What are the responsibilities and job description for the Admissions Counselor position at University of South Carolina?
Posting Number
STA00245PO25
Job Family
Enrollment Management
Job Function
Admissions
USC Market Title
Admissions Representative
Link to USC Market Title
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/140721
Job Level
P0 - Professional
Business Title (Internal Title)
Admissions Counselor
Campus
Columbia
Work County
Richland
College/Division
Enrollment Management
Department
EM Undergraduate Admissions
State Pay Band
4
Approved Starting Salary
$46,125
Advertised Salary Range
$46,125
Location of Vacancy
Part/Full Time
Full Time
Hours per Week
37.5
Work Schedule
Standard working schedule: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
Basis
12 months
Job Search Category
Student Services
About USC
About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary
The Admissions Counselor covers the major aspects of recruitment, admissions, and enrollment of new students to USC. The Admissions Counselor represents the University to prospective students and guidance counselors when they visit USC, write or call the Admissions Office, and when they require special programs or individual counseling. The counselor implements recruiting strategies year-round within a geographic or demographic area that s/he manages, which includes extensive travel. The Admissions Counselor reviews and makes decisions on applications for admissions to USC; additionally, s/he reviews applications for the University’s top scholarship programs. Another role of the Admissions Counselor is to serve as liaison with other campus offices and academic units of the University. The overall purpose of the Admissions Counselor is to take an active role in proposing new and creative ideas to ensure that prospective students have been personally, effectively, and knowledgeably served, while working for the highest yield of enrolled students from the admitted group.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and no prior work experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge and familiarity of USC is preferred.
- Background experience in admissions, customer service, marketing, sales, public relations, or another student personnel area desired.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
- Must relate well to people, have an engaging personality, and be able to speak with confidence in front of groups.
- Must have exceptional customer service skills to ensure positive, brand-promoting interactions with prospective students/families, guidance counselors, and other constituents.
- Knowledge of secondary and post-secondary school systems desired.
- Must be able to read and evaluate academic credentials as well as market data for assigned territory.
- Must be able to operate a personal computer.
- Must be able to make public presentations to groups, counsel individuals, and maintain confidentiality of student credentials.
- Will be required to organize special programs.
- Will be required to travel alone in assigned geographic location.
- Must be able to drive during the day as well as at night.
- Must be able to make public presentations before large groups of people.
- Must have strong writing skills.
Job Duties
Job Duty
Advise and counsel students regarding admission, financial assistance, registration, housing, academic, vocational, and all related areas. Respond to inquiries in person, by phone, and in writing. Conduct information sessions for campus visitors and meet with prospective students and families. Participate in special on-campus recruitment events.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
35
Job Duty
Maintain and document daily contact with applicants, primarily via phone and email, to assist with the application process; thoroughly document expenses related to recruitment travel. Attend scheduled counselor staff meetings.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
20
Job Duty
Active recruitment of a nationwide pool of students, including those who broaden diversity of the student body, through travel to high schools, college fairs, evening and day programs, extensive personal communication, and related activities within an assigned territory of South Carolina and secondary out-of-state market. Travel extensively and represent USC in recruiting and instructional programs; disseminate USC admissions materials, supplies and information; handle speaking engagements.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
15
Job Duty
Selectively review applications for admissions and make decisions based on department policy; review applications for scholarships.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
15
Job Duty
Carry out assigned special projects involving recruitment and office research. Act as counselor/liaison with other campus offices to positively affect yield by efficiently assisting prospective students through the enrollment process.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
10
Job Duty
Act as USC’s representative to state and national professional committees. Participate in intra- and inter-office planning and coordination. Participate in training to develop the professional skills needed for success in enrollment management. Other duties as assigned.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
5
Position Attributes
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive
No
Hazardous weather category
Non-Essential
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Job Open Date
04/01/2025
Job Close Date
05/16/2025
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by May 16, 2025.
The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
- Health and Life Insurance
- Retirement Programs
- Paid Tuition
- Dependent Scholarships
- Annual Leave
- Sick Leave
- 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
- Paid Parental Leave
- Professional Development Opportunities
Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.
Quicklink for Posting
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/185272
EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Salary : $46,125
