Admissions Counselor (35095)

Position Information

Posting Detail Information

Working Position Title Admissions Counselor (35095) Classification Counselor Position Number 00035095 Open Date 07/08/2026 Close Date Priority Review Date 07/31/2026 Employee Class Staff Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time FTE 1.00 Position Status Regular FLSA Exempt Job code 1250 Union Representation Non-Union Union Code N/A Unit/Department Admissions Recruitmnt Outreach College/Unit Enrollment Management Division Enrllmnt Mgmt, Mktg & Comms Dv Location WI 101 Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page https://www.niu.edu/admissions/index.shtml

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Overview

Chartered in 1895, Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a student-centered, regional public research institution with a diverse and international student body of approximately16,000 students. Located 65 miles from downtown Chicago, in DeKalb, Illinois, NIU is a thriving community of dedicated faculty, staff, students, alumni, local residents andfriends. Together, we support the goal of providing upward mobility to our students as well as the opportunity to make an enduring impact on our future. NIU has a long, rich tradition of academic excellence with a breadth of programmatic offerings that supportthe academic aspirations of our students. Our nationally and internationally recognized faculty are not only dedicated to advancing their academic disciplines, but, in collaboration with NIU staff, are also focused on providing meaningful curricular and co-curricular experiences that prepare NIU students to be successful in achieving their future goals.

NIU is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as a Research University/High Research Activity and a Carnegie Engaged University. NIU offers baccalaureate, master's, doctoral and law degrees across more than 40 academic departments and seven colleges. NIU has a fiercely proud alumni base of well over 240,000 and boasts accomplished careers in a diverse array of fields and professions. They primarily reside in the northern Illinois region, creating dynamic professional networks for

NIU students and faculty, and providing economic vitality to the region and state. Proximity to Chicago and its suburbs make NIU a diverse community that celebrates the lived experiences each student, faculty and staff bring to campus and the learning environment. Huskies value the ideas and insights every person has to offer, and we discover our commonalities by embracing and discussing our differences. We grow from challenging one another, and we're strong because of the way that we support one another. Most importantly, we value a sense of pride in being a Huskie and belonging to the Huskie family.

Position Summary

The Admissions Counselor serves as a primary representative of Northern Illinois University to prospective students, families, high school counselors, community college partners, and community organizations. This position is responsible for developing and implementing recruitment and yield strategies within an assigned territory to achieve undergraduate enrollment goals. The position combines strategic territory management, relationship building, public speaking, admissions counseling, communication, data analysis, and customer service.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Student Engagement, Communication, and Campus Recruitment

• Meet individually with prospective students and families through in-person, virtual, telephone, email, and other communication methods to provide admissions counseling throughout the enrollment process
• Plan and deliver engaging campus presentations, information sessions, visitor interviews, and recruitment programs for prospective students, families, and school groups
• Execute targeted communication and call campaigns during peak recruitment and yield periods while managing a high volume of student inquiries. Collaborate with campus partners to connect students with appropriate academic and support resources
• Show excellent presentation, communication, and customer service skills while balancing multiple priorities and maintaining responsiveness during high-volume recruitment periods

Territory Management and Recruitment Travel

• Manage an assigned recruitment territory by developing and executing strategic recruitment and yield plans designed to meet undergraduate enrollment goals
• Represent Northern Illinois University through high school visits, community college visits, college fairs, college planning programs, counselor meetings, and other recruitment events. Build and maintain strong relationships with school counselors, community college advisors, community organizations, and other educational partners within the assigned territory
• Evaluate territory performance throughout the recruitment cycle and adjust recruitment strategies based on enrollment trends, market conditions, and institutional priorities
• Complete extensive automobile travel, frequent overnight travel during recruitment seasons, and regular evening and weekend work to support recruitment events and university programs. The ability to work independently while traveling and representing the university in a professional manner is essential

Recruitment Planning, Professional Knowledge, and Strategic Outreach

• Continuously develop and maintain comprehensive knowledge of NIU's academic programs, admissions policies, scholarships, student services, campus resources, and student outcomes to provide accurate and personalized guidance to prospective students and families
• Research recruitment trends, demographic shifts, competitor institutions, and best practices in enrollment management to develop and refine territory recruitment and yield strategies. Use market research and institutional data to identify opportunities and recommend new approaches for engaging prospective students from diverse backgrounds
• Maintain cultural awareness, professionalism, and exceptional customer service while representing the university to students, families, school counselors, community college partners, and campus stakeholders

Application Review, Reporting, Assessment, and Office Operations

• Review undergraduate applications for admission by evaluating academic credentials, transcripts, supporting documents, and other application materials in accordance with university admissions policies and holistic review practices. Apply sound judgment, maintain consistency in decision-making, and accurately document admissions decisions and recommendations within established timelines
• Maintain a thorough understanding of admissions policies, residency requirements, curriculum evaluation practices, and institutional enrollment priorities to ensure accurate and equitable application review. Participate in training and calibration activities to promote consistency across application readers
• Maintain accurate recruitment records and territory activity within university systems. Prepare reports that evaluate recruitment efforts, territory performance, and enrollment outcomes to support data-informed decision making
• Identify recruitment challenges, recommend strategies for improvement, and contribute to office planning and enrollment initiatives
• Participate in committees, special projects, cross-functional initiatives, and other admissions responsibilities as assigned. During peak recruitment and application review periods, priorities may shift quickly to support office operations and institutional enrollment goals

Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)

N/A

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service)

N/A

Specialty Factors (Civil Service)

N/A

Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)

N/A

Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)

• Baccalaureate Degree.
• Experience in a college/university admissions office or related field.
• Valid driver's license

Additional Requirements (SPS)

• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to give presentations before large groups.
• Dedication and commitment to customer service.
• Ability to project a favorable image on behalf of the University.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail needed.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in using computer systems and software.
• Ability to do extensive automobile travel.

Preferred Qualifications (SPS)

• Bilingual and able to read, write and speak Spanish proficiently.

Physical demands/requirements

• Physical demands consistent with office-type work
• Ability to perform sedentary work involving sitting the majority of the time.
• Ability to work for extended periods at computer workstation.
• Availability to work some evenings, weekends, and off-campus assignments based on critical recruiting cycles.
• Hybrid remote work is possible.
• Ability to lift and carry 25 lbs box.

Appointment and Compensation Details

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date 8/16/2026 Anticipated Appointment End Date Percent of Staff Year 1.00 Standard Hours Per Week 37.50 Working Hours 8:00am - 4:30pm Evenings & Weekends as required Salary $44,000.16 annually; NIU offers a robust benefits package. Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range $1,833.34 semi-monthly Earn Type Salary

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

For full consideration, please visit https://employment.niu.edu/postings/93762 to submit the following materials by 7/31/2026:

Required Documents:

• Cover Letter - Please include your interest in employment with NIU and how your previous experiences position you for success in the role for which you are applying.
• Current Resume
• List of Three Professional References
• Unofficial Transcripts (official transcripts will be required within 30 days of start date)

Applications submitted after 7/31/2026 are welcomed but will be considered as needed.

Special Instructions Quick Link to Applicant https://employment.niu.edu/postings/93762 Is Background Check Required? Yes EEO Statement Summary

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator

Health Services Building Room 230

TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu

815-753-5560

Visa Policy

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person's disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form. For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (AAEO) at ada@niu.edu.

Safety Information

NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety.

Read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-9364 for a hard copy.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
• List of at least 3 Professional References

Optional Documents

• Other

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).