Admissions Counselor (35095)

Admissions Counselor

The Admissions Counselor serves as a primary representative of Northern Illinois University to prospective students, families, high school counselors, community college partners, and community organizations. This position is responsible for developing and implementing recruitment and yield strategies within an assigned territory to achieve undergraduate enrollment goals. The position combines strategic territory management, relationship building, public speaking, admissions counseling, communication, data analysis, and customer service.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Student Engagement, Communication, and Campus Recruitment
• Meet individually with prospective students and families through in-person, virtual, telephone, email, and other communication methods to provide admissions counseling throughout the enrollment process
• Plan and deliver engaging campus presentations, information sessions, visitor interviews, and recruitment programs for prospective students, families, and school groups
• Execute targeted communication and call campaigns during peak recruitment and yield periods while managing a high volume of student inquiries. Collaborate with campus partners to connect students with appropriate academic and support resources
• Show excellent presentation, communication, and customer service skills while balancing multiple priorities and maintaining responsiveness during high-volume recruitment periods
• Territory Management and Recruitment Travel
• Manage an assigned recruitment territory by developing and executing strategic recruitment and yield plans designed to meet undergraduate enrollment goals
• Represent Northern Illinois University through high school visits, community college visits, college fairs, college planning programs, counselor meetings, and other recruitment events. Build and maintain strong relationships with school counselors, community college advisors, community organizations, and other educational partners within the assigned territory
• Evaluate territory performance throughout the recruitment cycle and adjust recruitment strategies based on enrollment trends, market conditions, and institutional priorities
• Complete extensive automobile travel, frequent overnight travel during recruitment seasons, and regular evening and weekend work to support recruitment events and university programs. The ability to work independently while traveling and representing the university in a professional manner is essential
• Recruitment Planning, Professional Knowledge, and Strategic Outreach
• Continuously develop and maintain comprehensive knowledge of NIU's academic programs, admissions policies, scholarships, student services, campus resources, and student outcomes to provide accurate and personalized guidance to prospective students and families
• Research recruitment trends, demographic shifts, competitor institutions, and best practices in enrollment management to develop and refine territory recruitment and yield strategies. Use market research and institutional data to identify opportunities and recommend new approaches for engaging prospective students from diverse backgrounds
• Maintain cultural awareness, professionalism, and exceptional customer service while representing the university to students, families, school counselors, community college partners, and campus stakeholders
• Application Review, Reporting, Assessment, and Office Operations
• Review undergraduate applications for admission by evaluating academic credentials, transcripts, supporting documents, and other application materials in accordance with university admissions policies and holistic review practices. Apply sound judgment, maintain consistency in decision-making, and accurately document admissions decisions and recommendations within established timelines
• Maintain a thorough understanding of admissions policies, residency requirements, curriculum evaluation practices, and institutional enrollment priorities to ensure accurate and equitable application review. Participate in training and calibration activities to promote consistency across application readers
• Maintain accurate recruitment records and territory activity within university systems. Prepare reports that evaluate recruitment efforts, territory performance, and enrollment outcomes to support data-informed decision making
• Identify recruitment challenges, recommend strategies for improvement, and contribute to office planning and enrollment initiatives
• Participate in committees, special projects, cross-functional initiatives, and other admissions responsibilities as assigned. During peak recruitment and application review periods, priorities may shift quickly to support office operations and institutional enrollment goals

Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS) - Baccalaureate Degree. Experience in a college/university admissions office or related field. Valid driver's license

Additional Requirements (SPS) - Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Demonstrated ability to give presentations before large groups. Dedication and commitment to customer service. Ability to project a favorable image on behalf of the University. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail needed. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Proficiency in using computer systems and software. Ability to do extensive automobile travel.

Preferred Qualifications (SPS) - Bilingual and able to read, write and speak Spanish proficiently.

Physical demands/requirements - Physical demands consistent with office-type work Ability to perform sedentary work involving sitting the majority of the time. Ability to work for extended periods at computer workstation. Availability to work some evenings, weekends, and off-campus assignments based on critical recruiting cycles. Hybrid remote work is possible. Ability to lift and carry 25 lbs box.

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date - 8/16/2026

Percent of Staff Year - 1.00

Standard Hours Per Week - 37.50

Working Hours - 8:00am - 4:30pm Evenings & Weekends as required

Salary - $44,000.16 annually; NIU offers a robust benefits package.

Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range - $1,833.34 semi-monthly

Earn Type - Salary

Application Procedure

Application Procedure - For full consideration, please visit

Required Documents:

• Cover Letter – Please include your interest in employment with NIU and how your previous experiences position you for success in the role for which you are applying.
• Current Resume
• List of Three Professional References
• Unofficial Transcripts (official transcripts will be required within 30 days of start date)

Applications submitted after 7/31/2026 are welcomed but will be considered as needed.