Admissions Counselor - Graduate Admissions - 996889

Nova Southeastern University; Fort Lauderdale (FL); On-site; USD 42,300 - 51,700; Full time

Job summary

Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is seeking a dedicated individual to support the graduate admissions process. This role involves managing inquiries and applicants, ensuring efficient communication and compliance with admissions policies.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree, a year of experience in student services, and strong communication skills in both English and Spanish. This position includes a competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of digital and web-based communication tools.
• Understanding principles for providing responsive and respectful service.
• Clear and professional communication in English.

Responsibilities

• Manage inquiries and applicants from application through admissions decision.
• Conduct outbound communication via phone, email, and virtual channels.
• Review applicants for eligibility and provide accurate advisement on requirements.

Skills

Service Orientation

Active Listening

Critical Thinking

Speaking

Reading Comprehension

Social Perceptiveness

Judgment and Decision Making

Self-Direction

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Details

Job Category: Exempt

Hiring Range: $47,000.00

Pay Basis: Annually

Subject to Grant Funding? No

Is this a safety sensitive position? No

Primary Purpose

Supports the graduate admissions process by providing accurate information and guidance to prospective applicants from inquiry through admissions decision, ensuring timely application review and consistent communication in accordance with institutional policies.

Essential Job Functions

1. Manages a defined portfolio of inquiries and applicants from inquiry through admissions decision
2. Monitors application status and supports applicant progress through established admissions stages based on readiness and application status
3. Conducts inbound and outbound communication across all channels (phone, email, text, virtual)
4. Maintains consistent communication cadence and documents all activity in CRM
5. Identifies stalled applicants and conducts appropriate follow‑up in accordance with admissions policies
6. Ensures all inquiries are assigned a final disposition by the end of each term with accurate reasoning
7. Ensures all applicants receive a final decision prior to the start of term
8. Conducts applicant review for eligibility, including GPA, prerequisites, and program fit
9. Reviews “ready‑for‑review” applicants within established timeframes
10. Provides accurate advisement on admissions requirements, program fit, and next steps
11. Collaborates with Admissions Services Representatives to support file readiness
12. Supports follow‑up activities and admitted applicant communications
13. Participates in events, presentations, and cross‑functional outreach and recruitment activities to provide program information
14. Provides feedback on process bottlenecks and applicant trends
15. Maintains data integrity and confidentiality across all systems
16. Completes special projects as assigned
17. Performs other duties as assigned or required

Job Requirements

• Required Knowledge
  1. Digital Media – Working knowledge of digital and web‑based communication tools and platforms used to share accurate, consistent, and accessible information with prospective and current applicants through approved digital channels.
  2. Customer and Personal Service – Working knowledge of principles and processes for providing responsive, respectful, and student‑centered service, including needs assessment, adherence to service quality standards, and evaluation of user experience for continuous improvement.
  3. English Language – General knowledge of the structure and content of the English language sufficient to communicate clearly and professionally in written and verbal formats.
  4. Communications and Outreach – Working knowledge of methods for clearly describing academic programs, admissions requirements, and institutional services in a factual, accurate, and compliant manner to support informed decision‑making.
  5. Office Technology – General knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, and Excel) for routine communication, documentation, and data entry.
• Required Skills
  1. Service Orientation – Basic skill in proactively identifying ways to assist applicants and colleagues in navigating processes and resolving routine questions.
  2. Active Listening – Basic skill in giving full attention to others, understanding communicated information, asking clarifying questions when appropriate, and responding thoughtfully and respectfully.
  3. Critical Thinking – Basic skill in using logic and reasoning to evaluate information, identify issues, and assess appropriate next steps within established policies and procedures.
  4. Speaking – Conveying information clearly and professionally to individuals or groups through verbal communication.
  5. Reading Comprehension – Proficient ability to understand written sentences, paragraphs, and work‑related documents, including policies and program materials.
  6. Social Perceptiveness – Basic skill in recognizing others’ reactions and adjusting communication approaches appropriately while maintaining professionalism and consistency.
  7. Judgment and Decision Making – Basic skill in considering relevant information, institutional guidelines, and potential impacts when selecting appropriate actions or escalating issues as needed.
  8. Self‑Direction – Basic skill in managing assigned responsibilities independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.
• Required Abilities
  1. Deductive Reasoning – Ability to apply established rules, guidelines, and criteria to specific situations to reach appropriate and consistent conclusions.
  2. Problem Sensitivity – Ability to recognize when an issue exists or may arise and determine when follow‑up or escalation is required.
  3. Inductive Reasoning – Ability to synthesize information from multiple sources to identify patterns, trends, or common issues that may inform process improvements.
• Physical Requirements
  1. Speech Recognition – Must be able to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  2. Speech Clarity – Must be able to communicate verbally in a clear manner so others can understand instructions and information.
  3. Near Vision – Must be able to see details at close range for reading documents and using computer screens.
  4. Work Schedule – May be required to work nights or weekends as operational needs require.
  5. Travel – Must be able to travel locally and/or overnight as required for job duties.
  6. Physical Activity – May experience short, intermittent, or prolonged periods of sitting and/or standing while performing job responsibilities.
  7. Equipment Use – Must be required to perform job duties using standard office equipment and supplies, including computers, mobile devices, keyboards, and writing instruments.
  8. Lifting – Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
  9. Transportation – Must possess a valid driver’s license and have reliable local transportation.
• Required Certifications/Licensures Valid Driver’s License.
• Required Education Bachelor's Degree.
• Required Experience One (1) year of student services‑related experience.
• Preferred Qualifications Bilingual (English & Spanish).
• Background Screening Required No.

Pre‑Employment Conditions

No pre‑employment conditions listed.

Sensitivity Disclaimer

Nova Southwestern University is in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and does not discriminate with regard to applicants or employees with disabilities and will make reasonable accommodation when necessary.

Equal Opportunity Employer

NSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status or any other legally protected status.