On-Campus Admissions Counselor, Penn State Altoona

The Pennsylvania State University•Altoona, PA

17d•Onsite

About The Position

Penn State Altoona seeks an on-campus Admissions Counselor to support student recruitment, enrollment, transition, and student success for the college and the University. As a member of the student affairs team, the counselor guides prospective students and families from initial inquiry through enrollment and transition to campus life. The role emphasizes relationship-based recruitment, student engagement, enrollment conversion, yield enhancement, summer melt prevention, and support from admission through students’ first-year experience. The counselor works with students and families through in-person, virtual, phone, email, and text communication, and collaborates with financial aid, academic affairs, athletics, housing, advising, career services, alumni, and other University partners. The position coordinates campus visit and recruitment experiences, manages student communications and applicant records, reviews undergraduate applications, and helps students navigate enrollment milestones and connect with campus resources. This position is fully on-campus and is not eligible for remote work. Regular in-person presence is required. Some evening, weekend, and travel commitments may be required depending on recruitment and enrollment activities. The position requires operation of a motor vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check. Required clearances include a Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check, Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, and Federal FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States; Penn State does not sponsor or assume sponsorship of staff employment visas.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Three or more years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience presenting to diverse audiences, including high school students, families, and community partners.
Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated commitment to student success and excellent customer service.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and technology platforms.
Valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check.
Authorization to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Slate CRM, PeopleSoft SIS, or similar enrollment management systems.
Experience in admissions, enrollment management, student affairs, higher education, recruitment, counseling, customer relationship management, or student support services.
Understanding of student development, student engagement, and transition practices in higher education.

Responsibilities

Provide individualized guidance to prospective and admitted students and their families about academic programs, admission requirements, campus opportunities, financial aid resources, and enrollment processes.
Build relationships with students throughout the recruitment and enrollment cycle through phone, email, text, virtual, and in-person communication.
Serve as a primary contact for prospective and admitted students and connect them with academic, financial, and student support resources.
Explain admission decisions, enrollment requirements, and academic pathways to students.
Support students through application completion, admission, orientation registration, housing processes, and course-scheduling preparation.
Partner with academic and student affairs colleagues to support students’ transition to campus.
Coordinate and support campus visits, group tours, open houses, admitted student programs, information sessions, and special recruitment events.
Manage registration, logistics, communications, and campus-partner involvement for recruitment and yield events.
Coordinate student ambassador and campus tour guide programs, including scheduling, training, and quality assurance.
Develop engagement opportunities that showcase Penn State Altoona’s academic strengths, student life, and support services.
Conduct virtual and in-person recruitment presentations for prospective students, families, school counselors, and community organizations.
Support targeted recruitment initiatives for academic programs and strategic enrollment areas.
Collaborate with academic departments and marketing partners to develop student-centered recruitment messaging and outreach.
Use data and enrollment trends to inform outreach and support recruitment goals.
Use Slate and other enrollment systems to manage prospective-student communications and engagement strategies.
Develop and implement text, email, phone, and other outreach campaigns, and monitor student engagement.
Proactively connect students with appropriate campus resources and support initiatives to improve responsiveness, enrollment conversion, and retention of admitted students.
Review and evaluate undergraduate applications in accordance with University admissions policies and academic criteria.
Monitor applicant progress, help students complete required application materials, analyze applicant records, and provide guidance on admission decisions, academic pathways, and alternative campus options when appropriate.
Maintain accurate student records and documentation in University systems and help students troubleshoot barriers to enrollment.
Collaborate across Student Affairs, Financial Aid, Academic Affairs, Athletics, Housing, Advising, Career Services, Alumni, and other campus units to support recruitment and student success.
Participate in campus-wide initiatives promoting engagement, belonging, persistence, and retention.
Contribute to student-centered service and continuous improvement, and support special projects, committees, and strategic enrollment initiatives as assigned.