Graduate Enrollment Counselor

Dakota State University is seeking applications for two Graduate Enrollment Counselors. These positions build relationships with prospective and current students to assist them in planning and pursuing their graduate degree. The successful candidates will maintain frequent communication with prospective and current students to assist them in core areas of graduate program progression. They will work closely with graduate program coordinators to identify resources, curriculum, admission, and marketing needs to support recruitment and retention.
 

DSU offers both online and onsite graduate programs, though most students study online. The successful candidate will maintain a flexible work schedule to provide timely responses to students as appropriate in the evenings and on weekends. A hybrid work arrangement will be considered.  Preference will be given to candidates who can office on campus at least twice a week.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain consistent phone, text, Zoom, and/or email communication with prospective and current students to support students from the inquiry phase through graduation.
• Address student inquiries in a timely manner.
• Coordinate student on-boarding activities including admissions, orientation, and academic advising.
• Adjust work schedule as needed to support a working adult population, which will require some evening and weekend hours.
• Conduct advising to assist students in setting their plans of study and registering for courses each term.
• Maintain up-to-date, accurate and detailed documentation on student interactions, progress and meetings in TrojanConnect
• Respond to students’ concerns with course engagement, university policies and instructor interaction to ensure academic progress.
• Recommend appropriate resources for students who need additional academic support to improve student success.
• Collaborate with appropriate departments (Registrar, Financial Aid, Cashier, Disabilities Services, Counseling Services, Veterans Services, etc.) to resolve individual student issues and ensure positive student experiences.
• Assist with graduate special events including program open houses for prospective students, commencement, Graduate Research Initiative (GRI), doctoral residency and seminars/colloquia.
• Track student enrollment, persistence, success, and completion.
• Produce reports that strengthen student outreach and student success.
• Develop tools and strategies to remove common challenges online graduate students encounter.
• Identify innovative strategies to improve student services for graduate students.

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree is required.
• A minimum of 2 years of student/academic affairs experience in admissions or advising or a minimum of 5 years of customer service experience in other contexts.
• Ability to respond to students’ questions in a very timely manner, which will require some evening and weekend office hours.
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Ability to learn student information platforms.
• Ability to work independently with a high level of attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Effective listening, assessment, and problem solving skills.
• Ability to serve a diversity of backgrounds, cultures, talents, and experiences.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A master’s degree.
• Previous experience working with student information platforms or a customer relation management (CRM) tool.
• Knowledge of academic policies.
• Experience working with student support initiatives.
• Industry-based certification in professional coaching or a related field.

Benefits:

• Flexible benefits package – including paid time off, health and retirement benefits
• Life and disability insurance options
• Reduced tuition, longevity pay and training opportunities
• Professional liability coverage

How to Apply:
DSU accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu. Please submit a cover letter, resume, transcript, and a list of at least three professional references.

About Dakota State University:

DSU is located in Madison, South Dakota in the southern lakes region of the state. The region boasts a wealth of outdoor sports and a life-style possible only in smaller towns and rural communities. Madison is just a 50-minute drive from Sioux Falls, the largest city in South Dakota.

Dakota State employees receive a comprehensive and flexible benefits package including paid time off, health and retirement benefits, and life and disability insurance options. Other benefits include reduced tuition, longevity pay and training opportunities. DSU also provides professional liability coverage.

DSU is committed to equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Applicants with disabilities are invited to identify any necessary accommodations required in the application process. E-Verify, EOE.