Admission Counselor

Samuel Merritt University; Oakland (CA); Hybrid; USD 27,552 - 41,328; Full time

Job summary

Samuel Merritt University in Oakland is seeking an Admissions Counselor to recruit and advise prospective students for undergraduate and graduate programs. You will engage with high school and community college counselors, respond to inquiries, and represent SMU at local, regional, and national recruitment events.

Diversity and inclusion are core values. You will manage application timelines, assist with financial aid discussions, and coordinate travel while collaborating with academic

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; experience in student recruitment and admission preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication, and ability to engage diverse students.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills with attention to deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Recruit prospective students and counsel on admission requirements and options.
• Represent SMU at recruitment events and information sessions.
• Coordinate relationships with community colleges and partner organizations.
• Evaluate applications for completeness and eligibility according to admission criteria.
• Assist in travel planning and enrollment planning activity.
• Ensure compliance with FERPA and maintain timely communications.

Skills

Excellent organizational skills

Strong communication

Attention to detail

Willingness to travel

Bilingual (Spanish desirable)

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

PowerCampus

Salesforce

Webadmit

SharePoint

Outlook

MS Teams

Zoom

Job description

Front line, essential “face” of Samuel Merritt University (SMU) with prospective students, Health Science Advisors, Community College and University Counselors, Community Partners, and health care professionals. Counsel prospective students regarding the appropriateness of academic programs, entry options, and curriculum. Respond to inquiries and represent Samuel Merritt University at local, regional, and national recruitment events. Activities will focus on, but not be limited to, the admission cycle related to the undergraduate & graduate programs. Demonstrated commitment to the mission, vision, and values of SMU, including a core commitment to recruitment and inclusion of diversity in all SMU academic programs.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Recruitment (85%)
  • Establish contact with prospective students and counselors through continued presence at recruitment events.
  • Communicate with prospective students, both verbally and in written form, relative to admission requirements, entry options, prerequisites, applicant pool statistics, denial of entry to the program, curriculum, and general financial aid. Develop and execute the manner in which this will happen. Demonstrate and articulate the value of higher education.
  • Represent Samuel Merritt University at transfer days, graduate and professional days, transfer centers, conferences, and other community events.
  • Participate in regularly scheduled, on‑campus Information Sessions.
  • Participate in diversity‑related recruitment events on and off campus.
  • Independently maintain continued contact with prospective students throughout the application process, and notify applicants of their status while encouraging continued interest in Samuel Merritt University.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with community partners: community colleges, non‑profit organizations, hospitals, medical systems, etc. to ensure an SMU presence in these organizations.
  • Provide effective and accurate counseling to prospective students on issues related to admission and financial aid including prerequisite courses, articulation of courses from other institutions, overall admission process, deadlines and timelines, GPA calculations, course repeat policy, competitiveness of application, statistics regarding applicant pools, reclassification of existing applications, reasons for denial of admission, and ways to strengthen subsequent applications.
• Application Processing, Evaluation (10%)
  • Assure accurate and detailed evaluation of applications for admission, including checking thoroughly for completeness of file; completion of all prerequisite courses; and grade‑point‑average calculations.
  • Based upon prescribed admission eligibility criteria, consult with academic departments to make admission decisions.
  • Routinely exercise discretion and independent judgment in determining the acceptability of academic prerequisites, but also must work collaboratively with the admission review team and lead faculty persons.
  • Review applications once faculty decisions are made for accuracy.
  • Update in NursingCAS and PowerCampus.
  • Ensure compliance with official transcripts and other required documents after each semester begins.
• Other (5%)
  • Perform other duties as requested by the Dean of Admission.
  • Plan and coordinate travel.
  • Participate in the enrollment planning process.
  • Working knowledge of legal and ethical issues pertaining to the admission profession and processes related to the admission of students, specifically the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
  • Support other Admission team members when needed (appointments, events, application processing).
  • Apply a ‘team approach’ mentality.

Required Skills

• Excellent organizational skills with a strong ability to meet all deadlines related to work projects with attention to detail.
• Moderate experience with spreadsheet software such as EXCEL.
• Excellent communication skills are required, including the ability to converse effectively with counselors, prospective students and family members, and other professional colleagues.
• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to organize and effectively communicate thoughts through the written word.
• Ability to read English and carry out written instructions.
• Ability to work and concentrate in a busy, multi‑tasked, multi‑faced environment.
• A courteous and professional manner is required.
• Diplomacy in dealing with conflict.
• Ability and willingness to serve as an ombudsperson for students in a crisis situation.
• Excellent attention to detail as they relate to the successful, daily operation of the Office of Admission.
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions and exercise professional judgment.
• Ability to analyze other statistical data pertaining to enrollment trends and projections.
• Ability to interact with University faculty and staff, medical center staff, prospective students and their families, and other University admission personnel.
• Ability and skill to work independently, and as part of a designated team.
• Ability and willingness to travel locally, regionally, and nationally for recruitment purposes.
• Ability to rent a car and a willingness to travel by airplane.

Preferred Skills

• Working knowledge of student information system database and operational systems (i.e. Power Campus, Webadmit, SalesForce, SharePoint, Target X, Webex, Zoom, MS Teams, Outlook).
• Knowledge of private universities/colleges. UC, CSU, community college, and K‑12 structures.
• Knowledge of SMU academic programs, student services, resources, and student recruitment strategies.
• Bilingual, Spanish speaking is desirable.

Education and/or Experience

Baccalaureate required. Demonstrated experience in student recruitment and admission required, or substantially similar work experience.

Physical Effort

Basically sedentary desk work; must be mobile. Physical ability to lift up to 20 pounds. Ability to travel.

Employee Status

Regular, Exemption Status: United States of America (Non‑Exempt). Time Type: Full time. Pay Range: Up to $30.00 hourly (non‑exempt) depending on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other relevant factors.