Online Admissions Counselor

Position Overview

The Online Admissions Counselor is responsible for guiding prospective undergraduate online students through the admissions process. This role supports students pursuing fully online degree programs and future online offerings, including certificates, by providing timely, clear, and student-centered admissions guidance.

Working primarily with inbound applicants, the Online Admissions Counselor serves as a key point of contact for adult learners, transfer students, stop-outs, and students seeking flexible pathways to degree completion. The role requires strong virtual communication skills, comfort with digital systems, and the ability to balance encouragement with clear next steps.

This position primarily executes established online recruitment processes and works closely with the Associate Director of Admissions to ensure a consistent, high-quality enrollment experience for online learners.

Key Responsibilities

Online Admissions Counseling & Recruitment

• Serve as the primary admissions contact for prospective undergraduate online students.
• Respond promptly to inbound inquiries and applicants via phone, email, text, and virtual meetings.
• Guide students through the admissions process, including application completion, document submission, and next steps toward enrollment.
• Provide clear, supportive explanations of academic programs, admissions requirements, timelines, and enrollment processes.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of student interactions, communications, and progress in Slate CRM.
• Support enrollment goals by consistently following established outreach, follow-up, and conversion practices.

Virtual Engagement & Student Support

• Build rapport with prospective online students in a fully virtual environment, recognizing the unique needs of adult learners and non-traditional students.
• Balance relational coaching with efficiency, helping students feel confident while keeping momentum toward enrollment.
• Address common questions and concerns related to online learning, time management, and balancing school with life commitments.
• Schedule and conduct virtual appointments to support application and enrollment completion.

Collaboration & Handoffs

• Provide basic financial aid guidance and ensure timely, warm handoffs to Financial Aid staff when more detailed support is needed.
• Coordinate defined handoffs to Advising and Student Success teams once students are admitted or enrolled.
• Work closely with the Online and Digital Learning Team
• Communicate clearly with internal partners to ensure a smooth and supportive transition for students.
• Share student insights and common barriers with the Associate Director of Admissions and AVP to support ongoing process improvement.

Technology, Systems & Compliance

• Utilize Slate CRM daily to manage caseloads, track communications, and support data integrity.
• Use virtual meeting platforms, texting tools, and email systems effectively to engage students.
• Adhere to institutional policies, timelines, and communication standards related to admissions and enrollment.
• Maintain professionalism and consistency across all digital communication channels.

Schedule & Work Environment

• Primarily operates during standard business hours, but evening hours will be required to meet the needs of online students.
• Hybrid: In-person and remote working environments

Performance & Success Measures

Success in this role is evaluated through a balanced mix of:

• Inquiry-to-application and application-to-admit conversion
• Enrollment yield for online programs
• Responsiveness, follow-up consistency, and service quality
• Accuracy and completeness of CRM documentation

Leadership Competencies

• Student-Centered Communication: Engages students with clarity, empathy, and encouragement.
• Digital Fluency: Comfortable working across multiple platforms in a virtual environment.
• Organization & Follow-Through: Manages caseloads, timelines, and priorities effectively.
• Collaboration: Works well with admissions leadership and campus partners.
• Professional Judgment: Knows when to guide, when to escalate, and when to hand off.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 1–3 years of experience in admissions, enrollment services, student support, or a related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working with CRM systems and virtual communication tools.
• Ability to build relationships and manage student interactions in a fully online environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with adult learners, transfer students, or online student populations.
• Familiarity with Slate CRM or similar systems.
• Experience in higher education admissions or enrollment management.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, metrics-driven environment.