Admissions Counselor- IL- Admissions

Midwestern University•Downers Grove, IL

21h•Onsite

About The Position

The Admissions Counselor serves as a front-line ambassador for Midwestern University, guiding prospective students through the admissions process and representing the University at recruitment events. Reporting to the Director of Admissions and working closely with the Associate Director, the counselor combines personalized student engagement with data-driven recruitment strategies, academic program management, application review, and event planning. The role supports enrollment goals while ensuring an inclusive and compliant experience for applicants. Predictable in-person attendance is required, and some evening and weekend work is expected during peak recruitment cycles. The counselor advises prospective students on academic programs, admission requirements, and next steps; leads campus tours and information sessions in person and virtually; responds to inquiries; and maintains accurate customer relationship management records. The role manages assigned programs, attends recruitment events, represents the University at fairs and conferences, coordinates travel, builds relationships with feeder schools, and tracks recruitment outcomes. It also involves hosting virtual sessions and webinars, communicating through email, SMS, and social media, and coordinating interview and admitted-student days. The counselor reviews applications and recommends admission decisions, maintains data integrity, prepares pipeline reports, analyzes trends, and uses data to improve recruitment strategies and processes. The role collaborates with faculty and staff to ensure consistent messaging, supports students’ transition from admission to matriculation, acts as a liaison for assigned programs, protects applicant information, and follows FERPA and NACAC guidelines. The counselor promotes accessibility and inclusive practices, stays current on admissions trends and tools, participates in professional development, and contributes to team improvements. Other duties may be assigned by the Director of Admission or Associate Director of Admissions. The position requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and at least one year of office experience, along with strong customer service skills. A master’s degree in Higher Education Administration or a related field and experience in higher education admissions or student services are preferred. Candidates should have excellent written and verbal communication skills, confidence in public speaking, and the ability to work evenings and weekends and travel approximately 15% or regionally or nationally as required. The position is based in an in-person work environment; the noise level is usually moderate. Physical duties include regular walking and reaching, frequent sitting and use of hands, occasional standing, and lifting or moving items up to 25 pounds.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
At least one year of office experience.
Strong customer service skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, including confidence in public speaking.
Ability to work evenings and weekends.
Ability to travel approximately 15% and regionally or nationally as required.
Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.
Regular, predictable in-person attendance.
Empathy, active listening, and a solution-focused approach to advising.
Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and work independently.
Ability to interpret reports and use data to inform decisions.
Commitment to inclusive practices and supporting diverse communities.
Confidentiality, integrity, and compliance with regulations.
Valid driver’s license if required; ability to travel regionally or nationally.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Strong attention to data accuracy.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including frequently lifting or moving up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration or a related field.
Experience in higher education admissions or student services.
Experience with admissions CRM systems; Slate is preferred.
Experience with Salesforce or TargetX.
Familiarity with webinar platforms such as Teams or Zoom.
Familiarity with basic email and SMS campaign tools.

Responsibilities

Advise prospective students on academic programs, admission requirements, and next steps.
Lead in-person and virtual campus tours and information sessions.
Respond promptly to inquiries and maintain accurate CRM notes and records.
Manage assigned academic programs and attend recruitment events, including approximately 15% travel.
Represent Midwestern University at fairs and conferences and coordinate related travel.
Build relationships with feeder schools and track conversion results.
Host virtual sessions and webinars and engage prospective students through email, SMS, and social media.
Suggest digital content based on applicant questions and trends.
Coordinate interview and admitted-student days, including logistics and communications.
Review applications and recommend admission decisions.
Maintain CRM accuracy and data integrity.
Prepare pipeline reports and analyze recruitment trends.
Use data to improve recruitment strategies and processes.
Collaborate with faculty and staff to ensure consistent messaging.
Support students’ transition from admission to matriculation and serve as liaison for assigned programs.
Protect applicant data and comply with FERPA and NACAC guidelines.
Promote accessibility and inclusive practices.
Stay current on admissions trends and tools; attend trainings and conferences.
Share knowledge and contribute to team improvements.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of Admission or Associate Director of Admissions.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Pet insurance
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care
Competitive time-off package including paid holidays, sick/flex days, personal days, and vacation days
403(b) retirement plan
Tuition reimbursement
Child care subsidy reimbursement program
Identity theft protection
Employee assistance program
On-site wellness facility with a fully equipped fitness facility