Admissions Officer: 15 month Contract

McMaster University; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Admissions Officer at McMaster University handles undergraduate applications, conducts interviews, and communicates admission decisions to a diverse applicant pool on a high-volume timetable. They evaluate about 2,500 files annually, provide information at recruitment events, and collaborate with Faculty offices to support enrolment targets while applying equity and inclusion principles.

Strong interpersonal skills, data-informed decision making, and an in-depth knowledge of McMaster's

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Proven ability to problemsolve
• An understanding of and appreciation for McMaster’s organizational culture
• Strong sense of urgency; ability to prioritize
• Ability to think critically
• Proven ability to make sound decisions using data analysis
• Knowledge of McMaster University undergraduate admission requirements, policies and procedures is a preferred asset

Responsibilities

• Make independent admission decisions to admit or refuse applicants.

Skills

Problem solving

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Time management

Prioritization

Interpersonal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Education Level Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

Career Level Requires 3 years of relevant experience.

JD JD00003

Anticipated Start Date: November 15, 2026

Location McMaster Main Campus, Hamilton

Job Description

Department Description:

The Office of the Registrar providesa number ofservices to both prospective and current students and is the primary source of information on enrolment, convocation ceremonies and important student dates and events throughout the year. The Office of the Registrarcomprisesof 8 departments: Student Services & Financial Support, Student Recruitment, Undergraduate Admissions, Student Records, Systems, Scheduling & Examinations, Communications and Central RO Administration and has a staff complement of approximately 100. This dynamic team works togetherproviding assistance tostudents from the beginning of their time at McMaster University until they graduate.

The Admissions department processes and assesses a large volume of undergraduate applications to McMaster, resulting in offers of admission to the university.We arecurrently looking to hire anAdmissions Officerin our Admissionsdepartment that will use a variety of specialized skillsto promote and support the overall strategic planof the Office of the Registrar.

The team of Admissions Officers works closely together and with the rest of the Admissions teamin a high-volume, fast-paced environment that is deadline driven. Each Officer is responsible for the accurate and timely review of approximately 2,500 domestic and international applicant files annually and will be called upon daily to provide correct and detailed information (oral, written and in-person) to applicants, prospective applicants, parents, guidance counsellors, Faculty offices and staff, as well as other colleagues in the Registrar's Office. The Admissions Officers will alsoassistin all admission processes for the Ontario High School applicant pool. Admission Officers must be strong multi-taskers able to deal effectively with interruptions to their routine on a regular basis and mustpossessa strong ability to prioritize within their portfolios. The Admission Officers regularly conduct culturally sensitive interviews and in-depth admissions counselling of applicants and prospective students - this requiresa high levelof interpersonal and communication skills and an in-depth knowledge of available student services on campus. The Admission Officers must engage in extensive correspondence with applicantsregardingadmission policies and decisions. The Admissions Officers must be able to calmly and effectively communicateverbally, byphone or in-person, with emotionally upset applicants and parents in an empathetic and tactful way while still delivering negative decisions that will not be subject to appeal.

Job Summary:

The Admissions Officeris responsible forensuring University enrolment targets are met by applying established admissions criteria to select qualified students from a diverse pool of secondary and post-secondary applicants.Evaluate and assess applicant files and independently make admission decisions for undergraduate, domestic, and international students.Provide information and conduct recruitment and orientation sessions in various communities.

Purpose and Key Functions:

• Make independent admission decisions to admit or refuse applicants.
• Warrant consideration for acceptance of students who do not meet academic requirements.
• Administer program enrolment from application to admission by monitoring and organizing applications, reviewing transcripts, and ranking applicants.
• Review and evaluate applications to ensure academic requirements and pre-requisites have been met.
• Research, review, and analyze admissions criteria from national and international institutions.
• Inform applicants of the application process, procedures, academic and program requirements, program suitability, and potential eligibility for admission.
• Develop and deliver presentations and attend and participate in a variety of recruitment events internal and external to the University.
• Provide information, answer questions, and discuss academic interests with applicants.
• Deal with applicants who are not qualified for admission and explain the application process and offer viable alternatives.
• Provide advice to applicants regarding their program suitability, other educational options and employment options related to program selection.
• Review documents for forged transcripts and falsified reference letters and maintain a list of fraudulent applications.
• Analyze error reports and establish procedures to correct errors.
• Plan and coordinate large scale admissions applicant correspondence and the review and assessment of applicant files.
• Conduct analyses of post-secondary institutions and exchange information with internal and external admissions staff to discuss and share information on admission requirements, various procedures, policies, and issues that are being addressed at other institutions.
• Gather and compile information required to maintain manuals and procedure documents.
• Calculate domestic and international student grade point averages.
• Update and maintain content on the department website.

Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

Requires 3 years of relevant experience.

The successful candidate willpossessthe following skills and abilities:

Proven ability to problemsolve

Ability to apply an Equity,Diversityand Inclusion lens to interactions with others

Time management and organization

An understanding of and appreciation for McMaster’s organizational culture

Strong senseof urgency; ability to prioritize

Ability to think critically

Proven ability tomake sound decisions using data analysis

Knowledge of McMaster University undergraduate admission requirements, policies and procedures is a preferred asset

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is strongly committed to employment equity within its community and to recruiting a diverse faculty and staff.The University encourages applications from all qualified candidates including women, persons with disabilities, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of racialized communities and LGBTQ-identified persons.If you require any form of accommodation throughout the recruitment and selection procedure, please contact the Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247).

Hybrid Work Language

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.

Interview Experience

At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to [e-mail] or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.

AI Statement

McMaster and its third-party partners may use AI tools to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process. Please note that currently our recruitment platform does not use AI nor is it part of our current recommended recruitment process.