Admissions Counselor, First-Year Recruitment

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued-and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Summary

The Admissions Counselor, First-Year Recruitment participates in planning, administering, and implementing strategies regarding undergraduate student recruitment, selection, and yield enterprise to meet institutional undergraduate admission and enrollment goals in a specific region of the United States.

Essential Functions

• Plans and conducts in-person and virtual recruitment travel following University and office travel policies. Represents the University by visiting high schools, community-based organizations, and college and career fairs. Conducts large and small group presentations. Tracks fiscal expenditures to maintain budget targets. Manages and orders publications needed for specific travel regions.
• Serves as active member of territory strategic planning teams in accordance with overall undergraduate recruitment and enrollment goals.
• Determines admission eligibility for first-year students by evaluating the academic and non-academic credentials based on established criteria.
• Makes admission decision recommendations on student applicants who clearly meet University admission review criteria and applicants who clearly do not meet admission criteria. Analyzes, makes recommendations, and participates in the decision-making process on candidates whose applications need further review.
• Serves as an active member of application review team(s), which are responsible for meeting admission goals for individual academic schools, colleges, and departments.
• Represents the University at formal on- and off-campus recruitment and yield information sessions and events. Conveys key admissions policies, procedures, and institutional messages to the general public, prospective applicants and families to demonstrate how the University can meet their academic and career goals.
• Communicates with prospective students, school and community organization counselors, and parents. Serves in a public relations and information role by analyzing individual circumstances, answering questions, researching and solving problems by determining the most appropriate course of action. Provides detailed information on a variety of subjects, including but not limited to admission, academics, financial aid, student life, and residential life.
• Assists with campus-wide recruitment and enrollment efforts related to enrolling undergraduate students, including on- and off-campus events in collaboration with campus partners.
• Works collaboratively with admissions colleagues, enrollment division staff, and personnel from other departments within the University on internal special and standing teams and committees.

Other Functions

• Reads transfer applications for admission when necessary.
• Keeps abreast of pertinent developments at the University, in higher education, and in the field of professional admission work.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor's degree.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the undergraduate experience at a major research university.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with high school students, their families and college counselors in a variety of settings, to speak and write clearly and persuasively and to interact with people from diverse backgrounds. Must be sensitive to multicultural and socioeconomic issues.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of relevant technology to make presentations and analyze data.
• Ability to read, analyze, and make admissions decisions based on admission applications and related documents.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, to prioritize, and to achieve goals and objectives while managing multiple concurrent priorities.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday 8:30AM to 5:00PM.
• Required to work some evenings and weekends.
• Required to travel up to 10 weeks per year for both in and out of state recruitment.

Salary Information

Level 25

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with your application, please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. The position will remain open until filled.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.