Admissions Counselor

Department

STUDENT SERVICES (NW-SSER-IUNWA)

Department Information

The Office of Admissions at Indiana University Northwest is committed to supporting student access, enrollment growth, and student success through strategic recruitment and outreach initiatives. The department works collaboratively with academic units, student services, K-12 partners, and community organizations to attract, recruit, and enroll students from multiple backgrounds in the region served by the university. Admissions staff provide personalized guidance to prospective students and families throughout the admissions and enrollment process while supporting the university's mission and the IU 2030 Strategic Plan.

Job Summary

Department Specific Responsibilities

• Recruits prospective students through high school visits, college fairs, community events, campus visits, and virtual recruitment activities throughout Northwest Indiana and surrounding regions.
• Counsels prospective students and families on admissions requirements, academic programs, financial aid processes, and enrollment procedures.
• Develops and maintains relationships with high school counselors, community organizations, and educational partners to strengthen recruitment pipelines.
• Conducts outreach initiatives designed to support enrollment growth and increase access for multiple student populations.
• Utilizes CRM systems and recruitment technologies to manage communication campaigns, track prospective student engagement, and maintain accurate recruitment data.
• Assists with planning and execution of admissions events, including open houses, orientation programs, yield events, and campus tours.
• Reviews admissions materials and assist with application evaluations in accordance with university policies and procedures.
• Collaborates with academic departments and student support offices to ensure a seamless transition from recruitment through enrollment.
• Maintains knowledge of university programs, admissions policies, residency requirements, and financial aid resources to effectively advise students.
• Supports institutional enrollment goals through strategic recruitment planning, territory management, and follow-up communication efforts.

General Responsibilities

• Maintains, implements, and oversees a holistic recruitment-yield tactical plan.
• Develops, implements, and administers plans, programs, and events for general and targeted student recruitment in support of organizational goals.
• Integrates strategic communications strategy in collaboration with other departments, geared toward specific student declared academic major, career interests, and geographic factors.
• Identifies and develops partnerships for outreach to prospective students and influencers.
• Interprets academic policies and exercises authority and independent judgment.
• Plans, implements, and evaluates programs and processes and determines the effectiveness of markets and strategies. Exercises independent judgment and uses census data and modeling tools to identify effective marketing plans and strategies.
• Serves in a collaborative role with internal and external stakeholders to identify opportunities to attract and enroll multiple populations. Participates in the assessment and evaluation of various models.

Qualifications

Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.

EDUCATION

Required

• Bachelor's degree in business, public policy, or related field.

Preferred

• Masters degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, Communications, Marketing, Public Administration, or a related field

WORK EXPERIENCE

Preferred

• Experience working in college admissions, recruitment, enrollment management, student services, or higher education outreach.
• Experience presenting to multiple audiences, including students, families, and community stakeholders.
• Experience utilizing CRM systems or student information systems for recruitment tracking and communication management.
• Experience coordinating recruitment events, outreach programs, or enrollment initiatives.

SKILLS

Required

• Proficient communication skills.
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism.
• Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills.
• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality.
• Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Seeks to acquire knowledge in area of specialty.
• Possesses excellent presentation skills.
• Demonstrates excellent judgment, tact, and diplomacy.
• Highly developed customer relations skills.
• Commitment to working with people of multiple backgrounds.
• Ability to interpret federal, state, and institutional rules and regulations and required procedures associated with compliance required.

Preferred

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to engage effectively with students, families, faculty, and community partners.
• Ability to communicate complex admissions and financial aid information clearly and professionally.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and recruitment territories simultaneously.
• Ability to analyze recruitment trends and support data-informed enrollment strategies.
• Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to exercise sound judgment in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to student-centered service.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team-oriented environment.

Working Conditions / Demands

This role requires the ability to effectively communicate and to operate a computer and other standard office productivity equipment. The position involves sedentary work as well as periods of time moving around an office environment and the campus. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.

Work Location

IU Northwest Campus
Gary, Indiana

Advertised Salary

$44,000 - $47,000 annually