Title: Admissions Counselor
Executive Area: Academic Affairs
College/School/MBU: College of Nursing
Department: Dean - College of Nursing
Work Location: Amherst
Schedule: Full Time
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Job Summary
The Admissions Counselor is responsible for developing, managing, and executing strategies to attract, engage, and convert prospective students for the College of Nursing's U+/Flex programs. This role oversees the full recruitment lifecycle - from initial outreach through matriculation - by combining relationship-building, data-driven lead management, and strategic use of CRM systems. The position serves as a primary point of contact for prospective students while collaborating closely with academic and administrative partners to align recruitment efforts with program goals.
This is a two year, term-limited position. Continuation of this position is contingent upon funding.
Essential Functions
Recruitment & Outreach
Conduct targeted outreach to high schools, colleges, community organizations, and other relevant networks to generate prospective student interest in nursing programs.
Organize and participate in recruitment events, including college fairs, campus visits, information sessions, and virtual engagements.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with guidance counselors, community partners, and other stakeholders to enhance program visibility and referral pipelines.
Represent the College at on- and off-campus events, effectively communication program benefits, outcomes, and career opportunities in nursing.
Prospective Student Engagement
Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective students, providing personalized guidance throughout the inquiry, application, and enrollment process.
Respond promptly to prospective student inquiries across multiple communication channels, including phone, email, text, virtual platforms, and social media.
Advise students on program options, admission requirements, financial aid, scholarships, and career pathways.
Connect prospective students with faculty, program staff, and additional resources as appropriate to support application completion and enrollment.
Lead Management & CRM Strategy
Manage and cultivate qualified leads, converting prospects into applicants and ultimately enrolled students.
Utilize and continuously optimize the College's CRM system to track, monitor and analyze the prospective student pipeline from advertisement responses or initial inquiry through matriculation.
Maintain accurate and comprehensive records of recruitment activities, communications, and enrollment outcomes.
Identify trends and key opportunities within CYM data to improve communication strategies, student engagement, and conversion rates.
Data Analysis & Strategic Planning
Analyze recruitment and enrollment data to inform decision-making, including marketing strategies, communication plans, and resource allocation.
Recommend effective use of marketing resources and student support funding (e.g., scholarships, fee waivers, work-study) to maximize yield.
Track and evaluate the effectiveness of recruitment initiatives and adjust strategies to improve outcomes.
Collaboration & Program Alignment
Partner with Academic Affairs and Program Directors to maintain current knowledge of program offerings, admissions goals, and ideal student profiles.
Ensure accurate, consistent, and timely information is communicated to prospective students.
Support the development and execution of communication plans, recruitment workflows, and event coordination.
Contribute to continuous improvement of recruitment processes, systems, and team operations.
Professional Knowledge
Stay informed on trends in nursing education, workforce demands, and higher education recruitment practices to effectively advise students and refine strategies.
Other Functions
Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet department, executive area/division, and university goals and objectives.
Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, Clery, and other compliance requirements.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree. Experience not required.
High level of written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to effectively influence stakeholders of various levels including potential students, faculty, and administration.
Ability to quantify results within and across functions.
Ability to exercise discretion and confidentiality when interacting with students and faculty to include a diverse population.
Ability to work both independently and to be part of an effective team with a highly cooperative and collaborative work style.
Strong organizational and planning skills including project management skills.
High technical aptitude including the ability to use computer-based registration and academic records technology.
Ability and willingness to learn SPIRE, Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, CRM systems, appointment calendaring systems.
Knowledge and understanding of the student lifecycle and lead management best practices.
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated customer service experience and enthusiasm.
Additional Details
This is a two year, term-limited position. Continuation of this position is contingent upon funding.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.
Work Schedule and Work Arrangement
Monday through Friday
This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week.
Salary Information
Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 25
Special Instructions for Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.
This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.
