Admission Counselor

Valparaiso University; Valparaiso (IN); Hybrid; USD 44,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Valparaiso University is seeking a dedicated Undergraduate Admission Counselor to support student recruitment and retention. The counselor will manage outreach efforts, guide prospective students through the admission process, and maintain continuous communication. This position involves traveling, primarily within the United States, and offers a hybrid work model.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree and have experience in college admissions or similar fields. Exceptional communication and organizational skills are essential for fostering positive relationships with prospective students.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required.
• At least one year in college admissions or counseling.
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Implement admission strategies for prospective students.
• Conduct outreach within assigned geographic territory.
• Provide guidance through the application process.
• Evaluate applications and contribute to admission decisions.

Skills

Bachelor's degree

College admissions experience

Exceptional communication

Organizational skills

Teamwork ability

Cultural diversity commitment

Education

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

Position Description

The Undergraduate Admission Counselor plays a crucial role in supporting Valparaiso University’s growth by fostering a strong pipeline of prospective students for all undergraduate programs. This position, in collaboration with both the Associate Director and the Director of Undergraduate Admission, oversees the recruitment journey from initial inquiry to successful matriculation, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for prospective students. Hybrid work is available for this position. As the primary point of contact for prospective students, the Undergraduate Admission Counselor plays an integral role in shaping the future of Valparaiso University’s undergraduate community. The annual salary rate for this position is between $44,000 to $48,000.

Major Responsibilities

• Recruitment & Outreach:
  • Implement strategic admission initiatives to build and maintain prospective student funnels.
  • Conduct in-person and virtual outreach within an assigned geographic territory, including high school visits, college fairs, one-on-one counseling appointments, engaging presentations, and on-campus events.
• Prospective Student Support:
  • Deliver exceptional customer service, guiding prospective students and their families throughout the application and enrollment process.
  • Provide clear assistance on required documentation, admission criteria, and other enrollment considerations.
• Admission Guidance & Communication:
  • Serve as a knowledgeable resource on university offerings, effectively guiding students through their admission journey.
  • Maintain proactive, continuous communication through various channels—including email, phone, text, virtual meetings, and individual counseling—to foster meaningful student engagement and provide financial aid assistance.
• Application Review & Special Projects:
  • Evaluate applications and contribute to admission decisions, ensuring alignment with university standards. Assist in coordinating special projects that enhance recruitment and enrollment efforts.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university is required.
• At least one year of full-time experience in college admissions or counseling; OR
• At least two years of formal, structured work experience in admissions, financial aid, housing, college outreach, or a college ambassador role involving regular, direct interaction with prospective high school and/or transfer students and their families.

Other Qualifications

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional writing and verbal communication abilities, with a strong capacity to engage effectively with diverse audiences.
• Organizational & Time Management: Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and execute initiatives efficiently while maintaining attention to detail.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to work in a team-oriented environment, fostering positive relationships across departments.
• Travel Requirements: The Undergraduate Admission Counselor position requires significant domestic travel within the continental United States, with frequency depending on assigned territory. On average, counselors travel 8-10 weeks per year, primarily in the fall (6-8 weeks) and with additional travel in the spring (1-2 weeks). Employees receive comprehensive, ongoing training to support their travel responsibilities. Territory assignments are evaluated and adjusted annually by admission leadership to align with recruitment priorities.
• The successful candidate must be prepared to work weekends and evenings during peak recruitment periods and must be comfortable with travel by air and car, requiring a valid driver’s license.
• Attention to Detail: Extreme accuracy in documenting student interactions within a CRM system, ensuring consistency and precision in record-keeping.
• Technical Proficiency: Experience with CRM application management processes and systems preferred.
• Adaptability & Problem-Solving: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, quickly assimilate new information, and effectively respond to change. Must be able to multitask and prioritize tasks based on supervisory direction.
• Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: Strong dedication to cultural diversity, with the ability to engage and support individuals from varied backgrounds in an inclusive and welcoming manner.

Prospective Student Engagement (60%)

Implement targeted admission strategies to build and maintain prospective student funnels.

Conduct in-person and virtual outreach within an assigned geographic territory, including high school visits, college fairs, one-on-one counseling appointments, engaging presentations, and on-campus events.

Serve as the primary contact for prospective students and families, providing guidance through calls, emails, events, and personalized interactions.

Utilize Slate, the university’s CRM, to track engagement, plan travel, document interactions, and report activities. Database management is an essential component of successful recruitment efforts.

Perform administrative duties such as reviewing application files, monitoring applicant status, scheduling visits, and coordinating travel arrangements to ensure efficient and cost‑effective recruitment.

Territory Management & Admission Support (30%)

Build and maintain strong connections with key schools, primary contacts, and community organizations within the designated territory.

Plan and execute comprehensive recruitment travel to optimize enrollment efforts.

Deliver exceptional customer service, guiding prospective students and families through the application and enrollment process.

Provide clear assistance on documentation requirements, admission criteria, financial aid options, and other enrollment considerations.

Maintain continuous communication with students and families via email, phone, text, web‑based meetings, and one‑on‑one counseling to cultivate strong engagement and retention.

Analyze current and historical enrollment trends to identify key recruitment opportunities and refine outreach strategies.

Application Review & Special Projects (10%)

Evaluate admission applications and contribute to decision‑making processes, ensuring alignment with university standards.

Assist in coordinating special projects and recruitment initiatives to enhance student outreach and enrollment efforts.