Admissions Counselor, Graduate & Continuing Studies

Olivet Nazarene University; Bourbonnais (IL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Olivet Nazarene University seeks an Admissions Counselor for Graduate and Continuing Studies to guide prospective students through the enrollment journey, from inquiry to enrollment. You will build relationships, provide personalized support, and work with Financial Aid and Academic Departments to meet enrollment goals.

The role emphasizes strong communication, customer service, and data accuracy across university systems, with occasional evenings and weekends for events and outreach.

Qualifications

• Demonstrate strong verbal, written, and telephone communication skills.
• Provide exceptional admissions counseling and customer service across channels.
• Maintain accurate recruitment and enrollment data in university systems.

Responsibilities

• Guide prospective students through the enrollment journey from inquiry to enrollment.
• Build relationships with prospective students and convert inquiries into enrolled students.
• Collaborate with Online Advising, Academic Departments, Financial Aid, and Enrollment Management to ensure a seamless enrollment experience.
• Meet and exceed enrollment goals and KPIs through proactive recruitment strategies.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Customer service

Relationship-building

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM platforms

Job description

As a Christian university, Olivet Nazarene University exists to provide an education with a Christian purpose. We value diversity as a means to enrich and deepen the educational experience, both inside and outside the classroom and online. We are committed to recruit and retain mission-aligned faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. We strive to be a more inclusive community as we seek to understand and celebrate our unique experiences and perspectives.

The Admissions Counselor serves as a primary ambassador for the University's Graduate and Continuing Studies programs by guiding prospective students through every stage of the enrollment journey. This position is responsible for developing relationships with prospective students, converting inquiries into enrolled students, and supporting the University's strategic enrollment goals in a Christ-centered environment.

GENERAL DUTIES:

1. Demonstrate strong verbal, written, and telephone communication skills while representing the University professionally in all interactions with prospective students, applicants, partners, and internal stakeholders.
2. Communicate the mission, vision, and values of Olivet Nazarene University to prospective students.
3. Provide exceptional admissions counseling and customer service through phone, email, text, virtual meetings, and in-person interactions while delivering a positive and responsive prospective student experience.
4. Build meaningful relationships with prospective students and guide them through the admissions process from inquiry to enrollment while removing barriers and providing personalized support.
5. Maintain accurate recruitment and enrollment data within university systems and ensure timely follow-up with prospective students.
6. Demonstrate flexibility by adapting to changing enrollment priorities while providing exceptional service to graduate and online student populations.
7. Participate in recruitment events, information sessions, virtual presentations, and partnership activities as assigned.
8. Meet and consistently exceed individual enrollment goals, conversion benchmarks, and key performance indicators through proactive recruitment strategies and effective student engagement.
9. Collaborate with Online Advising, Academic Departments, Financial Aid, and Enrollment Management to provide a seamless student enrollment experience.
10. Contribute to year-over-year Graduate and Continuing Studies enrollment growth through strategic outreach, lead cultivation, and relationship management.
11. Maintain consistent communication with prospective students through multiple communication channels, ensuring timely responses and a high level of customer satisfaction.
12. Support strategic enrollment initiatives and perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the Director of Recruitment and/or Executive Director of Enrollment Management.

ESSENTIALFUNCTIONS

1. Exhibit exceptional organizational skills while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
2. Handle confidential student and institutional information with professionalism and discretion.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office, CRM platforms, student information systems, and other university software applications.
4. Provide exceptional customer service while demonstrating initiative, professionalism, and sound judgment.
5. Maintain the flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends to support recruitment events and enrollment activities.
6. Work independently while contributing collaboratively to departmental and institutional enrollment goals.
7. Analyze recruitment activity and enrollment data to prioritize follow-up efforts and improve conversion outcomes.
8. Demonstrate resilience and persistence in achieving recruitment and enrollment objectives while maintaining a positive, student-focused approach.
9. Exhibit ONU's "Ideal Team Player" characteristics by being Hungry, Humble, and Smart while contributing to a collaborative work environment.

SUPERVISORYRESPONSIBILITIES

None.

1. Commitment to the mission, faith, and lifestyle expectations of Olivet Nazarene University. ONU Statement of Mission, Faith, and Lifestyle Covenant.
2. Excellent interpersonal, presentation, and relationship-buildingskills.
3. Strong written and verbal communicationabilities.
4. Exceptional customer service and student-centeredmindset.
5. Strong organizational, project management, and time managementskills.
6. Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention todetail.
7. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, CRM platforms, and student informationsystems.
8. Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with external educational partners.

EDUCATION

1. Candidate must have an earned bachelor’sdegree.
2. Experience in higher education admissions, recruitment, or enrollment managementpreferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Twelve-month work year. Flexible hours required to accommodate recruitment of adult students. Hourly wage, and fringe benefits to be established by the University.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

The salary for this position is $20.50/hour. Considerations will be made for relevant experience and educational background.