on students' progress and needs to continuously improve counseling programs and services.
- Use assessment tools to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and programs, making adjustments as necessary.
- Maintain accurate records of counseling sessions and interventions, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with school policies and ethical guidelines.
- Integrate technology with intentionality, as appropriate, to streamline processes.
Additional Responsibilities
- Perform additional duties effectively (during and outside the regular school day) as required by the school.
- Proactively participate in and/or lead extracurricular activities, including participation, when needed, in overnight Core Expeditions in grades 6-12
- Proactively participate in faculty meetings and parent meetings as required.
- Proactively represent the school in a professional manner at conferences, university visits, and presentations to regional and global organizations.
