What are the responsibilities and job description for the Admissions Counselor / Senior Admissions Counselor position at Colorado Mesa University?
Department: Admissions
Reporting To: Assistant Director of First-year Admissions
FLSA Status: Exempt
At CMU, we believe in acting from a foundation of goodwill. This belief gives us the courage to form meaningful relationships, embark on joint endeavors and take risks in the pursuit of new possibilities. It’s this courage that enables the Mavily to explore new ways of thinking and doing, knowing that there is no perfect solution, no perfect idea.
From this place of humility and courage, we’ve built a culture of resilience. We invest in the future by continuously adapting to change, overcoming challenges, and seizing new opportunities. We recognize that change is constant, and our resilience allows us to embrace it with confidence. Endless curiosity drives us to approach the unexpected as if it were expected, seeing opportunities for discovery and renewal in every challenge. In this community rooted in love and dignity, curiosity thrives, leading to endless opportunities for growth and advancement.
Inspired by the soul of the West—the spirit that our region embodies—we emerge as a force for positive change, harnessing our collective power to build a Human Scale University that reflects our values and brings to life our shared vision of the world we aspire to create.
Colorado Mesa University Core Values
Love - Extending oneself for nurturing the growth of self and others
Dignity - Respecting the intrinsic value of each person and believing that others act from a foundation of goodwill
Courage - Taking risks in the pursuit of new possibilities
Humility - Suspending one’s ego and pride to recognize that no idea is perfect and being open to the input of others
Resiliency - Investing in the future by adapting to changes, overcoming challenges and pursuing Opportunity
Curiosity - Cultivating awe and exploring the unknown
Power -The strength to act collaboratively with individual agency to achieve our goals
At CMU, we look at every position as a seat. Every seat is vital and the individual in the seat contributes significantly to our mission of providing an affordable and accessible education and forming meaningful and mutually enriching partnerships that support the well-being and vibrancy of our community. As a human centric organization, a priority is to ensure we have the “right seats” in our organization, and that the expectations, ownership and accountabilities are defined and communicated clearly for the success of the individuals holding the seats.
OVERVIEW AND ROLE SCOPE OF TEAM AND/OR TASKS
The Admissions Counselor/Senior Admissions Counselor is based on campus in the Admissions Office and will represent Colorado Mesa University by providing future students and their families with guidance and support throughout the college admissions process. This role involves managing recruitment efforts, cultivating relationships with high schools, community organizations, and prospective students, and assisting in the development of strategies to meet enrollment goals for the region. The Admissions Counselor / Senior Admissions Counselor will also be responsible for evaluating admission applications, supporting campus-based visits and events, conducting outreach, attending off campus events, and representing CMU in a positive and professional manner.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Recruitment and Outreach
• Actively recruit future students from designated territory assignment. Primarily focus is on first-time undergraduate students but can include recruitment of transfer and adult learners.
• Build and maintain relationships with high school counselors, community colleges, local community organizations, and other key stakeholders to encourage students to consider CMU.
• Attend and represent the institution at college fairs, high school visits, community events, and other outreach opportunities within the assigned recruitment territory.
• Work with supervisor to develop and execute regional recruitment strategies to meet enrollment targets and increase awareness of the institution’s programs and offerings.
• Support campus visitation programming and admitted student events. These on campus events include but are not limited to: Mesa Experience, daily campus tours and group tours, Engineering Exploration, Explore CMU Tech, New Mav Days and Counselor Showcases.
• Support daily office functions like phone queues, staff on duty shifts and Welcome Center walk-ins.
Admissions Counseling
• Provide one-on-one counseling to future students and their families on the admissions process, including academic requirements, application procedures, financial aid, scholarships, and campus life.
• Guide students through the application process, offering advice on application materials, deadlines, and ensuring timely submission of required documents.
• Conduct informational sessions, workshops, and presentations to educate students and families about the benefits of attending the institution, its programs, and opportunities available for students.
Application Review And Evaluation
• Review and evaluate applications for admission, including academic transcripts, test scores, extracurricular involvement, personal essays, and letters of recommendation.
• Apply institutional admission policies and procedures when making admissions decisions, ensuring fair and equitable evaluation of all applicants.
• Participate in the development and updating of admissions criteria and processes, working closely with other members of the admissions team.
Customer Service And Relationship Management
• Provide excellent customer service by responding to inquiries from prospective students, parents, and high school counselors in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintain ongoing communication with prospective students throughout the admissions process, ensuring they are informed of their application status, important deadlines, and next steps.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for students in designated recruitment territory, offering support through email, phone, and in-person meetings.
Data Tracking And Reporting
• Track and report on recruitment activities, including outreach efforts, applications, and yield outcomes for the region.
• Maintain accurate records of all interactions with future students and ensure that information is entered into the admissions database.
• Establish awareness around cost effective recruitment activities. Submit travel expense reports in a timely and accurate manner.
• Provide regular reports to the Director of Admissions and other institutional stakeholders regarding recruitment efforts and regional trends.
Collaboration And Professional Development
• Work collaboratively with colleagues within the Admissions Office and across departments, including academic departments, student services, financial aid, and others, to ensure a smooth admissions process.
• Participate in regular training and professional development to stay current on admissions trends, best practices, and institutional changes.
• Engage in ongoing learning of assigned recruitment region(s), its educational landscape, and the unique needs of prospective students in this area.
SECTION III – OUR DESIRES FOR RIGHT FIT
ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE FOR RIGHT FIT
Admissions Counselor Essential Experience
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Some experience in college admissions, recruitment, or student services.
• Experience gained as a student will be considered
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with a broad audience including direct communication and public speaking in front of a large audience
• Strong ability and enthusiasm in promoting and encouraging individuals to further their education
• Proven ability to multi- task with critical deadlines with minimal or no direction
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license by date of employment
• Completed or currently pursuing a master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, or related field.
• Fluent Spanish speaker.
• Experience working with diverse student populations.
• Experience with outreach efforts and event planning.
• Knowledge of the higher education landscape, particularly in Colorado.
Senior Admissions Counselor Essential Experience
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• At least 3 years of experience in college admissions, recruitment, or student services.
• For internal candidates – highly successful completion of related roles and responsibilities, with no history of performance related issues.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with a broad audience including direct communication and public speaking in front of a large audience.
• Strong ability and enthusiasm in promoting and encouraging individuals to further their education
• Proven ability to multi- task with critical deadlines with minimal or no direction
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license by date of employment
• Completed or currently pursuing a master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, or related field.
• Fluent Spanish speaker.
• Experience working with diverse student populations.
• Experience with outreach efforts and event planning.
• Knowledge of the higher education landscape, particularly in Colorado.
Other Considerations For Admissions Counselor / Senior Admissions Counselor
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with students, families, high school counselors, and other stakeholders.
• Excellent public speaking and presentation abilities.
• Detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to evaluate academic records and make sound, fair admissions decisions.
• Familiarity with admissions software (e.g., Slate, Ellucian, or similar) and CRM tools is desirable.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
PERSONAL QUALITIES
• Strong customer service orientation and commitment to fostering positive student experiences.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Self-motivated, organized, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
• Understanding and appreciation of the value of a college education and a passion for helping students navigate the admissions process.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
DISCLAIMER - This position description is only a summary of the typical functions of this seat, and not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and areas of accountability.
DIRECT INQUIRIES CONTACT: Kayla Hallock, khallock@coloradomesa.edu
HOW TO APPLY: Applicants will be asked to complete an online application by creating a profile and then providing personal and demographic information. In addition, please be prepared to upload a:
• Cover letter
• Resume
• Include the name, phone number, email address and relationship of at least three professional references who can attest to your ability to perform the job you are applying for. Professional references should include at least one current or former supervisor. Professional reference may also include current or former employers, colleagues or other professionals who have first-hand knowledge and can recommend you for employment.
• Copy of transcripts for all degrees completed (if your transcripts include a social security number or birthdate, please redact that information before uploading the document. Official transcripts will be required upon hire)
Colorado Mesa University serves as the primary intellectual and cultural center of western Colorado and promotes the exchange of ideas that are of regional, national, and international importance. Founded in 1925, it is a dynamic university enrolling 10,000 students at the associate, baccalaureate, and graduate levels.
At the heart of the CMU experience is an integrative and experiential approach to higher education that encourages students to think differently and empowers them to challenge assumptions. CMU brings students together with expert scholars and thinkers from different disciplines to make connections between ideas and gain the skills to solve the unstructured, complex problems they will encounter in life. Our focus is on providing quality academic programs, built on a strong liberal arts core that supports students' interests and regional employment needs, as well as technical programs that respond to vocational workforce demands.
The Grand Valley is home to some of the best outdoor recreation in the state of Colorado and you will not have to fight traffic and crowds to enjoy it. CMU is surrounded by the Grand Mesa, Book Cliffs, and the Colorado National Monument. We have world-class mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, rafting, and a mountain resort that’s less than 45 minutes from campus for skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. Living and working in Grand Junction, you will be able to explore one of Colorado’s best kept secrets.
Colorado Mesa University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitment to improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented students within higher education.
Colorado Mesa University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. Applicant must be able to verify U.S. employment eligibility. Colorado Mesa University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a culturally diverse faculty, staff and student body. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact the CMU Human Resources Office by phone or email. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and the type of accommodation needed.
Salary : $49,500
