Admissions Counselor

About the Position

Admissions Counselors manage outreach and recruitment efforts for a specified geographic territory while contributing to the development and implementation of a comprehensive and data-driven undergraduate recruitment plan.

Counselors participate in all aspects of outreach and recruitment, in a fast-paced work environment. This includes applying a proactive and detailed approach to learning about Western, building relationships with students, families and counselors, and engaging in relevant follow- up, program planning, application and scholarship decision-making and related duties as assigned to identify, attract, and enroll future Western students.

This position is stationed at the Bellingham campus.

Position Responsibilities : In all aspects of the position, the admissions counselor is responsible for ensuring incorporation of accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusiveness perspectives throughout functional responsibility areas, in alignment with the University’s broader efforts to make Western a place where all community members feel truly safe, supported and included.

Overall responsibilities include :

Communicating the values of Western Washington University and the benefits of higher education to a wide and diverse range of prospective students, parents, high school counselors, and community groups with tact, diplomacy, and discretion

Extensive public speaking engagements at recruitment events such as high school and community college visits, college fairs, and on campus programs

Analyzing application and enrollment trends and developing appropriate territory recruitment strategies; assessing effectiveness and adjusting strategies as necessary in collaboration with the Recruitment and Outreach team

Evaluating the qualifications of prospective students making admissions decisions which are in the best interest of the student and the University

Maintaining a positive attitude that will promote a healthy and respectful culture as a member of the Admissions team

Traveling by car, plane, and ferry for extended periods and working during irregular hours extensively, including late nights, early mornings, evenings and weekends for fourteen to sixteen (14-16) weeks per year on a continuous and ongoing basis

Providing support for talented, nonresident, and transfer student recruitment; multicultural outreach; early outreach; and / or selected recruitment by academic interest

This position requires routinely lifting 50 pounds

Recruitment and Outreach : Travel extensively, including weeknights and weekends, (approx. 10 weeks in the fall and 4-6 weeks in the spring) to promote Western Washington University to prospective first year and transfer students to meet University enrollment goals Counsel, advise, and maintain positive contact with prospective students and their families, regarding admission requirements, financial aid and scholarships, and campus life Present to large and small groups of students and guests at on- and off-campus events including high school visits, college fairs, campus visit programs, application workshops, community events and parent nights Manage and develop recruitment strategies in conjunction with overall recruitment goals Review and analyze data to determine schools, fairs, and events to attend / visit;

and review and analyze data to effectively recruit students to meet University goals Work collaboratively to ensure that the University is making every effort to attract and enroll diverse students from the region Develop and manage relationships with key constituents in territories to include high school and community college counselors, community-based organizations and alumni, parents and students Administer campus visit programs, including planning, assessment and oversight Serve in an on-call advising capacity on a regular rotation in the Office of Admissions providing excellent customer service to students, families and community members visiting campus as well as responding to phone and email inquiries .

Admission and Scholarship Review : Responsible for making final (admit / deny / wait list) admission decisions First Year students within assigned territory Evaluate qualifications within state and institutional guidelines to make admissions decisions and recommendations in the best interest of the student and the University Responsible for recommending admission decisions for Transfer students within assigned department Participate in review of first year and transfer candidates for scholarships

Programs and Events : Attend and assist with the planning and execution of events and activities on behalf of the Office of Admissions as needed and assigned Assist in managing Distinguished Scholars program, maintaining content and selecting participants Serve as admissions liaison to a specific college within the University as a point of contact for information and updates as well as partnership opportunities

Other Duties : Essential Responsible for timely follow up with internal and external customers Complete reports related to recruitment, schedule, travel, and special programs Participate as an engaged and supportive member of the Admissions team by : Participating in meetings, committees and special projects as appropriate Assisting colleagues with team projects

Other duties as assigned

Positions available currently include a 1-year full-time project employment position ending January , and two additional 2-year full-time project positions ending January .

While there is no guarantee of employment past these end dates, any potential for continued employment would be considered, dependent on available budget and departmental need.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (earned by position’s start date)
• Excellent interpersonal skills that include professional communication, relationship building, and the ability to clearly and concisely present information
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including excellent presentation abilities
• Demonstrated record of or commitment to supporting an organizational culture that emphasizes accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Display strong planning and organizing skills, attention to detail, and ability to produce desired results independently
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual ability (e.g. Spanish, Mandarin, Tagalog, etc.)
• Experience navigating available resources or participating activities related to higher education and / or the prospective undergraduate student market
• Experience as a student leader, Student Admission Representative, Tour Guide, Resident Advisor, Peer Advisor, Orientation Leader, or similar student service roles.

Conditions of EmploymentAll employees must comply with our Immunization policies, including if you need information regarding medical or religious exemption and applicable accommodations.

Salary Hiring range for positions is $46, - $53, / year depending on qualifications and experience. Through longevity the positions top out at $60, / year. Benefits Information

Application Instructions

A cover letter and resume are required and should address your experience related to the position responsibilities and the required and preferred qualifications.

Please include the names and contact information of three professional references. References will only be contacted if necessary, with notice provided beforehand.

Closing Date Notes

For full consideration, please apply by November 1, ; positions open until filled