Graduate Enrollment Counselor

Northwest University's College Of Business; Kirkland (WA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwest University is seeking a Graduate Enrollment Counselor to connect prospective graduate students with NU's programs across the School of Education, School of Business, College of Ministry, and Center for Leadership Studies. You will guide inquiry-to-enrollment with personalized communication and build relationships with schools, churches, and business communities.

This on-campus, full-time role requires evenings and weekends and some travel.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in higher education admissions, graduate enrollment, sales, marketing, or related field.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships across diverse contexts including K–12, faith communities, and business environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including presentation/public speaking skills.
• Highly organized, self-directed, able to manage a complex funnel across multiple programs.
• Familiarity with Salesforce or comparable CRM; proficient with MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary enrollment counselor for graduate programs across multiple schools.
• Develop and manage a prospective student funnel from inquiry to enrollment using Salesforce.
• Build relationships with schools, churches, and business leaders to generate qualified leads.
• Represent Northwest University at recruitment events, graduate fairs, and community events.
• Conduct individual advising meetings to navigate program fit, admissions steps, and financial aid.
• Promote Graduate Information Sessions and other enrollment events to guide students from curiosity to commitment.
• Collaborate with faculty and marketing to communicate program value and develop targeted recruitment strategies.
• Advise on website updates, digital campaigns, and promotional materials for graduate audiences.

Skills

Relationship building

Public speaking

Organizational skills

Evening/weekend availability

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Tools

Salesforce

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Northwest University Enrollment Team is looking for a credible, goal-oriented, and people-first professional to serve as a Graduate Enrollment Counselor. This role is a key connector between prospective graduate students and the transformative programs offered across multiple schools at Northwest University, including the School of Education, School of Business, College of Ministry, and Center for Leadership Studies.

As a primary point of contact for prospective graduate students, the counselor must clearly communicate the value of an NU education, build meaningful relationships with schools, churches, and business communities, and guide students from first inquiry through enrollment. This position is also a collaborative partner with NPP and online undergraduate admissions, contributing to recruitment activities for those programs.

This is a full-time, 1.0 FTE position, fully on-campus role. Some evening and weekend availability is required. Travel, including overnight travel, is expected.

Essential Functions

• Serve as the primary enrollment counselor for graduate programs across the School of Education, School of Business, College of Ministry, and Center for Leadership Studies.
• Develop and manage a prospective student funnel from first inquiry through confirmed enrollment, using Salesforce to track and maintain consistent, personalized communication via phone, email, SMS, and other channels.
• Build and sustain relationships with K–12 schools, district offices, churches, business leaders, and Christian organizations to generate qualified leads for graduate programs.
• Represent Northwest University at recruitment events, graduate fairs, church gatherings, business community events, and professional networks to increase visibility and enrollment interest.
• Conduct individual advising meetings with prospective students to help them navigate program fit, the application process, and financial aid.
• Promote and facilitate attendance at Graduate Information Sessions and other enrollment-oriented events, guiding students from curiosity to commitment.
• Partner with graduate faculty, school deans, and program staff to stay current on program offerings and effectively communicate their value to prospective students.
• Collaborate with the Admissions team and NU Marketing to develop and execute targeted recruitment strategies for each graduate program area.
• Advise on website updates, digital campaigns, various social media platforms, and promotional materials relevant to graduate audiences.
• Support coordination of Graduate Information Sessions and virtual events; serve as a presenter and student engagement point of contact.
• Facilitate student readiness to begin their program, including completion of admissions requirements, institutional onboarding, and warm handoff to the appropriate academic advisor or program coordinator.
• Participate in BA-to-MA graduate pathway advising where applicable (e.g., BA to MIT, MBA and/or MAMLT pathways).

NPP and Online Admissions Support

• Represent NU at off-campus recruitment events including high school visits, college fairs, community colleges, and church outreach, contributing to undergraduate enrollment goals, specifically for NPP and online programs.
• Contribute to NPP events, such as conferences and virtual gatherings, that support current and prospective partners.
• Support on-campus and virtual enrollment events such as campus visit days, open houses, and orientation programming.
• Assist with travel recruitment during peak admission seasons as directed by the admissions leadership team.
• Collaborate with NPP and online enrollment personnel to recruit prospective students and assist throughout the enrollment process.

Other

• Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

Education/Experience/Skills

• Preference for prior experience in higher education admissions, graduate enrollment, sales, marketing, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships across diverse professional contexts, including K–12 education, faith communities, and business environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong presentation and public speaking ability.
• Highly organized, self-directed, and able to manage a complex funnel of prospects across multiple programs simultaneously.
• Preference in familiarity with Salesforce or comparable CRM; comfort with Microsoft Office Suite.
• General knowledge of graduate enrollment processes.
• Enthusiasm for working with adult learners and an understanding of the motivations and barriers specific to graduate enrollment.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and adapt to a dynamic enrollment environment.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed to serve prospective students and attend events.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for regional travel.
• Demonstrates commitment to maintaining a safe work environment free of harassment, violence, and unlawful discrimination.
• Ability to communicate effectively, get along well with co-workers, and engage professionally with colleagues, students, and community partners.
• Work is primarily performed indoors, with regular off-campus travel for recruitment and outreach.
• Some evening and weekend availability required.
• Travel, including overnight travel, is required during peak recruitment seasons.
• Position works with strictly confidential student information.
• Frequently required to be in front of a computer screen for extended periods.

Physical Demands

Functions are usually performed while sitting but may involve standing, walking, and carrying materials (max. 25 lbs.). This role requires the ability to see, hear, and speak clearly, as well as to perform repetitive hand and wrist motions.

Compensation

Based on education and experience, the position has a hiring range of $22.11/hour to $23.55/hour plus excellent benefits.

Lifestyle Standards

Recognize, understand, and agree to live by the spiritual, moral, and ethical standards of Northwest University, as outlined in the Employee Manual.

Northwest University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability in admissions and access to, employment, or treatment in its programs or activities. Northwest University is an "At Will" employer.