Admissions Counselor

University of Massachusetts Amherst; Amherst (MA); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking an Admissions Counselor for the College of Nursing. In this role, you will develop and execute strategies to attract and engage prospective students and manage the recruitment lifecycle from outreach to matriculation.

This full-time position requires strong communication and organizational skills, as well as a Bachelor's degree. The role supports a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for flexibility in work location.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; experience not mandatory.
• High level of written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to influence diverse stakeholders, including potential students.

Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach to promote nursing programs.
• Serve as primary contact for prospective students.
• Manage CRM system for lead tracking.

Skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder influence

Organizational skills

Project management

Technical aptitude

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Suite

Google Suite

Job description

Job Summary
The Admissions Counselor is responsible for developing, managing, and executing strategies to attract, engage, and convert prospective students for the College of Nursing's U+/Flex programs. This role oversees the full recruitment lifecycle – from initial outreach through matriculation – by combining relationship‑building, data‑driven lead management, and strategic use of CRM systems. The position serves as a primary point of contact for prospective students while collaborating closely with academic and administrative partners to align recruitment efforts with program goals.

Title: Admissions Counselor

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: College of Nursing

Department: Dean - College of Nursing

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

This is a two year, term‑limited position. Continuation of this position is contingent upon funding.

Recruitment & Outreach

• Conduct targeted outreach to high schools, colleges, community organizations, and other relevant networks to generate prospective student interest in nursing programs.
• Organize and participate in recruitment events, including college fairs, campus visits, information sessions, and virtual engagements.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with guidance counselors, community partners, and other stakeholders to enhance program visibility and referral pipelines.
• Represent the College at on‑ and off‑campus events, effectively communicating program benefits, outcomes, and career opportunities in nursing.

Prospective Student Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective students, providing personalized guidance throughout the inquiry, application, and enrollment process.
• Respond promptly to prospective student inquiries across multiple communication channels, including phone, email, text, virtual platforms, and social media.
• Advise students on program options, admission requirements, financial aid, scholarships, and career pathways.
• Connect prospective students with faculty, program staff, and additional resources as appropriate to support application completion and enrollment.

Lead Management & CRM Strategy

• Manage and cultivate qualified leads, converting prospects into applicants and ultimately enrolled students.
• Utilize and continuously optimize the College's CRM system to track, monitor and analyze the prospective student pipeline from advertisement responses or initial inquiry through matriculation.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive records of recruitment activities, communications, and enrollment outcomes.
• Identify trends and key opportunities within CYM data to improve communication strategies, student engagement, and conversion rates.

Data Analysis & Strategic Planning

• Analyze recruitment and enrollment data to inform decision‑making, including marketing strategies, communication plans, and resource allocation.
• Recommend effective use of marketing resources and student support funding (e.g., scholarships, fee waivers, work‑study) to maximize yield.
• Track and evaluate the effectiveness of recruitment initiatives and adjust strategies to improve outcomes.

Collaboration & Program Alignment

• Partner with Academic Affairs and Program Directors to maintain current knowledge of program offerings, admissions goals, and ideal student profiles.
• Ensure accurate, consistent, and timely information is communicated to prospective students.
• Support the development and execution of communication plans, recruitment workflows, and event coordination.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of recruitment processes, systems, and team operations.

Professional Knowledge

• Stay informed on trends in nursing education, workforce demands, and higher education recruitment practices to effectively advise students and refine strategies.

Other Functions

• Perform related duties as assigned or required to meet department, executive area/division, and university goals and objectives.
• Understand responsibilities with respect to Title IX, Clery, and other compliance requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree. Experience not required.
• High level of written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to effectively influence stakeholders of various levels including potential students, faculty, and administration.
• Ability to quantify results within and across functions.
• Ability to exercise discretion and confidentiality when interacting with students and faculty to include a diverse population.
• Ability to work both independently and to be part of an effective team with a highly cooperative and collaborative work style.
• Strong organizational and planning skills including project management skills.
• High technical aptitude including the ability to use computer‑based registration and academic records technology.
• Ability and willingness to learn SPIRE, Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, CRM systems, appointment calendaring systems.
• Knowledge and understanding of the student lifecycle and lead management best practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated customer service experience and enthusiasm.

Additional Details

This is a two year, term‑limited position. Continuation of this position is contingent upon funding.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday through Friday. This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 25. Click here to view the Professional Staff Hiring Ranges.

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.