ADMISSIONS COUNSELOR

Admissions Counselor

Work Days: Monday-Friday with occasional nights and weekends.
Shift Start/End Time: 8:30 - 4:54 p.m.
Hours Per Week: 40
Weeks Per Year: 52 

Pay status and classification: This is a non-exempt, full time benefits-eligible position. 

This role is a one-year appointment from July 1, 2023 to June 31, 2024, subject to extension or conversion.  This position is based on campus. 

Supervisor: Director of Admissions for Programming & Partnerships

Position Purpose:  Recruits and selects a diverse and talented class that will thrive in Union’s inclusive environment. Serves as the primary point of contact for students and families throughout the admissions process. Builds relationships with on and off campus stakeholders to achieve a high level of visibility for the College. 

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Student Recruitment: Plans, organizes and manages all admissions activities for a designated geographic region. Represents Union at in-person and digital school visits, college fairs and related recruitment events. Completes the review of undergraduate applications and conducts applicant interviews as assigned. Assists with the coordination of recruitment projects and outreach initiatives. Espouses the enduring value of a liberal arts education and is committed to securing a high-achieving and diverse student body.
2. Communication: Shares information with prospective students and families about admissions, financial aid, academic programs and student life at Union through outreach and presentations. Provides professional guidance to applicants and parents about educational planning.
3. Relationship Building: Collaborates with other members of the admissions team to develop and implement recruitment strategies that support institutional goals. Builds relationships with students, families, high school guidance counselors, community organizations, and other stakeholders to increase awareness and visibility of Union College.
4. Team and Partnership Support: Serves as liaison to on-campus departments and off-campus organizations to help increase the number and quality of applications. Works closely with other College departments, including academic departments, financial aid, and student services, to ensure that students have a seamless transition into the institution. Offers to help colleagues during busy times and for overlapping responsibilities.
5. Administration: Evaluates the credentials of prospective students, including transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation, to determine if they meet the institution's admissions requirements. Maintains accurate records and data related to admissions, enrollment, and retention. Participates in training and professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date on best practices in admissions and higher education.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree and/or a combination of relevant education, training, certifications, and/or work experience. Previous experience working in Admissions or related experience in higher education preferred.
2. Ability and willingness to engage in out-of-town travel as well as evening and weekend commitments.
3. Excellent oral/written communication and interpersonal skills as well as confidence and clarity in public speaking.
4. Facility with Microsoft Suite, Google Docs, Excel, PowerPoint and related database and word processing applications.
5. Exceptional time management and organization skill and the ability to manage competing priorities.
6. Experience with Photoshop or graphic design software is preferred.
7. Comfort with computers and databases is preferred.
8. Analytical thinking and decision-making skills.
9. Strong sense of judgment and discretion at all times.
10. Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
11. Ability to exercise exceptional judgment, ensure strict confidentiality, and demonstrate outstanding professionalism in a range of situations.
12. Ability to support, contribute to, and strengthen a vibrant, culturally diverse, and inclusive learning community of students, alumni, faculty, and fellow staff colleagues.
13. Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.

The expected minimum rate for this position is $21.00/hour. Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The stated hiring rate/range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

We know some job seekers may not apply for career opportunities unless they meet every qualification in the position description including the preferred qualifications. We are most interested in hiring the best staff and faculty colleagues, and recognize that a successful candidate may come from a less traditional career path. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our preferred qualifications. 

We offer exceptional benefits including:

• Generous Vacation, Sick and Personal Time
• Winter Recess Break in Addition to Paid Holidays
• Healthcare, Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)
• Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs
• Employee Scholarships toward Certifications, Seminars, Training and Professional Development
• Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
• Tuition Assistance Program for Employee, Spouse and/or Dependents

Note: All new hires of Union College are subject to a thorough education, work experience, and criminal history background check.

Union College

Officially chartered in 1795, Union College is the fifth oldest liberal arts college in the country. Located in the Capital District of New York State, Union is a highly selective residential and undergraduate college, home to 2,200 students and 220 faculty, and offering 44 majors. Union was the first liberal arts college to rethink the traditional liberal arts education and adopt an engineering curriculum. That pioneering approach continues today with an education that encourages students to work beyond the limits of disciplinary boundaries, allowing them to think globally and lead innovatively in a world where problem solving requires breadth across humanities, arts, social sciences, science, and engineering.

Diversity at Union College

Union College is an equal opportunity employer and strongly committed to student and workforce diversity. Increasing diversity on campus is a critical priority for Union, one that is integral to our mission of preparing students for a globally interconnected world. Union provides a blend of intellectual, social and cultural opportunities to facilitate the integrated academic, social and personal development of a diverse community. We value and are committed to a host of diverse populations and cultures including, but not limited to, those based on race, religion, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin and veteran status. Union College is committed to providing access and will provide reasonable accommodation in its application process to individuals with disabilities that request such accommodations.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Union College will not discriminate in the recruitment or selection of faculty and employees, or in any other area of employment, on the basis of age, sex, race, national origin, religion, religious belief, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and veteran status. In this regard, opportunities for advancement will be made available without bias. The College is also subject to state and federal laws, supports efforts to attract and retain fully qualified women and other minority group members for faculty and other positions. Union College will comply with the letter and intent of all State and Federal laws and applicable orders pursuant to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action.