Admissions Counselor

Department: Division of Enrollment Management

Classification: Education Support Spec 2

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Pay Band: 03

Salary: Starting low $40,000, commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Motor Vehicle Records Check: Yes

Works with Minors check: Yes

About the Department:

In collaboration with the George Mason University community, and as a part of the Office of the Provost, the Division for Enrollment Management optimizes student recruitment and retention by developing and implementing strategic enrollment plans, overseeing the admissions process, providing financial aid services, and managing the Mason Student Services Center—a centralized student services resource. The Division’s activities support the achievement of institutional enrollment goals by placing the student (and family) at the center of our work, supporting a culture of transparency, and leveraging data to inform decision-making.

The Office of Admissions facilitates the recruitment and enrollment of freshmen, transfer, graduate, and non-degree students in alignment with the University's strategic plan, ensuring a diverse and successful student body that contributes to the institution's excellence and global impact.

About the Position:

The Admissions Counselor actively recruits new freshmen and transfer students by planning and executing recruitment activities in assigned locations. Reviews applicant files and make appropriate admission decisions. Serves as the on-call person to meet with prospective students and families that walk into the office and as the contact person for any escalations from the front-line services team, as scheduled. Conducts information sessions presented to prospective students and their families on academics, campus life and how to apply to George Mason University.

This position requires frequent evening and weekend work and extensive travel.

Responsibilities:

• Actively recruits new undergraduate students by conducting recruitment activities in assigned territories;
• Contacts and travels to schools or community colleges;
• Meets with prospective students and their families;
• Conducts presentations that highlight George Mason University;
• Schedules and conducts high school visits and college fairs;
• Manages university funds responsibly;
• Engages in appropriate follow-up activities with prospective students and applicants encountered during recruitment cycle;
• Remains up to date on all relevant information/policies about the institution;
• Reviews freshmen undergraduate applicant files and makes appropriate admissions decisions in the student database following established policies and procedures;
• Handles a caseload of approximately 3,000 freshmen applicant files;
• Supports review of transfer and/or non-degree applicants, as needed;
• Serves as an active and committed member of the admissions committee; 
• Serves as the Counselor of the Day (COD), the on-call person to meet with prospective students and families that walk into the office and as the contact person for any escalations from the front-line service team as scheduled;
• Serves as the Informational Officer of the Day (IOD), conducting information sessions presented to prospective students and their families on academics, campus life and how to apply to George Mason University;
• Conducts prospective student information sessions several times per month, or as assigned;
• Actively participates in admissions events and assists with planning and logistics, as assigned;
• Participates in marketing related activities in conjunction with the office of Integrated Enrollment Marketing and the Office of Admissions, as needed; and 
• Reviews, edits, and contributes content related to prospective and admitted undergraduate students.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Demonstrated experience providing customer service;
• Demonstrated ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing;
• Demonstrated analytical skills;
• Skill in public speaking in large and small group situations;
• Ability to perform work with substantial attention to detail;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully in a team environment and with diverse populations;
• Ability to handle sensitive and/or confidential information and situations;
• Ability to prioritize tasks in a deadline-driven environment;
• Proficient in the use of related technology with willingness and ability to learn new systems; and
• Must currently possess an appropriate, active, valid motor vehicle operator’s license that meets all of GMU’s requirements for operating state vehicles and equipment under Mason’s Vehicle Use Policy 1411 https://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/policies/vehicle-use/. The Office of Risk Management reserves the right to review the driver’s licenses and Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) of all candidates selected with employment contingent upon a favorable review.  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience working in an office setting;
• Experience working in higher education with knowledge of the admissions process;
• Previous experience with Ellucian Banner software;
• Previous experience with Salesforce CRM;
• Familiar with Mason's physical campus and surrounding area;
• Familiar with Mason's diverse population, admissions processes, campus offerings for students, and campus events; and
• Bilingual.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Admissions Counselor at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide cover letter and resume for review.

Posting Open Date: October 2, 2024

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  October 16, 2024

Open Until Filled:  Yes