Admissions Counselor

Messiah University•Mechanicsburg, PA

13d

About The Position

The Admissions Counselor is a front-line representative of Messiah University who guides prospective students and families through the admissions process. The role combines relationship-building, strategic management of an assigned geographic recruitment territory, application review, campus engagement, event support, financial aid communication, and administrative work to advance institutional enrollment goals and support the growth and diversity of the undergraduate student body. The counselor serves as a primary contact for prospective students and families, represents the University at recruitment events, and develops relationships with school counselors, pastors, community leaders, alumni, and other influencers. The position manages the admissions funnel from inquiry through matriculation, reviews applications and makes recommendations, and leads campus visits and presentations. It also helps families understand financial aid and affordability, uses Slate CRM to document recruitment activity, and collaborates with campus partners and colleagues. The role calls for integrity, cultural intelligence, Christian faith integration, strong communication and organizational abilities, initiative, and teamwork. It involves significant travel within an assigned territory, frequent evening work, and occasional weekend work. A valid driver’s license is required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to build rapport with prospective students, families, school counselors, and community partners.
Ability to adapt messaging for in-person, phone, email, text, and live chat platforms.
Culturally responsive approach to engaging with people from diverse backgrounds.
Personal integrity and cultural intelligence in student and professional interactions.
Ability to manage a recruitment territory using data-informed strategies.
Initiative and independence, particularly when traveling or managing projects remotely.
Resourcefulness and a solution-oriented approach to challenges or ambiguity.
Ability to align recruitment practices with departmental and University strategic goals.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Attention to detail and accuracy in communication, recordkeeping, and follow-up.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with time-sensitive responsibilities.
Reliable attendance and accountability to assigned responsibilities.
Commitment to teamwork, cross-departmental collaboration, feedback, and continuous improvement.
Proficiency in standard office software and communication platforms, such as Office 365 and Zoom.
Ability to use data and technology to support strategic outreach and territory planning.
Proactive and effective digital communication skills.
Confidentiality and accuracy in data management.
Valid driver’s license.
Ability to travel significantly within an assigned recruitment territory.
Frequent evening and occasional weekend work is expected.
Candidates should clearly articulate why diversity and inclusive excellence matter to them as persons of faith and in their profession, and how they would contribute to advancing this vision through teaching-learning, research, institutional service, and public engagement.
Employees must comply with personal protective equipment requirements communicated through University safety materials, supervision, rules, procedures, and signage.

Nice To Haves

Experience in college admissions, student mentoring, or other student-facing roles.
Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
Experience with Slate CRM, or willingness to learn it.
Up-to-date vaccination against flu and COVID-19 is recommended due to public-facing travel responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective students in an assigned geographic territory.
Build relationships with prospective students and families through in-person, phone, text, email, and live chat communication.
Represent the University at high schools, college fairs, conventions, and community-based events.
Develop connections with high school counselors, pastors, community leaders, alumni, and other influencers.
Model Christian hospitality and provide a welcoming experience to students and families.
Develop and implement a territory strategy informed by data, trends, and institutional priorities.
Manage the admissions funnel for the assigned territory from inquiry through matriculation.
Review and evaluate applications and submit admissions recommendations in accordance with University guidelines.
Track student progress through the enrollment pipeline and communicate consistently and professionally with students and families.
Align recruitment activity with broader enrollment strategies and goals.
Lead group visits, presentations, and information sessions for prospective students and guests.
Participate in planning and executing admissions events, including open houses, visit days, and virtual engagements.
Collaborate with campus partners to provide a welcoming and personalized visit experience.
Maintain professionalism and faith integration in campus-facing engagements.
Help students and families understand financial aid packages, scholarship opportunities, and payment plan options.
Liaise between prospective families and Student Financial Services to ensure clear and timely information.
Explain affordability, cost of attendance, and financial planning tools to help students make informed college decisions.
Use Slate CRM to track prospective student engagement, manage communications, and document recruitment activities.
Maintain timely, accurate, and professional communication with prospective students and stakeholders.
Contribute to projects and committees supporting admissions and University-wide initiatives as required.
Uphold University data practices with integrity and accountability.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Demonstrate personal integrity, cultural intelligence, and strong intercultural engagement.
Support department goals and the University’s strategic plan, communicate priorities and changes, foster a work environment rooted in Christian values, and integrate Christian faith into daily work.
Comply with applicable personal protective equipment requirements and safety practices.