Admissions Counselor

George Mason University; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

George Mason University is seeking an Admissions Counselor to recruit freshmen and transfer students through planned activities across assigned locations. The role requires extensive travel within the United States and involves reviewing files to make admissions decisions and serving as an on-call contact for prospective students and families.

The position also includes conducting information sessions, coordinating college fairs, and supporting marketing and communications for prospective

Qualifications

• Customer service experience
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to speak effectively to groups of varying sizes
• Demonstrated analytical thinking and problem solving
• Proficient with technology and able to learn new systems

Responsibilities

• Actively recruit freshmen and transfer students through planned recruitment activities across assigned territories
• Review applicant files and make admissions decisions in alignment with policies
• Serve as on-call contact for prospective students and families and support front-line escalations
• Conduct information sessions for prospective students and families on academics, campus life, and admissions steps
• Coordinate events, campus visits, and outreach activities in collaboration with marketing and admissions teams
• Ensure timely follow-up with prospective students and applicants throughout the cycle
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of university policies and programs

Skills

Customer service

Written & verbal communication

Public speaking

Analytical skills

Tech proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Admissions Counselor

About the Department

The Division for Enrollment Management, as part of the Office of the Provost at George Mason University, supports student recruitment, retention, and success. We develop and implement strategic enrollment management plans, create and facilitate processes, and inform policies that guide students through their academic journey from recruitment to post‑matriculation. Driven by a commitment to transparent, data‑informed decision‑making, the Division advances institutional enrollment goals through collaboration, innovation, and a student‑centered approach.

The Office of Admissions facilitates the recruitment and enrollment of freshmen, transfer, graduate, and non‑degree students in alignment with the University’s strategic plan, ensuring a diverse and successful student body that contributes to the institution’s excellence and global impact.

About the Position

The Admissions Counselor actively recruits new freshmen and transfer students by planning and executing recruitment activities in assigned locations. Extensive travel within the United States is required. This position reviews applicant files and makes appropriate admissions decisions. Serves as the on‑call person to meet with prospective students and families that walk into the office, and is the contact person for any escalations from the front‑line service team as scheduled. Conducts information sessions presented to prospective students and their families on academics, campus life, and how to apply to George Mason University. Assists in various recruitment and marketing functions, including, but not limited to, coordinating college fairs, developing campus visit experiences, staffing events, assisting in writing and coordination of print, email, web‑based, and social media communications and marketing for prospective students and other primary audiences.

This position requires frequent evening and weekend work.

Responsibilities

• Actively recruits new freshman and transfer students by conducting recruitment activities in assigned territories:
  • Contacts and travels to schools or community colleges
  • Meets with prospective students and their families
  • Conducts presentations that highlight George Mason University
  • Schedules and conducts high school visits and college fairs
  • Manages university funds responsibly
  • Engages in appropriate follow‑up activities with prospective students and applicants encountered during the recruitment cycle (both freshmen and transfers)
  • Remains up to date on all relevant information/policies about the institution
• Reviews freshmen undergraduate applicant files and makes appropriate admissions decisions in the student database following established policies and procedures:
  • Handles a caseload of approximately 3,000 freshmen applicant files
  • Periodically supports review of transfer, non‑degree, and/or graduate applicants, as needed
  • Serves as an active and committed member of the admissions committee
• Participates in day‑to‑day operational activities and processes of the admissions office including, "Counselor of the Day (COD)", "Office of Transfer Services (OTS)", and "Informational Officer of the Day (IOD)"
• Conducts prospective student information sessions several times per month, or as assigned
• Staffs and attends all admissions‑sponsored events and assists with planning and logistics as assigned
• Brainstorms and assists in coordination of all plans related to specific individual responsibilities detailed in the primary purpose of the position
• Attends to and completes all tasks assigned in a timely and reasonable fashion
• Builds and improves upon existing resources and processes related to assigned projects
• Participates in marketing related activities in conjunction with the Office of Integrated Enrollment Marketing and the Office of Admissions, on an as‑needed basis, or as assigned
• Reviews, edits, and contributes content related to prospective and admitted undergraduate students
• Provides admissions‑specific information and customer service
• Performs other job‑related duties as assigned
• Efficiently and conscientiously performs specific tasks as directed

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, or any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in related field
• Demonstrated customer service experience
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to speak effectively in front of large and small group situations
• Demonstrated analytical skills
• Proficient with technology and able to learn new systems
• Ability to work effectively and respectfully with diverse populations
• Ability to handle sensitive and/or confidential information and situations
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize projects often working on multiple projects concurrently and adhering to tight deadlines
• Ability to perform work with substantial attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively as part of a fast‑paced, collaborative team environment
• Must currently possess an appropriate, active, valid motor vehicle operator’s license that meets all of GMU’s requirements for operating state vehicles and equipment under Mason’s Vehicle Use Policy 1411 https://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/policies/vehicle-use/. The Office of Risk Management reserves the right to review the driver’s licenses and Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) of all candidates selected with employment contingent upon a favorable review

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working in an office setting
• Experience in higher education with knowledge of the admissions process
• Previous experience with Ellucian Banner software
• Experience with Salesforce customer relationship management (CRM) software
• Familiarity with Mason’s physical campus and surrounding area
• Familiarity with Mason’s diverse population, admissions processes, campus offerings for students, and campus events
• Bilingual

Instructions to Applicants

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Admissions Counselor at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume.

Posting Open Date

July 20, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by

July 31, 2026

Open Until Filled

Yes