Admissions Counselor

About Us

Great universities inspire the very best in us. They nurture new ideas, fresh perspectives, and creative problem-solving. They challenge students to discover their passions - and to turn those passions into thriving careers that improve our world.

Columbus State University is exactly that kind of place. With exceptional facilities, ideal class sizes, and unique field experiences, our students have room to create. Here, every faculty and staff member is part of the educational process, actively mentoring students and championing each new step in their journey.

Located just 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, CSU is part of the University System of Georgia and offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees. Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays (if applicable). Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program. Consider applying with us today!

Department Information

Office of Admissions

Job Summary

The Admissions Counselor is a key advocate for prospective students, guiding them through an exciting journey toward higher education. With a focus on service and student experience, this role involves building relationships with potential students and their families, offering valuable information about academic programs, admissions requirements, and financial aid options. The Admissions Counselor is dedicated to delivering a personalized, informative, and engaging experience, helping students navigate the application process with confidence. By actively participating in recruitment events, campus tours, and outreach initiatives, the Admissions Counselor plays a crucial role in attracting and enrolling a diverse and motivated student body, all while ensuring an exceptional experience from start to finish.

Responsibilities

Significant Duties & Responsibilities include: Prospective Student Case Management - Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective students and their families, managing each case from initial inquiry to application submission. Provide personalized guidance and ensure all student needs are addressed throughout the admissions process.; Recruitment and Outreach -Actively engage in recruitment events, college fairs, and high school visits, managing prospective student cases and building relationships to promote the institution and attract a diverse student body. Organize and conduct campus tours and information sessions, creating a positive and supportive environment that fosters meaningful connections with prospective students.;Application Support and Guidance - Guide prospective students through each step of the application process, offering case-specific support to ensure understanding of requirements, deadlines, and documentation. Review applications and assess eligibility, offering tailored advice and recommendations based on the students unique situation and academic profile.; Relationship Building and Case Coordination - Build strong relationships with high school counselors, community organizations, and other stakeholders, ensuring that each students case is managed with attention and care. Collaborate with other departments (e.g., financial aid, academic advising) to ensure seamless communication and comprehensive support for each students journey.; Data Tracking and Case Documentation - Maintain detailed records of all interactions and case progress in the admissions database, ensuring timely follow-up and resolution of student inquiries and issues. Provide insights and reports on case management outcomes, recruitment efforts, and trends to support strategic planning and enhance student outreach efforts.; Collaborative Support Across Campus -Work closely with various campus departments to ensure that each students needs are met, addressing challenges and offering solutions to promote a smooth and efficient admissions process.;

Additional Duties - Perform other duties as assigned by management to support the overall operations of the Admissions Office.

Required Qualifications

Required Qualifications include: Bachelors degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.; At least 1-2 years of experience in higher education admissions, student services, or a related field.; Strong customer service background with experience managing relationships and providing personalized support to students and families.; Experience with case management or the ability to manage a caseload of students while providing consistent follow-up and solutions.; Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse audiences.; Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.; Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with admissions or case management software (CRM systems, student information systems, etc.).; Ability to work irregular hours, including nights and weekends, as needed.; Ability to perform other duties as assigned and adapt to changing demands.; Candidate must provide their own vehicle, possess a valid drivers license, and be able to lift up to 40lbs.; A successful criminal background check will be required as a condition of employment.; Ability to work collaboratively with other campus departments to enhance the student experience and address student needs.; High level of professionalism and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential student information.

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Proposed Salary

The proposed annualized salary for this position is $40,000 and includes full benefits.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge

1. Admissions Processes and Requirements:

• In-depth knowledge of college admissions processes, including application procedures, deadlines, and eligibility criteria.
• Understanding of various academic programs, degree offerings, and institutional policies to accurately communicate with prospective students.

2. Financial Aid and Scholarships:

• Familiarity with financial aid options, including grants, loans, and scholarships, to effectively guide prospective students and their families.
• Knowledge of FAFSA, institutional aid policies, and other financial support resources available to students.

3. Higher Education Trends:

• Awareness of current trends in higher education, particularly as they relate to student recruitment and admissions strategies.

4. Campus Resources:

• Understanding of campus resources such as student services, academic advising, career counseling, and extracurricular opportunities to provide well-rounded support to prospective students.

5. Data Management:

• Knowledge of admissions database software and other tracking tools for documenting prospective student information and maintaining accurate records.

Skills

1. Communication Skills:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex information to prospective students and their families.
• Ability to tailor communication to various audiences, including high school students, parents, and guidance counselors.

2. Customer Service and Relationship Building:

• Exceptional interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with prospective students, families, high school counselors, and community organizations.
• Ability to create a welcoming and supportive environment for prospective students through phone calls, emails, campus tours, and in-person meetings.

3. Time Management and Organization:

• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple prospective student cases simultaneously, ensuring timely follow-up and resolution of inquiries and issues.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment.

4. Presentation and Public Speaking:

• Ability to effectively present information about the institution at recruitment events, college fairs, and high school visits.
• Skilled at conducting engaging and informative campus tours and information sessions.

5. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking:

• Strong problem-solving abilities to address challenges that may arise during the admissions process, providing effective solutions tailored to individual student needs.
• Ability to assess complex situations and provide thoughtful recommendations to prospective students and their families.

6. Attention to Detail:

• Ability to review applications and assess eligibility with attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and completeness of all documents.
• Careful documentation of interactions and case progress in the admissions database.

Abilities

1. Multitasking and Case Management:

• Ability to manage multiple prospective student cases simultaneously, ensuring personalized and attentive support throughout the admissions process.
• Capacity to handle various student needs and provide tailored guidance, ensuring each students unique situation is addressed.

2. Collaboration and Teamwork:

• Ability to collaborate effectively with various campus departments (e.g., financial aid, academic advising) to ensure seamless communication and support for each student¿s journey.
• Willingness to work across departments to enhance the overall admissions experience for students.

3. Engagement in Recruitment and Outreach:

• Ability to actively participate in recruitment events, such as college fairs and high school visits, to attract prospective students to the institution.
• Willingness to travel and represent the institution in outreach activities, both on and off-campus.

4. Adaptability and Flexibility:

• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and student needs, particularly in a dynamic higher education environment.
• Flexibility to adjust recruitment strategies and case management approaches as necessary to meet institutional goals.

5. Confidentiality and Ethical Standards:

• Ability to handle sensitive student information with discretion and maintain confidentiality in all admissions-related matters.
• Commitment to ethical standards and integrity in all interactions with prospective students and their families.

6. Cultural Competence:

• Ability to engage with students from various backgrounds and ensure a supportive experience for all prospective students.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please contact Taylor King, Hiring Manager, via email at king_taylor1@columbusstate.edu.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Institutional Values

• Excellence: Actively engaging outstanding methods in teaching, academic discovery, creative pursuits, student success, cultural enrichment and the overall campus community.
• Creativity: Pursuing distinction through inquiry and innovation, challenging convention and focusing on solutions.
• Engagement: Dynamic civic involvement and participation of students, faculty, staff and alumni in the university experience.
• Sustainability: Advancing fiscal responsibility, well-being, innovation, lifelong learning and environmental stewardship.
• Inclusion: Cultivating and championing a campus environment that welcomes diverse backgrounds, ideas, perspectives and practices.
• Servant Leadership: Leading through ethical empowerment and service.

Conditions of Employment

All selected candidates are required to submit and successfully pass a background investigation to include reference checks and verification of academic credentials (if applicable). Other additional requirements may be required based upon specific position duties:

• A credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage;

• Pre-employment drug testing for positions with high-risk responsibilities.

• Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive a Columbus State University fleet vehicle or other vehicle designated as a fleet vehicle. A successful drug screening will be required as a condition of employment a randomly thereafter.

• Applicants for positions of trust may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. *

For Faculty Hires: Final candidates will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree(s) as well as post-secondary coursework in the form of original transcript(s). Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation.

All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond. Additionally, all members of the USG community must adhere to the USG Statement of Core Values must also be aware of and comply with the Board of Regents policies on Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Columbus State University is proud to be an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity institution. It is the policy of our institution to recruit, hire, train, promote and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnical origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws.

Background Check

• Standard Enhanced + Education & DMV

Special Applicant Instructions

Visit Columbus State Universitys online Careers portal to drive your career with us! The online applicant system provides you with the ability to review job opportunities and apply to those that you are interested in and feel qualified for. Each job posting has a summary description of the position and required qualifications. All job applications must be submitted through the online portal system.