Admissions Counselor (35095)

at Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, Illinois, United States

Job Description

• Meet individually with prospective students and families through in-person, virtual, telephone, email, and other communication methods to provide admissions counseling throughout the enrollment process
• Plan and deliver engaging campus presentations, information sessions, visitor interviews, and recruitment programs for prospective students, families, and school groups
• Execute targeted communication and call campaigns during peak recruitment and yield periods while managing a high volume of student inquiries. Collaborate with campus partners to connect students with appropriate academic and support resources
• Show excellent presentation, communication, and customer service skills while balancing multiple priorities and maintaining responsiveness during high-volume recruitment periods

• Manage an assigned recruitment territory by developing and executing strategic recruitment and yield plans designed to meet undergraduate enrollment goals
• Represent Northern Illinois University through high school visits, community college visits, college fairs, college planning programs, counselor meetings, and other recruitment events. Build and maintain strong relationships with school counselors, community college advisors, community organizations, and other educational partners within the assigned territory
• Evaluate territory performance throughout the recruitment cycle and adjust recruitment strategies based on enrollment trends, market conditions, and institutional priorities
• Complete extensive automobile travel, frequent overnight travel during recruitment seasons, and regular evening and weekend work to support recruitment events and university programs. The ability to work independently while traveling and representing the university in a professional manner is essential

• Continuously develop and maintain comprehensive knowledge of NIU’s academic programs, admissions policies, scholarships, student services, campus resources, and student outcomes to provide accurate and personalized guidance to prospective students and families
• Research recruitment trends, demographic shifts, competitor institutions, and best practices in enrollment management to develop and refine territory recruitment and yield strategies. Use market research and institutional data to identify opportunities and recommend new approaches for engaging prospective students from diverse backgrounds
• Maintain cultural awareness, professionalism, and exceptional customer service while representing the university to students, families, school counselors, community college partners, and campus stakeholders

• Review undergraduate applications for admission by evaluating academic credentials, transcripts, supporting documents, and other application materials in accordance with university admissions policies and holistic review practices. Apply sound judgment, maintain consistency in decision-making, and accurately document admissions decisions and recommendations within established timelines
• Maintain a thorough understanding of admissions policies, residency requirements, curriculum evaluation practices, and institutional enrollment priorities to ensure accurate and equitable application review. Participate in training and calibration activities to promote consistency across application readers
• Maintain accurate recruitment records and territory activity within university systems. Prepare reports that evaluate recruitment efforts, territory performance, and enrollment outcomes to support data-informed decision making
• Identify recruitment challenges, recommend strategies for improvement, and contribute to office planning and enrollment initiatives
• Participate in committees, special projects, cross-functional initiatives, and other admissions responsibilities as assigned. During peak recruitment and application review periods, priorities may shift quickly to support office operations and institutional enrollment goals