Admissions Counselor / Senior Admissions Counselor - King County

Job Summary

Central Washington University is recruiting an Admission Counselor OR Senior Admissions Counselor to join our Admissions team in King County, Washington. This role is an important member of our team as they enhance the vision for the University. The role is a regionally based position and will require travel within King County, WA and surrounding areas and the successful candidate must reside in this region. Were offering a competitive salary plus the awesome CWU benefits.

Who we are:

We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams.

Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice. Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. Youll find robust academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~8,300 students.

Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition, for seven out of eight years, CWU was a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. RentCafe has also named CWU #13 of the Top 20 Best College Towns in the U.S. in 2025.

Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus.

Tour our campus in Ellensburg here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjdhOegDa9A

What we offer:

Our investment in you begins the day you join our team, a healthy and successful future for you is important to us. We offer medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, tuition assistance for you and your dependents, discounts across town, an employee assistance program for individualized counseling, and a wellness incentive program. Learn more: Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator.

The Role:

The Admissions Counselor/Senior Admissions Counselor will serve as part of a dynamic and high-functioning team in the Office of Admissions that is responsible for the planning and execution of undergraduate and post-baccalaureate recruitment, admission, and yield strategies to meet University enrollment targets. The incumbent recruits both in-state and out-of-state within assigned geographic territories. Present CWUs academic programs, student support services, and clubs and organizations to prospective students, their families, and the general public in both individual and group settings. Plan, schedule, and execute regional recruiting activities targeting all student populations. Develop and execute strategies to identify and recruit underserved and first-generation students. Work independently, with minimal supervision, develop and maintain positive working relationships with high school counselors, students, parents, internal and external colleagues, and the general public. Provide a monthly and annual report on recruiting, admission, and yield activities and yearly targets identified in coordination with the supervisor. All employees are expected to uphold and contribute to CWUs vision, mission, and values, fostering a culture of student success and institutional excellence.

Job Duties

Recruitment, Admissions, and Yield Duties:

• Develop and implement strategic recruitment and territory management plans to support the Universitys enrollment goals, including recruitment, admission, yield, and retention, using regional trends and data to inform travel and outreach strategies.
• Represent the University through information sessions, application workshops, campus tours, college fairs, high school and community college visits, orientation programs, and other recruitment events and activities, providing prospective students and families with guidance throughout the admissions cycle.
• Evaluate admissions applications, academic records, and supporting credentials to determine eligibility for admission in accordance with university policies and procedures.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with prospective students, schools, community-based organizations, regional employers, and campus partners to support recruitment and enrollment objectives.
• Maintain ongoing communication with prospective students and applicants through phone, email, text, social media, and other communication platforms to provide admissions guidance and support.
• Maintain accurate recruitment and admissions records using the Student Information System (SIS) and Slate CRM, prepare monthly and annual recruitment, admissions, and yield reports, and use data to monitor progress toward enrollment goals.
• Participate in and contribute to special recruitment events, projects, initiatives, and departmental activities such as Preview Days, On the Spot Admissions, Next Step Presentations, Student First Center, etc.
• Review and maintain admissions and recruitment assets, including the admissions website, to ensure accurate, current, and comprehensive information, policies, and procedures.

Lead Duties (Senior Admissions Counselor)

• Assign, review, and provide training on work; provide input to supervisors regarding work assignments and employee performance.
• Develop and deliver training to ensure consistent application of admissions policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Analyze admissions policies, workflows, operational data, and enrollment trends to identify process improvements and recommend strategies that support recruitment and enrollment goals.
• Serve as a lead resource by resolving complex admissions cases, providing guidance to staff, and escalating issues as appropriate in the absence of management.
• Lead and collaborate on strategic initiatives and special projects that improve admissions operations, enhance the student experience, and support departmental objectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong speaking, writing, and interpersonal communication skills

• Planning and executing events.

• Strong public speaking and presenting to small and larger groups in various settings.

• Basic computer skills: Microsoft Office Suite, presentation software, video conferencing (Zoom and Teams), emailing, internet, and social media skills.

• Must be able to travel in all weather conditions and work irregular hours extensively, including late nights, early mornings, evenings, and weekends for recruitment events and activities.

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

• Problem-solving skills and ability to multitask in potentially stressful environments.

• Required Qualification (choose appropriate option)

• Demonstrated ability and/or experience working collaboratively with students and/or colleagues to foster a supportive and effective learning and work environment.

colleagues.

• OR applicable combination of education and/or experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education admissions or student services.

• Experience with Customer Relations Management software (Slate).

• Demonstrated participation in programs designed to promote student success.

• A record of promoting institutional excellence in the work environment.

• Demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for students through various activities.

• Demonstrated proficiency in a second language (Spanish Preferred)

Competencies

• Accountability/Dependability: Accepts responsibility for quality of own work; acknowledges and corrects mistakes. Shows up on time, meets standards, deadlines, and work schedules.
• Judgement: Makes timely, informed decisions. Analyzes options and determines appropriate course of action.
• Teamwork: Promotes cooperation and mutual support to achieve goals. Encourages participation and mutual support.
• Adaptability/Flexibility: Responds positively to changing business needs and responsibilities. Adapts approach and methods to achieve results; recovers quickly from setbacks and finds alternatives.
• Commitment to Belonging: Values the uniqueness of every individual and fosters an environment where everyone feels respected and empowered to thrive.

Dont meet every single requirement? At CWU, were committed to creating a welcoming and genuine workplace. If youre excited about this role but your experience doesnt align perfectly with every qualification, we still encourage you to apply. This could be the opportunity youre looking for!

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

Salary: The Admissions Counselor position has a minimum annual salary of $42,007 and maximum annual salary of $58,811. The Hiring Departments expected hiring range is $50,409 - $58,811. The Senior Admissions Counselor position has a minimum annual salary of $46,209 and maximum annual salary of $64,692. The Hiring Departments expected hiring range is $55,450 - $64,692.

In addition, a 5% location based premium pay will be added to the monthly salary, contingent on being permanently assigned to a King County duty station.

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the hiring range is based on the candidates current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Schedule/Appointment: Monday - Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm (1 hour lunch) / requires evenings and weekends.

Working Conditions: Work is performed primarily in an indoor office setting with frequent in-person interactions, both on campus and while visiting schools and community partners. The position requires the ability to remain at a desk or computer workstation for extended periods, perform extensive computer-based work and data entry, and maintain departmental records and filing systems. This position requires substantial travel throughout Washington and the Pacific Northwest, with occasional travel to other regions of the United States, including travel in all weather conditions. A flexible schedule is required to accommodate evening and weekend recruitment events, presentations, and other public-facing activities. When working remotely, the position requires a dedicated home office workspace that is free from distractions.

Benefits: CWU offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, life and disability insurance, along with vacation and sick leave plans depending on employment classification. For additional information please visit Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator.

An employee of CWU may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program if the employee has student loans. To learn more, visit: https://ofm.wa.gov/state-human-resources/public-service-loan-forgiveness-program.

How To Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the on-line application and attach:

• A detailed cover letter clearly demonstrating how your education and experience: (a) meet the required (and, as applicable, preferred) qualifications, and (b) demonstrate the ability to perform the responsibilities as described by the posting;

• Resume including work history, education, training; and

• Contact information for three professional references.

Screening Begins: August 3, 2026

Priority will be given to applications received by the screening date. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Contact Information

Name: Laura Miyatake

Title: Director, Admissions - Recruiting

Email: Laura.Miyatake@cwu.edu

Phone: 206-304-2487

Website: http://www.cwu.edu/admissions-aid/

Please contact Human Resources at hr@cwu.edu or 509-963-1202 if you require technical assistance with the on-line application process.

Conditions of Employment

Background Check/Reference Check Process:

Prior to employment, final candidate(s) will be required to sign a Sexual Misconduct disclosure in pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080 and submit to a background check. All information obtained through background investigations will be strictly confidential and revealed only to those required to have access.

Notice to Prospective Employees:

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Statement

Central Washington University is an EEO/AA/Title IX Institution. Central Washington Universitys policies and practices affirm and actively promote the rights of all individuals to equal opportunity in education and employment. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, disability, or status as a protected veteran is prohibited. The university provides an internal procedure for reporting discrimination and affords protection against retaliation for participating in the complaint process. Central Washington University complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and executive orders including when soliciting bids and in the fulfillment of all contracts with governmental agencies. Direct related inquiries to Civil Rights Compliance, 202 Barge Hall, Ellensburg, WA 98926-7501; Telephone 509-963-2050; or email crc@cwu.edu.

Reasonable Accommodations

Central Washington University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact Human Resources at HR@cwu.edu or call 509-963-1202. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

For the Central Washington University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (i.e. Clery Report) which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, available online here or call CWU Police and Parking Services at 509-963-2959 for a paper copy.