Admission Counselor

The Admissions Counselor will play a pivotal role in achieving the enrollment goals and institutional priorities of Pitzer College. This position involves recruiting students locally and nationally, participating in the evaluation and selection process, and managing prospective student data and communications. A data-driven approach to decision-making will be essential to optimize recruitment strategies and enhance outreach efforts. This role requires significant interaction with prospective students and their families, necessitating excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

This position demands a high level of energy to manage recruitment and travel, the ability to learn new things quickly, and the capacity to work independently with a limited structure. The counselor will manage various events, interact with and counsel young adults, and serve as a strong advocate for the value of a liberal arts education and Pitzer College. Comfort with public speaking and a commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through race-neutral recruitment strategies are essential.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develop and implement recruitment strategies by researching admission trends and best practices, and suggest new marketing ideas, programs, or outreach activities.
• Travel within an assigned territory (approximately 8-10 weeks per year) to visit high schools, attend college fairs, and conduct special programs, while managing receipts and preparing travel and expense reports in compliance with college policies.
• Interview and counsel prospective students and their families, providing guidance on the application process and admission requirements. Conduct information sessions and campus tours for prospective students and their families to promote Pitzer College and its programs.
• Read and evaluate applications using a holistic review process and actively participate in the admission committee to select candidates for admission at a highly selective institution.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for students in the assigned territory, maintaining consistent communication and support throughout the recruitment process.
• Coordinate one or more admission office programs and assist with others under the supervision of an Associate Director of Admission, the Assistant Vice President of Admission, and the Vice President of Admission & Financial Aid.
• Participate in campus committees related to admission activities as needed, contributing to broader institutional goals.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation in the Slate CRM system, ensuring data integrity and effective communication management. Work with the Admission Operations team as necessary.
• Initiate and manage correspondence and arrangements related to recruitment activities, ensuring timely and professional follow-up in specified timelines.
• Design and implement inclusive, race-neutral recruitment strategies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in alignment with institutional priorities.
• Plan and execute yield events, such as admitted student days and virtual information sessions, to convert admitted students into enrolled students.
• Supervising and training the staff of student workers in the admission office while setting a professional example and collegial relationship.
• Adhere to ethical practices and compliance standards as outlined by NACAC and other governing bodies, ensuring transparency, confidentiality, and fairness in all admission processes.
• Perform other essential duties and tasks specific to the position, as well as additional related duties as required.

Basic Qualification: Must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, preferably from a liberal arts college. Preference or experience working at liberal arts college; preferably in Admission or a closely related field. Work experience during college/university studies as a Student Ambassador, Tour Guide, Resident Assistant, Orientation Leader, or other similar student position may count towards preferred experience.

Preferred Qualifications: Individuals with work experience in Admission and/or at a private, liberal arts college will be given preference.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
The individual must possess knowledge, skills, and ability to be able to successfully perform the essential functions of the position or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• Experience with CRM systems such as Slate by Technolutions. Ability to manage and analyze large datasets to inform recruitment strategies.
• Strong skills in data analysis and interpretation. Proficiency in using tools like Microsoft Excel and Google Suite for reporting and analysis.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Ability to engage effectively with diverse populations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to present information clearly and persuasively to various audiences in English.
• Must be self-motivated and can manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting strict deadlines and with limited supervision.
• Proficiency in social media management and digital marketing. Must be comfortable in social media, photography, and video as a representative for Pitzer College.
• Proficiency in using office software, including Microsoft Office, Excel, Google Suite, and Outlook. Familiarity with budget management. Experience with presentation tools.
• Strong organizational skills and experience in planning and executing large-scale events.
• Strong problem-solving abilities. The ability to handle unexpected challenges with professionalism and composure while under pressure.
• Willingness to travel extensively (8-10 weeks per year) and work evenings and weekends as required for travel and college events. Clear communication of expected travel and work commitments. Comfortable on planes, trains, ferries, and driving an automobile.
• Proficiency in additional languages is preferred but not required.
• Always maintain a professional appearance and conduct themselves in a professional manner while representing Pitzer College while on recruitment or at college events.
• Must have access to reliable and secure computer and internet connection. Must maintain password protection for work files and records and ensure that no one else has access to password and login credentials at any remote work site.
• Must have access to a dedicated and suitable workstation at any remote location, including desk or table and supporting, upright chair. Must ensure workstation is safe and free from hazards.

Licenses/Certifications: Must have, or obtain, and maintain a valid California driver’s license and a driving record acceptable to the College’s insurer.

Supervisory Responsibility: May supervise up to 10 student employees.

Annual Pay Schedule: Full-time 40 hours, 12 months

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position working 12 months per year. The regular office hours for this position are 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Some evening and weekend work will be required, including local and national travel. These hours may vary due to the needs of the College or department or required travel and events.

Work Model: Hybrid (after initial onboarding and training, and at the discretion of the AVP and VP of Admission and the needs of the office)

Compensation: Salary Range: $68,640-$68,700 per year.
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

Pitzer College is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, tuition exchange program participation and more.