Admissions Counselor II

Position Overview:

Advises prospective students and their parents about the University's programs and educational opportunities. Recruits students by setting up and managing recruitment initiatives/travel, attending college fair programs, visiting high schools, and participating in on and off-campus recruitment activities. Effectively carries out prospective student territory management responsibilities. Collaborates with other functional departments (e.g., University Communications, colleges and UCO Administration) in an effort to ensure up-to-date information is provided to prospective students. Assists with recruitment-related events and programs including daily campus tours. Assists with recruiting, advising, and orientation programs specific to domestic or international students. May develop orientation materials, handouts, and/or updates for prospective students. Supervises Admissions Counselor I position/s.

Department Specific Essential Job Functions:

Collaborates with the Assistant Director, Senior Director and other ESS leadership on strategy and team direction for all prospective student populations, training programs for staff, students and volunteers, development and implementation of successful student recruitment strategies, all on-and off-campus special events for prospective students, and in the development of print and web-based marketing materials, as well as social media strategies. Supervises the Admissions Counselor I while acting as mentor, trainer, and resource guide. Responsible for territory management through best practices in relational marketing and outreach, requesting and scheduling visits to high schools and/or community colleges within assigned territory throughout the year. Responsible for management and general business operations related to planning in-state and/or out-of-state recruitment planning within assigned territories, while complying with approved framework provided by supervisors. This includes identifying viable recruitment opportunities, creating travel plans, travel schedules and targeted programming. Travel to and participate in community events, fairs, and other opportunities to identify, attract and recruit prospective students. Coordinates admissions workshops on campus, at high schools, community colleges, community centers and related venues to disseminate information about UCO to prospective students and/or parents. Provides effective and engaging presentations to prospective students, parents and counselors. Plans, organizes, travels to and participates in recruitment events and private visits. Meets recruitment objectives as determined by ESS leadership. Independently develops and fosters a relationship with prospective students and other constituents. This may include family, parents/guardians, counselors and community members. Provides excellent customer service when responding to questions, inquiries, and general interaction with prospects and their constituents. Develops and engages in programming to assist in campus programs and projects for recruitment including campus tours. Serves as the primary contact for prospective students and guides them through the enrollment process. Assists students with completing all steps of enrollment process, including application for admission, FAFSA, financial aid documentation, and housing. Responsible for outreach efforts to obtain missing documents to complete application files. Responsible for managing their territory by effectively utilizing the CRM platform, to include; automated emails, phone calls, handwritten postcards/letters and text messaging. Responsible for logging all communication with prospective students into the CRM. Explains the admission procedures and requirements, and determines admissibility of freshmen, concurrent and transfer credit for prospective and returning students in accordance with professional association guidelines, state mandates, institutional policies and leadership directives. Reviews admission applications for completeness and accuracy and evaluates transcripts for curricular and performance requirements; enters admissions data in the SIS or CRM system. Assists with processing applications for admissions. Exercises discretion, critical thinking and independent judgement with respect to comprehensive reviews of applicant files for admissions decisions, which is of great importance to university sustainability. Coordinates with other departments for large admissions events to maximize opportunities to identify, attract and enroll future students. Discusses options with inadmissible students for future enrollment at UCO. Position requires frequent evening and weekend work depending on recruitment/event schedule and workload, and will require use of personal cell phone to conduct university business. Exercises critical thinking skills to make admissions decisions to assist with the enrollment goals that align with the university mission. Independent judgment and decision making are key aspects of this position as their decisions will have a direct affect on university enrollment and sustainability. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Job Level:

Scope & Impact: This position is an intermediate-level independent contributor whose actions may have a significant impact on a department's operations. This position may also affect operations of multiple work areas.

Communication & Interaction : Interacts with various levels within or outside the University to provide service, interpret and explain ideas and concepts, as well as resolve issues.

Effective Knowledge: Demonstrates functional expertise in a particular domain. Demonstrates ability to operate independently and without supervision for day to day operations.

Problem Solving & Judgement : Maintains a working knowledge of policies and procedures, generally accepted principles, and methods. Resolves day to day operational issues by collecting and interpreting information. Solutions may include modifying procedures and methods to address new conditions and may incorporate advice and input as needed from supervisor. This role includes broad responsibilities requiring the application of policies to dynamic and complex conditions. Problems generally require significant analysis and judgment. Solutions may include adapting existing policies and systems to address unique situations.

Budget Authority: May provide input into budget development by identifying operational needs and requirements. May assist with research, requirements gathering or other related efforts to develop budgetary requirements.

Policy & Procedure Authority: Primarily responsible for applying organizational policies and procedures and/or determining appropriate process to follow.

Reporting Relationships : Generally reports to manager or higher but may receive basic operational direction and guidance from senior level staff members.

Supervisory & Team Leadership Responsibilities : May provide functional subject matter expertise and guidance to junior staff.

Qualifications

Qualifications Required:

Requires a bachelors degree from an accredited institution. Minimum 3+ years of relevant admissions/recruitment/enrollment management experience (master degree may substitute for one year of experience) or 7+ years of equivalent work experience that provides knowledge of and exposure to fundamental theories, principles, and concepts. Requires the application of expertise in a chosen field to achieve results. Strong decision-making and organizational skills delivered from a client-centered perspective. Ability to work well under pressure and give attention to details. Excellent oral/written communication and personal computing skills. Must posses and maintain a valid driver’s license and maintenance of driving record sufficient to maintain insurance coverage under the University of Central Oklahoma.

Qualifications Preferred:

Minimum two years’ experience in college recruitment. Banner and CRM solution experience. Masters degree.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Ability to relate to a diverse applicant/student population as well as to various members of the higher education community. Ability to work well under pressure and give attention to details. Must demonstrate strong decision-making and organizational skills delivered from a client-centered perspective. Excellent oral/written communication and personal computing skills. Ability to travel throughout the state and/or region. Strong leadership, communication, decision-making and organizational skills. Excellent customer service. Microsoft Suite knowledge. (word, excel, access, ext.)

Will this employee supervise others?

Yes, this employee will supervise the Admissions Counselor I and student workers.

Physical Demands:

Ability to walk long distances and lift up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations (in accordance with ADA requirements) may be made, upon request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.