Admissions Counselor

Overview

The Admissions Counselor works under the general direction of the Director of Admissions and will manage an assigned recruitment territory for Mary Baldwin University. The Admissions Counselor is responsible for the successful recruitment and enrollment of prospective students within their territory, including, but not limited to: prospective student communication, attendance at college fairs, high school visits, and on and off campus recruiting events. The Admissions Counselor will also be responsible for general office duties as assigned.

About MBU

Mary Baldwin University is a private university enrolling nearly 1,800 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels on campuses in Staunton and Fishersville, Virginia, and online. Since 1842, this intimate learning environment has allowed students to cultivate strong connections with faculty, staff, and peers. With a rich history of access and innovation, MBU prepares the diverse leaders of the future in fields ranging from health sciences, creativity and design, business and technology, and education and society. The university is organized into three academic colleges: the Gold College of Arts and Sciences, the Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences, and the Palmer College of Professional Studies.

One of the Most Diverse Campuses in the Nation

With 60 percent of undergraduate residential students being Pell-eligible, 50 percent students of color, and 40 percent first generation, Mary Baldwin is among the most diverse campuses in the country. MBU fosters a vibrant and inclusive campus community, where students feel a strong sense of belonging, acceptance, support, and empowerment. 

Primary Duties: 

• Analyze current and historical enrollment trends in assigned territory to develop a strategy that serves the University’s enrollment goals
• Territory communication management including emails, phone calling, birthday cards, personal notes
• Represents the university to the general public through scheduled presentations at the university, secondary schools, community/junior colleges, and College Fairs
• Travel between 6-8 weeks during the fall and 3-4 weeks during the spring recruitment seasons
• Preparation and attendance for both on-campus and off-campus recruiting events
• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of specific programs, campus resources and unique opportunities to effectively engage prospective students, parents & family and influencers
• Collect and review application materials for the University
• Assists with the coordination and execution of on- and off-campus admissions events and the daily campus tour program
• Creates and maintains prospect records in the campus recruiting management (CRM) system; prepares reports and/or analyzes data to coordinate recruiting efforts
• Collaborate with other offices on campus to ensure successful transition of enrolled students
• Create and maintain relationships with parents, students and guidance counselors
• Participate in yield strategy that encourages applicants to become enrollees
• Responsible for recruiting students in a territory or market segment; provide full-cycle support and service to prospective students, from the inquiry stage through enrollment. Meet yearly enrollment goals for territory
• Provide an excellent customer service and maintain a student-centered attitude in every aspect of the role
• Maintains consistent communication with prospective students through phone, email, SMS, web chat software, and virtual and in-person meetings
• Serves as MBU’s primary contact with high school guidance counselors to ensure that pre-enrollment counseling occurs with high school students in a timely and accurate manner
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to work autonomously, be proactive, take initiative, and make ethical decisions
• Skilled at listening and asking open-ended questions to best understand a student’s needs
• Ability to build relationships with students and their families to assist in identifying the correct program for a student’s career and personal goals
• Ability to follow directions and complete tasks accurately as well as accept supervisory input and feedback

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required 
• 1-2 years of college admissions, sales, outreach, or student organization leadership experience. Student, part-time, and temporary experience may be considered
• Some weekend and evening hours will be required as is a valid Virginia driver’s license since travel is a part of this position
• Experience working with historically underserved populations – including low-income, first-generation, underrepresented students of color, veterans and military-affiliated, rural students, and students with different abilities/disabilities
• Availability for overnight travel and weekend work
• Experience with Jenzabar & SalesForce software is desirable

Benefits and Other Information:

The university offers excellent comprehensive benefits which include paid vacation and sick leave,  in addition to 15+ paid holidays a year and affordable health insurance. We care about the overall wellbeing of our employees and offer a tuition benefit which provides tuition discounts for faculty/staff, children, and spouses on MBU courses.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and the names of three professional references to Shanell Cartagena-Dopson at scdopson@marybaldwin.edu.

Mary Baldwin University is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.