Southern California Admissions Recruiter (Remote)

University of California Merced; California; Remote; USD 63,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California Merced is seeking an Admissions Advisor to lead recruitment efforts for prospective freshmen in the Southern California region. The role involves extensive travel, coordinating visits to high schools and college fairs, and guiding applicants through the enrollment process.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree, a valid US driver's license, and at least three years in a related field, with strong communication and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a related field.
• Valid US Driver's License required.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a directly related field.
• Knowledge of admissions processes and college recruitment.
• Experience with travel scheduling and coordinating events.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage visits from educators and other stakeholders to UC Merced.
• Identify prospective students and provide information about admissions and financial aid.
• Explain admissions requirements, prerequisite courses and program opportunities.
• Evaluate transcripts and junior/senior level records for eligibility and readiness.
• Coordinate on- and off-campus recruitment events and yield activities.
• Use enrollment tools to research and develop recruitment strategies.

Skills

Public speaking

Writing

Organizational skills

Travel coordination

Team player

Independent worker

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Salesforce

TargetX

College Board

Job description

Job ID

89587

Location

Merced

Employment Type

Full Time

Salary Range

The salary range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $63,405 - $67,000.

Job Closing Date

Initial applicant review will begin on or around November 4, 2026. Posting may close any time after the review date.

This position is represented by the bargaining unit UAW - SV.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position is fully remote but will be required to reside and travel around the Southern California region.

About UC Merced

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,600 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

About the Job

The Admissions Advisor is responsible for all aspects regarding the recruitment of prospective freshmen (knowledge of transfer recruitment helpful but not required) in an assigned territory. This position will need to live in Southern California, specifically in or around Los Angeles and will be responsible for recruitment in this territory. As territory manager, Admissions Advisor establishes a strategic approach with the guidance of the senior team to ensure all targeted high school are visited, college fairs and other recruitment events are attended and evaluated while following up with all prospects in regard to the application process and steps that lead to enrollment. Extensive travel is required. The applicant is also required to read applications and conduct yield events in the spring.

Key Responsibilities

• Plans and manages visits from educators, professionals, administrators and other assigned student affiliated professionals to the university. Plans visits to schools, schedules and makes presentations, interviews, and follow-up visits.
• Identifies potential students, and provides information about higher education generally and UC specifically. Specializes in targeted recruitment including but not limited to high achievers, majors, regions, unrepresented populations and other groups identified by the director
• Provides in-depth information on admissions requirements, prerequisite courses, school/college programs and curricula, specific financial aid criteria, and career opportunities in person, online and via webinars
• Evaluates transcripts and international records for eligibility. Screens applicants for school/college/department faculty. Using extensive knowledge of college/school/department requirements and applicant pool, assesses the applicants' overall record and experience for final admissions determination and recommendation. Assesses applicants for motivation, initiative, leadership potential, work/life experience, extracurricular activities, socioeconomic status, disability, and educational/personal hardship
• Assist in coordinating and participating in on and off-campus student recruitment, yeild events and campaigns
• Uses enrollment management tools to research, develop strategies for recruitment- yield of students. Prepares reports and provides recommendations for new recruitment initiatives.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in related field from an accredited institution.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid US Drivers License.

Experience

• Minimum 3 years experience in directly related field.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge and experience working with a diverse student population. Preferred
• High level of organizational and self-starting skills. Preferred
• Thorough and comprehensive knowledge of academic programs, including curricula, admissions requirements, and financial aid programs, at colleges/universities and specifically at UC, and/or specific colleges and schools. Preferred
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with schools, universities, community organizations, and other institutions. Preferred
• Excellent Communication skills, including public speaking and writing.
• Knowledgeable of recruitment and outreach tools such as Salesforce, TargetX, and College Board.
• Experience in managing a travel schedule.
• Experience being a part of a team.
• Experience working independently.

Background Check

Background check required. This position will be required to complete all pre-employment requirements, including a background investigation, the University's credentialing process, and verification of licensure and/or certification through the appropriate California licensing or certifying board(s), as applicable.

Policy Statement

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy: The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify: All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/