Admissions Counselor

Alma College; Alma (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Alma College is seeking an Admissions Counselor to recruit primarily first-year students. You will visit high schools, advise prospective students and families on admission requirements, evaluate applications, and promote enrollment through undergraduate recruitment initiatives.

The role requires extensive travel, evening and weekend availability, strong communication skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of the Admissions team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; experience in higher education preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; public speaking and relationship-building.
• Independent judgment and ability to work autonomously and on a team.

Responsibilities

• Travel extensively to promote Alma College and meet enrollment goals.
• Schedule high school and community visits and coordinate pre-visit communications.
• Evaluate applications and provide admission recommendations for assigned students.
• Counsel prospective students and families on programs, scholarships, and student life.
• Present to groups of students, families, counselors, and partners.
• Build relationships with high school counselors and community organizations.
• Utilize social media and technology to share information with prospective students.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Public speaking

Written communication

Independent judgment

Technology proficiency

Self-starter

Driver's license

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Video conferencing tools

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is responsible for the recruitment of students, primarily first year. Admissions Counselors are primarily responsible for visiting high schools, advising prospective students and their families on admission to Alma College, evaluating applications for admission, encouraging enrollment and other general Admissions Office activities, and will thoroughly engage in undergraduate recruitment efforts through actively communicating the benefits of an Alma College education to prospective students, their parents, counselors, and other community organizations.

Supervision Received/Exercised

This position reports to to the Director of Recruitment and has no supervisory responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Travel extensively, including weeknights and weekends to promote Alma College to prospective students to meet enrollment goals.
• Schedule visits to high schools and community-based organizations.
• Coordinate pre-visit calls and correspondence, make travel arrangements, conduct information sessions, and follow up with students, faculty, and staff contacted during visits via phone calls, letters, and email.
• Manage and develop recruitment strategies in conjunction with overall recruitment goals; review and analyze data to determine schools, fairs, and events to attend/visit; and review and analyze data to effectively recruit students to meet enrollment goals.
• Evaluate applications and supporting documents in making admission recommendations for a specified group of students.
• Counsel, advise, and maintain positive contact with prospective students and their families regarding all aspects of Alma including academic programs, admissions requirements, scholarships, and student life.
• Present to large and small groups of prospective students, families, high school counselors and educational partners.
• Establish and maintain relationships with high school guidance counselors and community-based organizations in assigned regions.
• Utilize technology effectively, including social media, to disseminate information to prospective students and to enhance the efficient functioning of the Admissions team.
• Conduct interviews and information sessions on and off campus for prospective students, families, high school visits and special guests.
• Participate and assist with event planning in support of recruitment and yield events.
• Assist admissions team in secondary duties (phone & email).
• Submit timely expense reports and tracking expenditures.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a preference for a minimum of one (1) year of experience in a professional work setting, ideally in higher education.
• Excellent interpersonal skills that include professional and motivational communication, public speaking, and relationship building.
• Excellent and professional verbal and written communication skills.
• Significant level of independent judgment and autonomy regarding work planning and project completion.
• Must be available to work evenings, nights and weekends for recruitment travel activities throughout the year.
• Proficient understanding of technology and computer systems to include Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams), and other Microsoft applications including presentation and web/video conferencing tools.
• Must be a self-starter with ability to work independently and on a team.
• A valid driver's license with a good driving record and reliable vehicle.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with underrepresented, first-generation, Pell-eligible, and diverse populations.

Alma College is classified as a selective Baccalaureate College: Diverse Fields by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Alma is committed to academic excellence and the development of responsible leaders; our students thrive on challenging academic programs in a supportive, small-college environment emphasizing active, collaborative learning and close student-faculty interaction. Alma is a private Phi Beta Kappa institution located in the center of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

Alma College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty, staff, and student body.

Alma College recognizes that we are all transformed when we celebrate and value the varied identities, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives in our campus community. We are committed to recognizing and removing barriers to success and providing equitable access to opportunities through education and advocacy. In our increasingly diverse campus and world, we pledge to create a climate where everyone is safe and free to grow intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally.