What are the responsibilities and job description for the Admissions Counselor position at Career Center at Portland State University?
Position Announcement
Position Details
Proposed Start Date 01/16/2026 Classification Title Advising and Student Services Rank N - No Rank Working Title Admissions Counselor Department 331231 - NSP Recruitment Position Number D96034 Representation AU - AAUP Renewable Renewable End date, if applicable Position FTE 1.0 Tenure Status N - not applicable
Position Summary
Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept
Portland State University is Oregon’s most affordable public research university, located in the heart of one of America’s most dynamic cities. Our mission to “let knowledge serve the city” reflects our dedication to turning ideas into action — in Portland and around the world. The city is our campus, giving students unmatched access to career connections, a vibrant cultural scene and hands-on learning experiences with hundreds of community partners.
More than 22,000 students from all backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to our classrooms and campus life, from the tree-lined Park Blocks to the bustling Urban Plaza and state-of-the-art science labs. We are proud of our world-class faculty, groundbreaking research and international reputation for excellence in sustainability, community engagement and innovation.
Position Summary
As a member of the Enrollment Management Division, the Admissions Counselor, position is responsible for the development and implementation of innovative and effective recruitment initiatives, programs, and application management to ensure Portland State University meets enrollment goals. This position participates in all of the division’s enrollment strategies, but prioritizes recruitment initiatives and outreach of underrepresented college going student populations. The Admissions Counselor works extensively and collaboratively with key constituencies to ensure optimal effectiveness throughout the recruitment, admission, and enrollment process. This position has specific assignments related to student admission needs and outreach, collaborations with high school and community college personnel, community organization partnerships, as well as independent oversight of assigned territories.
The Admissions Counselor will represent the University and its academic programs and services to prospective students and their families, high school and college personnel, partner institutions, community organizations, and the public. The counselor must be effective at independently planning recruitment strategies including high school visits, area receptions, and individual meetings. The admissions counselor is a front-line service provider with primary responsibility for student admission counseling, recruitment travel in- and out-of-state, and the management of assigned geographic territories. The position requires a significant level of independent judgement and autonomy with regard to work planning; representation of the University to students, families and educational counselors and staff, and application of admission policy through the secondary review of admissions applications with limited supervision. This position will work closely with Enrollment Management, the Transfer and Returning Student Resource Center (TRSRC), professional advisors in the advising pathways, high school college counselors and personnel at community colleges.
The position is a full-time professional academic staff position within Enrollment Management and Student Affairs and reports to the Assistant Director of Admissions. The admissions counselor must have strong English and Spanish written and oral communication skills. The ability to work with students from diverse backgrounds, who have varied exposure to higher education is required.
Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English required in this position; must be able to communicate fluently in both languages, verbally and in writing to fulfill job responsibilities.
Minimum Qualifications
Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Work Days/Hours Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm; some weekends and evenings required Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement
The annual salary for this position will be between $56,880 and $60,948. An excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools : https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/benefits-overview Please visit our total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package : https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/psu-total-compensation-calculator
Application Instructions
Additional Information Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.)
Please include the names, email addresses and phone numbers for 3 professional references.
Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle? Yes Background Check Required Yes Position End Date (if applicable) If you have questions
Search Details
Posting Close Date Projected Close Date for Posting Open Until Finalists Identified Application screening begins Quick Link https://jobs.hrc.pdx.edu/postings/48771
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Required Documents
Position Details
Proposed Start Date 01/16/2026 Classification Title Advising and Student Services Rank N - No Rank Working Title Admissions Counselor Department 331231 - NSP Recruitment Position Number D96034 Representation AU - AAUP Renewable Renewable End date, if applicable Position FTE 1.0 Tenure Status N - not applicable
Position Summary
Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept
Portland State University is Oregon’s most affordable public research university, located in the heart of one of America’s most dynamic cities. Our mission to “let knowledge serve the city” reflects our dedication to turning ideas into action — in Portland and around the world. The city is our campus, giving students unmatched access to career connections, a vibrant cultural scene and hands-on learning experiences with hundreds of community partners.
More than 22,000 students from all backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to our classrooms and campus life, from the tree-lined Park Blocks to the bustling Urban Plaza and state-of-the-art science labs. We are proud of our world-class faculty, groundbreaking research and international reputation for excellence in sustainability, community engagement and innovation.
Position Summary
As a member of the Enrollment Management Division, the Admissions Counselor, position is responsible for the development and implementation of innovative and effective recruitment initiatives, programs, and application management to ensure Portland State University meets enrollment goals. This position participates in all of the division’s enrollment strategies, but prioritizes recruitment initiatives and outreach of underrepresented college going student populations. The Admissions Counselor works extensively and collaboratively with key constituencies to ensure optimal effectiveness throughout the recruitment, admission, and enrollment process. This position has specific assignments related to student admission needs and outreach, collaborations with high school and community college personnel, community organization partnerships, as well as independent oversight of assigned territories.
The Admissions Counselor will represent the University and its academic programs and services to prospective students and their families, high school and college personnel, partner institutions, community organizations, and the public. The counselor must be effective at independently planning recruitment strategies including high school visits, area receptions, and individual meetings. The admissions counselor is a front-line service provider with primary responsibility for student admission counseling, recruitment travel in- and out-of-state, and the management of assigned geographic territories. The position requires a significant level of independent judgement and autonomy with regard to work planning; representation of the University to students, families and educational counselors and staff, and application of admission policy through the secondary review of admissions applications with limited supervision. This position will work closely with Enrollment Management, the Transfer and Returning Student Resource Center (TRSRC), professional advisors in the advising pathways, high school college counselors and personnel at community colleges.
The position is a full-time professional academic staff position within Enrollment Management and Student Affairs and reports to the Assistant Director of Admissions. The admissions counselor must have strong English and Spanish written and oral communication skills. The ability to work with students from diverse backgrounds, who have varied exposure to higher education is required.
Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English required in this position; must be able to communicate fluently in both languages, verbally and in writing to fulfill job responsibilities.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree
- At least two years of related experience in admissions, recruitment, student advising, or closely related field.
- Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English required; must be able to communicate fluently in both languages, verbally and in writing, in a professional setting.
- Professional Competencies:
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, strong interpersonal presentation, and organizational skills.
- Ease in using technology for communication, record keeping and management of data.
- Demonstrated ability to interact cooperatively and sensitively with individuals from other cultures, ethnic groups, lifestyles and backgrounds.
- Ability to critically and logically analyze, synthesizes, interpret and extrapolate admission data, regulations, policies, procedures, and protocols.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, pay attention to detail and produce desired results.
- Bachelor’s degree with two to four years of related experience.
- Two to three years related experience working with undergraduate student populations.
- Experience with software systems such as Ellucian Banner (or equivalent), Campus Nexus (or equivalent CRM software), mobile technology, and social media
- Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
- Function and communicate effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
- Seek opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
- Adhere to all of PSU’s policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.
Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Work Days/Hours Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm; some weekends and evenings required Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement
The annual salary for this position will be between $56,880 and $60,948. An excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools : https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/benefits-overview Please visit our total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package : https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/psu-total-compensation-calculator
Application Instructions
Additional Information Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.)
Please include the names, email addresses and phone numbers for 3 professional references.
Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle? Yes Background Check Required Yes Position End Date (if applicable) If you have questions
Search Details
Posting Close Date Projected Close Date for Posting Open Until Finalists Identified Application screening begins Quick Link https://jobs.hrc.pdx.edu/postings/48771
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * How did you first find out about this position?
- PSU Website
- Indeed.com
- HERCJobs
- Urban League of Portland
- Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber
- Oregon Employment Department
- Social Media
- Person Referral
- Career Builder
- Glass Door
- Other - Please describe in the next Question
- If you selected Other, please describe. (Open Ended Question)
Required Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Professional References
Salary : $56,880 - $60,948