Admissions Counselor

This position’s primary responsibility is to work to promote the University, to assist undergraduate and graduate students as they evaluate and apply to the University, and take part in the admissions decision-making process. Recruitment, outreach and advising are functions of this position. The incumbent will have the capability to learn and implement admission and enrollment management best practices, office operations, University product knowledge, and effective sales and service techniques. This position requires an individual with a friendly, engaging personality who is enthusiastic, has a positive attitude and a passion for the work. The candidate must also be customer service-oriented, with persistence, commitment, and the ability to motivate others.

• Effectively manage a territory or recruitment plan by analyzing data to determine which high schools, fairs, and students to strategically target and which territorial and recruitment strategies will be most effective in each market. Meet goals and objectives for recruitment. Identify and cultivate relationships with internal and external constituencies during interactions both on and off campus.
• Represent the University and conduct extensive outreach both on-campus and off-campus to prospective students, parents/family, secondary and independent school counselors, community college counselors, and other individuals or organizations involved in the college and graduate school selection process.
• Assist with the planning and implementation of on campus and off campus recruitment activities. Coordinate and contribute to the success of various student-visit programs designed to recruit targeted prospective applicants to the University.
• Counsel prospective applicants on the admissions process and opportunities at the University. One-on-one admissions counseling to diverse populations is an important responsibility of this position. Admissions counseling occurs primarily in person on campus and at high school, community college, and other location visits and college fairs and graduate school recruitment events and also through telephone calls, emails, and texts.
• Clearly, accurately, and enthusiastically articulate information about the University and its programs, admissions criteria, financial aid, and student life. Assess individual student needs and develop tactics to provide students with essential information.
• Successfully move students through the admissions funnel, evaluate applications, process admissions materials, make recommendations regarding admissions and scholarship on behalf of the University, and capture all information accurately into USJ’s database.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned, which may include the following assignments:

• 1) Serve as a member of the New Student Orientation committee 3.) Work directly with target populations such as first-year, transfer, international, part-time or under-represented undergraduate students or with graduate students and faculty program directors.

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Prior experience in admissions or higher education strongly preferred.
• Prior experience in sales or customer service in a fast-paced environment preferred.

Other Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal skills and customer service orientation with the ability to convey and obtain information amongst a variety of audiences such as students, parents, alumni and staff.
• Well-organized, accurate, effective, and creative multi-tasker, time-manager, problem solver, and “people person” who is also customer service-oriented and pays attention to detail, is able to prioritize and manage complex projects and priorities, and works with a sense of urgency.
• Able to function independently while operating effectively within a team in a fast-paced, customer service environment with patience; flexibility; a positive attitude; and strong organizational, file management, analytical, decision-making, interpersonal, diplomatic, negotiation, leadership, sales, and customer service skills.
• Able to prioritize, balance, and manage a high volume of work and complex projects and initiatives.
• Proficient computer skills, including working with Windows, Microsoft Office Suite, the Internet, and other programs as needed. Familiarity with specific applications used by the University and the Office of Admissions a plus.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate and to work comfortably with students, colleagues, and internal and external constituents, including diverse populations
• Professional, courteous demeanor and appearance and the ability to work professionally with students, faculty, staff, and administration and to professionally represent the University to the public.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize and appropriately handle matters of a confidential nature.
• Commitment to the mission of the University of Saint Joseph and the ability to articulate and advance the mission of the University as a Catholic institution centered on Mercy values.
• Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel using a personal and/or rental car for recruiting purposes.