Shenandoah University’s Office of Admissions is accepting applications for a Graduate Admissions Counselor/Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions. This is a full-time benefited position located on our main campus in Winchester, Virginia.
As a key contributor to the enrollment of graduate students in the university, the Graduate Admissions Counselor/Assistant Director provides expert counseling to prospective students and implementation of recruitment initiatives. This individual develops positive relationships internally and externally by liaising directly with assigned academic departments and assisting prospective students throughout the application process.
The primary responsibilities of this position are to (1) represent Shenandoah University both internally and externally in a professional, caring, and supportive way; (2) serve prospective students as an expert counselor throughout the application process; (3) implement graduate student recruitment strategy; (4) gather data and maintain materials to support the implementation of recruitment initiatives. The ability and willingness to take ownership of responsibilities, as well as work independently and as part of a team until the task is completed successfully is essential.
Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Application File Management (For Assigned Territories)
- Counsel prospective students in assigned programs through the application process by communicating timely information.
- Meet with visiting prospective students in assigned academic department areas.
- Ensure all applicants’ admission requirements are met and review documents to facilitate application completion.
- Prepare and deliver applications for review by academic departments, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of the delivery.
- Compare official transcripts to unofficial transcripts in order to check for accuracy.
Communication with Assigned Academic Departments
- Develop positive relationships with assigned academic departments. Collaborate with those departments to recruit and provide seamless service to prospective students.
- Serve as liaison between prospective students and the appropriate academic departments and personnel.
Recruitment Activity
- Enthusiastically and professionally representing the university at on and off-campus recruitment events; maintaining a travel schedule that includes overnight, evening, and weekend events.
- Coordinate with the Admissions Operations team to support and execute Conservatory audition days and virtual drop-in week.
- Assist the Director with coordination and support of recruitment events for graduate programs, including the creation and evaluation of new event opportunities.
- Prepare and deliver admissions presentations to large and small groups, as needed.
Recruitment Initiatives
- Identify and create outreach opportunities for recruiting students to assigned programs.
- Evaluate recruitment travel and survey target audiences for assigned programs to develop more effective outreach to local school districts, organizations, and businesses. (Assistant Director)
- Coordinate creation and delivery of annual withdrawal survey for distribution to admitted students who chose not to attend. (Assistant Director)
- Oversee and execute targeted recruitment initiatives as assigned by AVP, VP, and Director.
- Regularly review research, data, and trends that relate to the recruitment of graduate students.
Leadership and Supervision (Assistant Director)
- Lead projects and processes to support the work of the Graduate Admissions Team.
- Coordinate with Director to implement work training for professional staff and work-study students.
- Work with the Admissions Specialist on a weekly basis to assign projects and tasks to student workers.
- Maintain and assess existing office documentation and training materials for professional staff. Collaborate with the Director to create and update documentation as needed.
And other responsibilities as assigned.
Required Skills
Required Experience
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college. Assistant Director - Master’s degree preferred.
- Experience working in higher education or office environment preferred; Assistant Director must have experience in higher education with admission-specific experience preferred.
- Designation as an Admissions Counselor or Assistant Director will be dependent upon professional experience and education.
- Strong interpersonal communication skills. Must possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to utilize and learn numerous technology applications: Microsoft Office, as well as admissions technology in recruitment.
- Attention to detail, ability to prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines
- Ability to manage multiple tasks in a busy office and the ability to work both independently and in a collaborative team environment
- Motivated and capable of using own initiative
- Ability and willingness to work evening hours, weekends, and overnight travel
- Valid driver’s license with a good driving record and ability to pass a DMV check
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs into and out of a vehicle
How to Apply:
The complete application will include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a qualified candidate is selected.
Shenandoah University is committed to enriching its educational experience and culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff. All candidates are strongly encouraged to include a statement in their cover letters addressing ways in which they may be able to contribute to that commitment.
**Note: A pre-employment background check will be required and a satisfactory driving record may be required as a condition of hire.
Shenandoah University values the unique and diverse perspectives of individuals and communities locally and globally and seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcome and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, physical, or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or on any other basis protected under applicable law.