Admissions Counselor 1

Internal•Bellingham, WA

34d•Onsite

About The Position

Admissions Counselors manage outreach and recruitment efforts for a specified geographic territory while contributing to the development and implementation of a comprehensive and data-driven undergraduate recruitment plan. Counselors participate in all aspects of outreach and recruitment, in a fast-paced work environment. This includes applying a proactive and detailed approach to learning about Western, building relationships with students, families and counselors, and engaging in relevant follow-up, program planning, application and scholarship decision-making and related duties as assigned to identify, attract, and enroll future Western students. This position is stationed at the Bellingham campus.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (earned by position’s start date)
Excellent interpersonal skills that include professional communication, relationship building, and the ability to clearly and concisely present information
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including excellent presentation abilities
Demonstrated record of or commitment to supporting an organizational culture that emphasizes accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion
Display strong planning and organizing skills, attention to detail, and ability to produce desired results independently
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities as part of a team

Nice To Haves

Bilingual ability (e.g. Spanish, Mandarin, Tagalog, etc.)
Experience navigating available resources or participating activities related to higher education and/or the prospective undergraduate student market
Experience as a student leader, Student Admission Representative, Tour Guide, Resident Advisor, Peer Advisor, Orientation Leader, or similar student involvement roles

Responsibilities

Communicating the values of Western Washington University and the benefits of higher education to a wide and diverse range of prospective students, parents, high school counselors, and community groups with tact, diplomacy, and discretion
Extensive public speaking engagements at recruitment events such as high school and community college visits, college fairs, and on campus programs
Analyzing application and enrollment trends and developing appropriate territory recruitment strategies; assessing effectiveness and adjusting strategies as necessary in collaboration with the Recruitment and Outreach team
Evaluating the qualifications of prospective students making admissions decisions which are in the best interest of the student and the University
Maintaining a positive attitude that will promote a healthy and respectful culture as a member of the Admissions team
Traveling by car and plane for extended periods and working during irregular hours extensively, including late nights, early mornings, evenings and weekends for fourteen to sixteen (14-16) weeks per year on a continuous and ongoing basis
Serving as an admissions college liaison assigned to a specific college
Providing support for talented, nonresident, and transfer student recruitment; multicultural outreach; early outreach; and/or selected recruitment by academic interest
This position requires routinely lifting 50 pounds
Recruitment and Outreach-40%
Travel extensively, including weeknights and weekends, (approx. 10 weeks in the fall and 4-6 weeks in the spring) to promote Western Washington University to prospective first year and transfer students to meet University enrollment goals
Counsel, advise, and maintain positive contact with prospective students and their families, regarding admission requirements, financial aid and scholarships, and campus life
Present to large and small groups of students and guests at on- and off-campus events including high school visits, college fairs, campus visit programs, application workshops, community events and parent nights
Manage and develop recruitment strategies in conjunction with overall recruitment goals
Review and analyze data to determine schools, fairs, and events to attend/visit; and review and analyze data to effectively recruit students to meet University goals
Work collaboratively to ensure that the University is making every effort to attract and enroll diverse students from the region
Develop and manage relationships with key constituents in territories to include high school and community college counselors, community-based organizations and alumni, parents and students
Administer campus visit programs, including planning, assessment and oversight
Serve in an on-call advising capacity on a regular rotation in the Office of Admissions providing excellent customer service to students, families and community members visiting campus as well as responding to phone and email inquiries
Admission and Scholarship Review-35%
Responsible for making final (admit/deny/wait list) admission decisions First Year students within assigned territory
Evaluate qualifications within state and institutional guidelines to make admissions decisions and recommendations in the best interest of the student and the University
Assist with transfer admission review as necessary
Participate in review of first year and transfer candidates for scholarships
Programs and Events-20%
Attend and assist with the planning and execution of events and activities on behalf of the Office of Admissions as needed and assigned
Assist in managing Distinguished Scholars program, maintaining content and selecting participants
Serve as admissions liaison to a specific college within the University as a point of contact for information and updates as well as partnership opportunities
Other Duties-5%
Responsible for timely follow up with internal and external customers
Complete reports related to recruitment, schedule, travel, and special programs
Participate as an engaged and supportive member of the Admissions team by:
Participating in meetings, committees and special projects as appropriate
Assisting colleagues with team projects
Other duties as assigned