Admissions Counselor

Title: Admissions Counselor 

Department/Location: Office of College Admissions and Recruiting / Elsah, IL

Organizational Relationship: Direct Report to Assistant Director of Admissions – Recruitment and Outreach; dotted line report to Operations Manager

Summary

Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Admissions, the Admissions Counselor is responsible for effective recruiting cultivation within priority regions and markets based on the institution’s strategic enrollment targets. This position serves as a primary recruiter of values-aligned students and represents Principia College through effective external outreach both in-person and virtually. The Admissions Counselor keeps frequent contact with students and parents, utilizing a network of alumni, admissions “connectors”, and other community organizations for recruiting purposes. In coordination with Admissions Leadership, this position plans and participates in the recruitment of prospective students using marketing strategies and public relations skills and provides counsel to prospective students and parents regarding the admission process.

Who We Are

At our award-winning Early Childhood through grade 12 Principia School in St. Louis, Missouri, and top-ranked Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, Principia faculty and staff make up a close-knit community of educators, coaches, and professionals taking a distinct approach to education—blending academic excellence with Christian Science-based character education. Principia’s team of over 500 employees supports not only Principia School and Principia College, but also a worldwide network of Alumni & Friends. 

At Principia College, our globally-focused curriculum honors diverse perspectives and develops creative changemakers who use their academic skills for good in service to themselves, their communities, and the world. In-depth study meets real-world experience through study abroad programs, internships, capstone projects, and a robust slate of student activities, including a world-renowned mediation team, top-ranked solar car team, and the nation’s oldest student-run public affairs conference.

Principia employees are part of an engaging academic community preparing students to be tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. We strive to create a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued.

Primary Responsibilities 

• Serves as a front-line recruiting representative for Principia College.
• Travels as directed to recruit students from a variety of backgrounds.
• Plans and coordinates travel itinerary, including airline/rental car/lodging, and submits reports as required.
• Represents Principia College through outreach at college fairs and other events
• Documents all communication (meetings, interviews, conversations, e-mails, calls, etc.) with prospective students and families in Slate CRM.
• Plans and executes timely and appropriate follow-up with prospective students and families.
• Works closely with the campus engagement coordinator to support outreach to prospective students, families and community organization representatives.
• Presents on behalf of Principia College to visitors during campus engagement events and other off-campus recruitment events.
• Supports weekend recruitment events as directed.
• Provides mentorship for Admissions Ambassadors to assist with recruitment efforts.
• Assists applicants through admission, scholarship, and financial aid application processes
• Evaluates completed applicant files for admission to Principia College.
• Advising member of Admissions Committee: uses professional judgment to advise and make recommendation to committee for applicants.
• Establishes, develops, and maintains field relationships (prospects, parents, alumni, connectors, Principia Club officers, field representatives, etc.), to enhance recruitment efforts and cultivation of new prospects.
• Is actively involved in Admissions Counselor training process and professional development 
• Stays current with professional trends in national college admissions practices and with activities at Principia College (e.g. what’s happening in academics, athletics, student life, etc.)
• Collaborates with faculty, staff, coaches, and current students to assist in the recruitment process 

Special Requirements

• At certain times of the year, ability to shift work hours to come in late and stay late to reach prospects by phone or other means at night when students are most available.
• Weekend work during peak recruitment and travel seasons. 

Core Competencies

• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Follows through on commitments
• Interpersonal - Excellent organizational and communication skills, including ability to effectively and intuitively interact with prospective students and family members; maintains confidentiality
• Team Work - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed; Recognizes accomplishments of other team members
• Organizational Support - Supports organization's goals and values, benefits organization through outside activities

Minimum Qualifications

• Student of Christian Science preferred
• Supportive of Principia’s guiding statements as articulated here https://www.principia.edu/about/guiding-statements
• B.A. or B.S. degree, and 2-3 years relevant work experience in a related field
• A clear understanding of Principia’s purpose and an appreciation of its policies.
• Self-starter, functions independently, and coordinates effectively with others
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, including ability to effectively and intuitively interview prospective students and family members
• Experience with Windows, MS Office, communication management and data entry
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Willingness to travel and present information for recruitment purposes
• Ability to work extended hours during critical admissions seasons
• Strong communications skills with the ability to deliver information effectively and persuasively

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Proven experience working with and speaking to young adults and their families
• Master’s degree in education, enrollment management, business or related field
• Knowledge of college admissions policies and procedures, particularly as they relate to special admissions programs, selective and competitive admission programs, international student admissions and global recruiting. Knowledge of federal and state laws related to admissions. 
• Knowledge of key national organizations and publications and best practices such as NACAC, NACADA, NAFSA, ACE, as well as knowledge of latest student success initiatives including Guided Pathways. 
• Excellent technology skills, including knowledge of the student information system, document imaging software, internet and web applications, placement testing system, college network, and phone system, including voicemail, electronic mail, and college website

The statements above describe the general nature and level of work but are not a complete list of responsibilities and are subject to change at the discretion of Principia. 

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary range for this position: $43,923-$50,072 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

In addition to salary, our comprehensive total rewards package includes:

• Generous Employee Tuition Discount: Enjoy a 90% discount on tuition (pro-rated for part-time staff) for your eligible children enrolled from Pre-K3 through College (infant and acorn programs excluded). 
• Relocation: Principia provides a relocation imbursement of up to 12% of your annual salary, when moving from outside a radius of more than 50 miles
• Professional Development: Access to learning opportunities, training programs, and career growth support.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Learn more about all our benefits here, including comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, paid time off, a 403(b) retirement plan with Principia matching, and more. 

Equal Opportunity 

Principia, a mission-driven institution, believes every person has the right to an equitable and respectful educational environment and workplace. Principia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender (identity or expression), sexual orientation, family status, disability, age, or military or veteran status. 

In hiring, admissions, and related decisions, Principia—as an institution with a religious mission—gives preference, where appropriate, to Christian Scientists.