Admissions Advisor I

Columbia Southern University; Orange Beach (AL); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia Southern University in Orange Beach, AL is seeking an Admissions Advisor I to be the first contact for prospective online students. You will guide applicants toward educational goals, handle high-volume calls, and navigate CRM systems to ensure timely follow-up.

This onsite role requires excellent communication, accuracy, and teamwork. Remote Fridays with a Saturday rotation are part of the schedule.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience in high-volume customer service or admissions preferred.
• Experience working with multiple CRM systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Engage with prospective students to discuss degree options, program requirements, and enrollment timelines.
• Manages high-volume inbound and outbound calls, emails, texts, chats, and other channels with timely follow-up.
• Provides information on application steps, enrollment procedures, class schedules, and university policies while maintaining customer service.
• Assists prospective students in completing applications and preparing for enrollment.
• Uses and updates multiple CRM systems and internal databases to maintain accurate records.
• Collaborate with other university departments to support student needs and ensure a seamless admissions experience.
• Maintains availability for scheduled appointments and call rotation while responding promptly to communications.

Skills

High-Volume Communication

Problem Solving

Quality & Accuracy

Dependability

Adaptability

Time Management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Blackboard

Job description

Department:Admissions
Reports to:Admissions Supervisor
FLSA:Non-Exempt
Hours:Monday–Thursday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (onsite), Friday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (remote) with a scheduled Saturday rotation
Location:Orange Beach, AL

Job Summary

The Admissions Advisor I serves as the first point of contact for prospective online students and plays a critical role in guiding them toward achieving their educational goals. This position requires exceptional communication skills, the ability to manage a heavy volume of inbound and outbound calls, and proficiency in navigating multiple CRM systems to ensure accurate and timely follow-up.

(Additional duties may be assigned.)

• Engage with prospective students to discuss degree options, program requirements, and timelines for enrollment based on their educational and professional goals.
• Manages high-volume inbound and outbound calls, emails, texts, chats, and other communication channels, ensuring timely follow-up on all inquiries.
• Provides clear, accurate information regarding application steps, enrollment procedures, class schedules, and university policies while maintaining exceptional customer service.
• Assists prospective students in completing applications and preparing for successful enrollment.
• Utilizes and updates multiple CRM systems and internal databases to maintain accurate records, including contact details, academic history, interaction notes, and required documentation.
• Collaborate with other university departments to support student needs and ensure seamless admissions experience.
• Maintains consistent availability for scheduled appointments and the call rotation while responding promptly to internal and external communications.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge

• English Language:Strong grammar, composition, and professional communication.
• Computer Skills:Proficiency with basic computer processes, including word processing, email, and web browsing.
• Microsoft Office:Experience with Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• CRM Systems:Ability to work within multiple CRM platforms, track interactions, and manage student data efficiently.
• Customer Service:Understanding of quality service principles, needs assessment, and customer satisfaction practices.
• Clerical Practices:Knowledge of administrative procedures, file management, and record-keeping.

Skills

• High-Volume Communication:Comfortable handling a large volume of calls and messages across various communication channels.
• Problem Solving:Ability to analyze information, identify issues, and resolve concerns in a timely and professional manner.
• Quality & Accuracy:Strong attention to detail with commitment to improving processes and ensuring accuracy in student records.
• Dependability:Reliable, punctual, accountable, and committed to meeting deadlines and departmental goals.
• Adaptability:Able to adjust to changing priorities, processes, and student needs while maintaining composure.
• Time Management:Efficiently manages workload, prioritizes tasks, and meets productivity expectations.

Abilities

• Written & Oral Expression & Comprehension:Ability to clearly interpret and communicate information in writing. Strong speaking and listening skills with the ability to explain complex information in an accessible way.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required;bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience inhigh-volume customer service, call centers, enrollment/admissions, or similar roles preferred.
• Experience working withmultiple CRM systemspreferred.

Equipment & Software Used

• Office equipment such as computers, telephones, printers, copiers, and fax machines.
• Software including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Blackboard, and internal CRM/database platforms.
• Secure, reliable internet connection required for remote workdays.

Work is performed onsite in a traditional office setting. Remote workdays require a dedicated workspace free from noise and distractions. Employees may work in an environment with fluorescent lighting. Reasonable accommodations may be provided as needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not include supervisory responsibilities.

Pay Transparency Statement

In accordance with applicable state and local pay transparency laws, applicants who reside in a jurisdiction with designated pay transparency requirements and for whom this position is available on a remote basis may be entitled to receive additional information regarding the compensation range and benefits associated with this role. Such information will be provided upon request, as required by law. Please contact [e-mail].