Job Posting Title:
Senior Admissions Counselor
Job Description:
Position Overview:
The Senior Admissions Counselor is an admissions professional who diligently manages applicant portfolios, performs admissions counseling, and conducts individual candidate interviews. The Senior Admissions Counselor is responsible for evaluating admission applications, responding to written, telephone, and e\-mail inquiries, and handling prospective students' issues and concerns. This individual will also assist in campus event planning and scheduling/facilitating admissions committee meetings. As necessary, this individual represents all KGI programs at recruitment, marketing, and networking events while clearly articulating the institute's mission and values.
The Senior Admissions Counselor is responsible for achieving qualitative and quantitative enrollment goals for assigned programs. The individual will provide guidance and assistance on application completion and ensure proper yield activities are performed to reduce melts for all programs. The individual will also identify opportunities to improve engagement with prospective students and applicants to improve conversion and yield for all programs.
This Senior Admissions Counselor is knowledgeable about all aspects of the admissions process and can discuss topics such as program requirements, policies, and other admissions questions. Supporting the Assistant Director of Admissions, this individual will provide training and mentorship to new admissions staff members and assist in providing oversight to Graduate Assistants.
In addition, this individual is responsible for creating reports, dashboards, and best practices for processing applications for all programs. This position plays a vital role in assisting Admissions leadership in driving key change initiatives and increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of the department's overall operations.
Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) was founded in 1997 as the first higher education institution in the United States dedicated exclusively to education and research related to the applied life sciences. KGI offers innovative postgraduate degrees and certificates that integrate life and health sciences, business, pharmacy, engineering, and genetics, focusing on industry projects, hands\-on industry experiences, and team collaborations. KGI employs an entrepreneurial approach and industry connections that allow students to become leaders in healthcare and the applied life sciences.
Located in beautiful Claremont, California, KGI is a member of the Claremont Colleges, a consortium of five undergraduate liberal arts colleges, two graduate institutions, and The Claremont Colleges Services, which provides shared institutional support services. Each nationally recognized college has its own campus, students and faculty, and distinctive mission, and each offers top\-notch curricula, small classes, distinguished professors, and personalized instruction. The Claremont Colleges consistently place at the top of national college rankings, including Forbes, Money and U.S. News and World Report, and the Princeton Review.
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 3\-5 years of job\-related experience, preferably in higher education recruitment and/or admissions. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position may be considered.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Individuals must possess knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential function of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions may be performed, with or without, reasonable accommodations, using some other combination of skills and abilities.
Admissions Advising and Processing
Advise prospective students and applicants on admissions requirements and process all admissions documents.
Coordinate admissions activities with faculty and team members, including scheduling interviews and assisting students to ensure timely and efficient completion of the admissions process.
Conduct personal interviews to assess prospective students, provide detailed explanations of academic programs, and ensure all admissions requirements are promptly fulfilled.
Maintain consistent communication and engagement with all applicants and inquiries via phone calls, emails, text messages, and in\-person meetings.
Generate reports, maintain dashboards, perform data entry, and participate in committees and special projects as needed.
Admissions Recruitment
Present the value of KGI programs to prospective students and applicants, and conduct advisory sessions to tailor presentations to their needs.
Achieve individual enrollment goals for assigned programs through effective engagement and personalized student experiences.
Conduct recruitment presentations, attend Graduate/Career Fairs, and communicate with prospective students from recruitment events.
Support recruitment efforts through phone calls, text messages, emails, and planning/executing information sessions with the Admissions Outreach team.
Other
Assist with the organization of all admissions recruitment and yield communications and activities, including planning, overseeing, and executing on\-campus and virtual events, and analyzing survey feedback with the Admissions leadership team.
Support the Assistant Director of Admissions in the planning and organization of all Admissions responsibilities for Summer Programs, including communicating and coordinating with other departments to ensure program success.
Assess and improve admissions workflows by using data to recommend solutions that enhance team efficiency, elevate the applicant experience, and support enrollment goals.
Review and strengthen operational policies and procedures to ensure clarity for staff, consistency across the team, and equity for all applicants throughout the admissions process.
Serve as Designated School Official (DSO) in support of the Primary DSO.
Lead special projects and perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Admissions and KGI leadership.
Assist with Admissions department reporting and configure data and dashboards utilizing Admissions CRM systems.
Train and mentor new admissions team members, assist in organizing meetings and team activities, and review office operations to enhance departmental efficiency.
Complete special projects and perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Admissions and KGI leadership.
Other duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities : Individuals must possess knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential function of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions may be performed, with or without, reasonable accommodations, using some other combination of skills and abilities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Proficiency in utilizing CRM systems is preferred.
Ability to gather data and analyze information.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present in front of groups effectively.
Demonstrated ability to work with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds.
Ability and commitment to interacting with all constituents in a welcoming and engaging manner.
Demonstrated ability to build rapport with clients or customers and provide customer service in a sales or customer service environment.
Demonstrated ability to think critically and provide solutions to address issues as they arise.
Ability to take direction and adapt as needed.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Pro\-active, reliable approach to assigned responsibilities, with responsiveness to prioritize according to the department's needs.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy, as well as effective organizational skills.
Ability to handle a high\-volume environment and balance responsibilities while maintaining a respectful demeanor.
Able and willing to work weekend and evening hours, as needed.
Travel to regional recruitment events, as needed.
A valid driver's license or equivalent means of reliable transportation to off\-site meetings and events is required.
Adhere to the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) in the performance of all duties and responsibilities.
Ability to lift 20 pounds/participate in light set\-up for recruitment and on\-campus events.
Hours, Classification, and Status:
This is a regular, full\-time, benefits\-eligible, non\-exempt position.
The regular hours of this position are Monday\-Friday, 8:00 am\-5:00 pm. Hours may vary due to the needs of the College or department.
Pay rate: $29\.00 \- $33\.00 an hour. The hourly rate of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.
KGI offers a comprehensive compensation and benefit package. To learn more, visit https://services.claremont.edu/benefits\-administration/
Physical and Mental Requirements
Ability to maintain good concentration level while dealing with interruptions; attention to details with emphasis on accuracy; capable of giving, receiving, and analyzing information, formulating work plans, and articulating goals and action plans. Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time. Standing for extended periods of time. Reaching and extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction. Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than the whole hand(s), or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard. Communication skills using the spoken word. Ability to see within normal parameters. Ability to hear within normal parameters. Ability to bend and stoop, for example, to file. Ability to move about. Ability to lift and carry short distances up to 20 lbs., for example to lift or move office supplies, files, books and packages.
Ability to travel locally, depending on business needs. Occasionally, will be required to stand for prolonged periods of time at activities/events on and off\-campus.
To Apply:
A confidential review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made. To be ensured full consideration, please upload a letter of interest, resume, and at least three professional references (a manager, a direct report, if applicable, and a coworker).
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy:
Keck Graduate Institute is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate against qualified employees or applicants based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal law. Equal employment opportunity will be extended to all persons in all terms and conditions of employment.
Employment Eligibility:
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full\-time basis without employer sponsorship. No visa sponsorship is available from Keck Graduate Institute.
KGI is a participating employer in E\-Verify and uses the system to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees as required by federal law. For more information about E\-Verify, please visit www.e\-verify.gov.