Admission Counselor

The Admission Counselor works from the Winona campus and is the primary student recruiter and admission representative for an assigned domestic territory (Southern Minnesota and Iowa). This counselor represents the residential college of Saint Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota. This individual’s role is to nurture, develop and enhance relationships with prospective students and their families as well as provide recruitment and financial aid information throughout the admission process. This position maintains a strong connection to the Winona campus. The Admission Counselor participates in both remote and on-campus recruitment events, is responsible for monthly and Saturday on-campus office responsibilities. The Counselor is expected to remain informed and knowledgeable of activities related to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Winona Campus.

• Designs and executes an ongoing outreach and recruitment plan for assigned domestic territories, with an emphasis on assigned county/ territory (yet to be determined).
• Implement recruitment strategies in an assigned territory that includes high school visits, college fairs, local interviews, participation in local recruitment and alumni events and receptions, and all follow-up activities involved with recruiting prospective students to Saint Mary’s.
• Communicate with students and families via phone, letters, e-mail, social media and face-to-face meetings in assigned territory.
• Provide guidance to students and families regarding admission requirements, financial aid, scholarships, residence life and other recruitment related issues; interact with high school counselors to assist in their knowledge and understanding of Saint Mary’s; participate in professional development activities that both enhance job performance and positively showcase the university.
• Review admission applications, evaluate files and make admissions decisions.
• Prepare and deliver a variety of admission presentations to constituents.
• Work with alumni and community organizations to enhance recruitment efforts.
• Fulfill academic liaison duties with assigned academic department and the Marketing and Communications department.
• Complete necessary reports regarding recruitment, travel, schedule and other related work items; compile an annual territory report that summarizes and evaluates recruitment activities undertaken in the past recruitment cycle.
• Follow university procedures regarding travel and other activities associated with recruitment
• Complete other projects/duties as assigned that contribute to the success of the admission effort and enhance knowledge and professional development.
• Performs other duties, as assigned.

Essential Skills and Functions:

• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience being diplomatic and collaborative in a team environment.
• Familiarity with, and an appreciation of, the value of a private liberal arts, faith-based education required.
• Experience developing strong professional relationships and communicating effectively with diverse groups of people.
• Observes safety guidelines and follows safety procedures established by the university.
• Strong computer skills: Solid understanding of the use of the Internet, Microsoft Office, relational databases and CRM software experience strongly encouraged (Target X).
• Self-motivated with the ability to work effectively alone and within a team environment.
• Support, respect, and advance the mission of Saint Mary’s University as a Lasallian Catholic university.

• Bachelor’s degree required with preferred experience in higher education or related experience.
• Experience with events coordination and facilitation in assigned territory.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated organizational and project management skills.
• Must be able to travel (day travel and overnight travel may be required) up to 80% during seasonal admissions period, typically September through November.
• Valid US driver’s license.
• May consider other acceptable equivalent combinations of training and experience.