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Admission Counselor

Case Western Reserve University
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POSITION OBJECTIVE
The Admission Counselor will evaluate applications for admission and make decisions on the admissibility of candidates. An admissions counselor interprets and explains admissions decisions to parents and students. Interprets and explains university programs and policies paying special attention to the identification of appropriate exceptions to normal processes and procedures. An admissions counselor conducts evaluative interviews of prospective students, plans and executes recruitment travel based on analysis of data and builds relationships with high school counselors. This staff member conducts information sessions on campus and off, as well as, respond to questions from parents, students and families on the phone and via email. This staff member represents all facets of undergraduate education and student life at Case Western Reserve University to prospective students, their parents and high school guidance counselors with friendliness, enthusiasm, patience and respect. All prospective students should be treated equally, without regard to race, religion, age, sex, color, disability, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. This position is eligible for hybrid/remote work arrangements. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  1. Make decisions on the admissibility of candidates who apply for undergraduate admission to the university. Analyze and interpret high school and college transcripts, interpret standardized test scores, assess academic achievement (must be able to assess strength of courses with the same title offered at different high schools), evaluate quality of essays, interview reports and letters of recommendation. Synthesize this information to predict the likelihood of success at the university in the candidate’s indicated area of academic interest. Make admission decisions based on academic program, contributions to high school and community through extracurricular activities, quality of high school, test scores and make judgements based on demographic information in comparison to other candidates. Evaluate and make admission decisions for candidates based on desirability to the university in meeting a multitude of enrollment goals, which requires application of variable standards. Make judgements and identify special cases that need to be reviewed by the director. Admission Counselors have the authority to make decisions on the admissibility of candidates in approximately 95% of admission cases. (35%)
  2. Answer incoming calls and emails from parents, students and counselors while working in the Undergraduate Admission contact center. Orally and in writing, interpret and explain the university's curriculum; describe the culture of Case Western Reserve University undergraduates as well as the campus atmosphere and environment; articulate admission and financial aid policies understanding when exceptions should be made; explain admission decisions. Calm upset, disappointed or angry callers. (22%)
  3. Contact individual high schools to schedule visits. Make decisions about priorities when conflicts between available schools are identified. Contact alumni in recruitment territory to schedule alumni events. Book all airline, lodging and transportation needs for travel in compliance with university policies. International travel may be included. Reconcile travel expenses within a timely manner while following the university travel guidelines. Execute travel plan. (12%)
  4. Special projects assigned by the director which may include management of events, tour guide program, diversity recruitment, international recruitment or others. (10%)
  5. Interview prospective students. Evaluate students for fitness at the university. Probe students regarding curriculum, testing and extracurricular activities. Write effective evaluative reports to be used in the application evaluation. Advise students and families on curriculum, testing and opportunities available at Case Western Reserve University. Interpret students’ experiences and goals and advise on suitability of Case Western Reserve University and the path toward achieving goals. (8%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  1. Initiate, develop and cultivate strong partnerships with high school counselors. Articulate the profile of student who is likely to be competitive for admission at Case Western Reserve University. Be able to communicate to counselors those students who may be competitive and are desired by the university, but who might fall outside of normal admissions expectations. Explain admission decisions to counselors whose students have applied for admission. Understand current admission and higher education trends. Be the expert on Case Western Reserve University and the admission office to high school counselors. Understand and be able to articulate exceptions to expected admissions decisions. (4%)
  2. Lead information sessions both on and off-campus. Represent the university with strong knowledge of the university. Be able to read the audience and quickly and while thinking on one’s feet, customize the presentation to their needs. Must have the ability to listen closely for the concerns of the student and answer questions even when not articulated well by the parent/student/counselor. (4%)
  3. Through the use of historical applicant data, current inquiry data and external data sources, identify high schools to visit for recruitment and relationship building. Review past histories, future opportunities and enrollment goals to determine which high schools within the recruitment territory should be prioritized. Assess college fairs based on likely success of the event and return on investment. Incorporate into travel itinerary when appropriate. (4%)
  4. Perform other duties as assigned. (1%)

CONTACTS
Department: Daily contact with all department staff to review applications for admission and to collaborate on special projects.
University: Regular contact with faculty and staff across the university during open houses and special events for prospective students.
External: Regular contact with prospective freshmen and transfer students, their parents and guidance counselors and alumni volunteers to conduct interviews and group information sessions and attend events on and off campus.
Students: Regular contact with student office workers and student recruiters to assist with the daily schedule and assist on special projects.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
None.

QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: 1 to 2 years of professional work experience required, preferably in undergraduate admission.
Education/Licensing: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred. Valid driver’s license required.

REQUIRED SKILLS
  1. Understand standardized testing (AP, IB, SAT, ACT, SAT Subject Tests, TOEFL)
  2. Knowledge of curriculum difference in the United States and around the world. Ability to discern various curriculums including AP, IB, Dual Credit and International curriculums (A Levels, IGCSE, etc.)
  3. Ability to understand subject matter progression within all high school subjects and have the ability to evaluate preparation in subject matter and among different high school environments.
  4. Ability to understand impact of socioeconomic conditions on opportunity and achievement.
  5. Ability to interpret student experiences and goals and advise on suitability of Case Western Reserve University and the path toward achieving goals for prospective students, parents and counselors.
  6. Knowledge of range of extracurricular activities, honors/awards common to high school students and the importance placed in the admission process.
  7. Ability to operate with a high level of awareness for protecting sensitive and confidential information. Ability to identify exceptions to normal policies and practices.
  8. Deep knowledge different kinds of high school environments.
  9. Ability to interpret, analyze and make decisions based on conflicting data.
  10. Strong presentation skills.
  11. Ability to develop, enhance and nurture relationships with prospective freshmen and their families while providing consistent, accurate and usable information to encourage the matriculation of these prospective students in accord with the academic and professional goals of the university. This individual will also work closely with current students, staff and external sources and must possess superior interpersonal skills.
  12. Must demonstrate a customer service orientation and ability to collaborate with students, parents, staff and outside organizations. Must be able to interpret and explain university policies and the admission process to prospective students and parents.
  13. Excellent written and oral communication skills; superior organizational, reporting and analysis skills mandatory. Ability to read, comprehend and synthesize quickly.
  14. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Individual must be mature, professional and discreet.
  15. Self-motivated and demonstrate leadership skills and possess the ability to work in teams, multitask and facilitate programs.
  16. Meticulous attention to detail.
  17. Ability to be diplomatic in a high-pressure atmosphere. Respect for confidentiality.
  18. Strong facility with end-user technology such as laptop computers, smart phones and tablets. Ability to learn new software programs quickly required.
  19. Superior knowledge of the university.
  20. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
  21. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Office setting, with meetings and activities in buildings throughout the campus. Position requires driving personal vehicle while on the job. Recruitment travel requires plane and rental car transportation. Position required frequent evening and weekend work. This position involves responsibility for working with individuals under the 18 years of age. This position is eligible for the staff hybrid work program.