Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the worlds brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.
Job Summary
The Undergraduate Admissions Specialist plays a vital role in supporting the recruitment, selection, and enrollment of Caltechs entering first-year and transfer classes. This position serves as a key operational and logistical hub for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, ensuring smooth execution of admissions processes, campus events, and communications with prospective students and families. The Undergraduate Admissions Specialist works collaboratively with admissions officers, student ambassadors, and various campus partners to deliver an exceptional experience to all prospective members of the Caltech community.
Essential Job Duties
Admissions Operations and Processing
Process and review undergraduate application materials for completeness and accuracy, ensuring adherence to admissions policies and deadlines; a typical application cycle will yield approximately 13,000 applicants (first-years and transfers)
Coordinate the receipt, organization, and distribution of application documents, test scores, transcripts, and recommendation letters
Oversee the coordination of transfer graders with the Division of Physics, Math, and Astronomy
Maintain comprehensive and accurate applicant records in the admissions database, Technolutions Slate
Generate reports and analytics on application status
Monitor application portals and troubleshoot technical issues for prospective students
Track and respond to time-sensitive application questions with accuracy and professionalism
Assist in maintaining and sending communications to prospective students.
Work with Operations Team to ensure data integrity across Slate databases, admissions systems, and university databases.
Contribute to the growth and modification of the Slate CRM platform by acquiring and maintaining knowledge of emerging resources and tools to support Slate users, including keeping up with the Slate roadmap, coordinating release management, and conducting system and user acceptance testing.
Develop shared queries and reports to track and respond to admissions work.
Campus Events and Recruitment Coordination
Coordinate logistics for large-scale recruitment programs such as Caltech Up Close, Women in STEM, and Discover Caltech, managing schedules, facilities, catering, room reservations, and expense reporting
Support off-campus recruitment travel by booking event spaces on- and off-campus (including AV needs), preparing materials, coordinating schedules, and managing logistics for admissions officers traveling to high schools and college fairs
Manage event registration systems and attendee communications in Slate
Submit and reconcile expense reports with travel expenses for campus events
Administrative Support
Develop, maintain, and organize new and existing student records in compliance with FERPA regulations in Slate
Assist with special projects and initiatives as assigned by leadership
Work closely with Financial Aid, Registrar, Student Affairs, Residential Life, and other campus partners to ensure seamless transitions for admitted students
Provide support during campus-wide events (evenings and weekends will be required)
Serve as back-up to the Receptionist during their absence
Prepare and coordinate the printing and mailing of admissions decisions packets
Basic Qualifications
Bachelors degree
1 year of relatedexperience generating queries and reports with database management and CRM systems (Slate or similar web-based CRM systems); understanding of relational databases
Basic knowledge of HTML/CSS
Minimum 2 years of experience in admissions, education, customer service, or a related field
Exceptional organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex information clearly to diverse audiences
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
Strong customer service orientation with a commitment to providing outstanding support to students and families
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends during peak admissions periods
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of Technolutions Slate or similar admissions management platforms
Background in event planning and coordination
Experience working with diverse student populations and commitment to equity and inclusion in admissions
Project management experience
Working Conditions
Regular Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (weekend and evening hours will be required during campus-wide events)
Physical Requirements: Ability to sit at a computer for extended periods; occasional lifting of materials up to 20 pounds; standing and walking during campus events
Required Documents
Current resume or CV
Cover letter