What are the responsibilities and job description for the Graduate Resident Admissions Counselor position at Houston Christian University?
Reports to: Director of Online Admissions
Status: Non-exempt
Position Summary
The Graduate Resident Admissions Counselor serves as a first point of contact for prospective students. This role is responsible for guiding students through the admissions and financial aid processes, providing accurate and timely information about academic programs, application requirements, and institutional policies. The counselor plays a key role in helping students take confident first steps toward enrollment by offering holistic, service-oriented support. Ideal candidates are self-motivated, detail-oriented, and passionate about student success in a Christian learning environment.
Key Responsibilities
Qualifications
Houston Christian University is an independent, private Christian liberal arts institution with a diverse student body. It has access to all the cultural advantages of one of the largest metropolitan centers in the country. For more information about the University, visit hc.edu.
The University has implemented its Ten Pillars vision (hc.edu/vision) and anticipates significant growth in student enrollment and university programs. The successful candidate will also be able to articulate a vision for the role of his or her discipline at HCU that is supportive of the Ten Pillars vision statement.
Houston Christian University is committed to maintaining a teaching faculty and staff who share an active Christian faith. The Preamble to the By-Laws of the University sets forth a statement of belief which each University employee is expected to support and personify. Your submittal of an application for employment indicates your acceptance and affirmation of these statements.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements of personnel.
Status: Non-exempt
Position Summary
The Graduate Resident Admissions Counselor serves as a first point of contact for prospective students. This role is responsible for guiding students through the admissions and financial aid processes, providing accurate and timely information about academic programs, application requirements, and institutional policies. The counselor plays a key role in helping students take confident first steps toward enrollment by offering holistic, service-oriented support. Ideal candidates are self-motivated, detail-oriented, and passionate about student success in a Christian learning environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Actively support and guide prospective students in pursuing their academic goals at HCU.
- Communicate clearly about HCU's academic programs, admissions requirements, and enrollment steps.
- Provide basic financial aid guidance, including information on FAFSA, scholarships, grants, and deadlines.
- Assist students in initiating and completing their admissions applications, ensuring all materials are submitted accurately and on time.
- Monitor student application and financial aid progress using internal systems and update records accordingly.
- Build and maintain positive, proactive relationships with prospective, new, and matriculated students.
- Respond to all email, texts and phone inquiries within 24 business hours, aiming for same-day responses.
- Collaborate closely with internal departments to ensure students experience a seamless transition from inquiry to enrollment.
- Participate in special projects and university initiatives related to admissions and student onboarding.
- Perform other duties as assigned and any additional responsibilities deemed necessary by the Director of Online Admissions.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- Excellent communication skills and a proactive, service-minded approach.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks independently.
- Proficiency using Slate and Microsoft Office, with the ability to quickly learn new platforms.
- Comfortable working in fast-paced environments with strict deadlines.
- Ability to guide students using multiple digital tools simultaneously.
- Commitment to the mission and values of Houston Christian University, as expressed in its Statement of Belief.
- Minimum of 1-3 years of experience in higher education, admissions, or financial aid.
- Experience in student recruitment, enrollment advising, or a similar student-facing role.
- Familiarity with financial aid processes, including FAFSA, scholarships, and loan counseling.
- Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
- Occasional lifting or moving of objects up to 25 lbs.
Houston Christian University is an independent, private Christian liberal arts institution with a diverse student body. It has access to all the cultural advantages of one of the largest metropolitan centers in the country. For more information about the University, visit hc.edu.
The University has implemented its Ten Pillars vision (hc.edu/vision) and anticipates significant growth in student enrollment and university programs. The successful candidate will also be able to articulate a vision for the role of his or her discipline at HCU that is supportive of the Ten Pillars vision statement.
Houston Christian University is committed to maintaining a teaching faculty and staff who share an active Christian faith. The Preamble to the By-Laws of the University sets forth a statement of belief which each University employee is expected to support and personify. Your submittal of an application for employment indicates your acceptance and affirmation of these statements.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements of personnel.
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