Summary of Responsibilities
The Admissions Counselor is responsible for guiding prospective students and their families through the entire recruitment, application, and enrollment process at Highlands College. This role blends proactive outreach and relationship-building with precise administrative execution. The Counselor attracts and evaluates candidates who are a strong fit for Highlands College’s mission, personalizes their journey from inquiry to enrollment, and ensures all application and matriculation steps are completed accurately and on time. They present the unique benefits of Highlands College to individuals and groups, foster partnerships with churches, schools, and ministries, and provide pastoral care and support when needed. This position requires a balance of strategic recruitment efforts, compelling communication, and excellence in administrative processes.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
- Execute recruitment plans to attract mission-fit students.
- Build and maintain relationships with prospective students, parents, pastors, and ministry leaders.
- Conduct individual and group presentations showcasing Highlands College’s distinctives.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned recruitment territories, coordinating church, school, and ministry visits.
- Manage day-to-day admissions processing: receiving, tracking, and reviewing applications; organizing materials; and overseeing matriculation steps.
- Coach applicants through the Undergraduate program process, ensuring readiness for college and a life of ministry.
- Track and achieve key performance indicators: lead generation, funnel management, application starts, and conversion rates.
- Maintain accurate data in the CRM, including reports and admissions dashboards.
- Provide initial and follow-up training to teammates regarding admissions processes and systems.
- Participate in on-campus and off-campus recruitment events, including Discovery Days, Accepted Student Days, campus tours, and conferences.
- Travel frequently (up to 2-3 trips per month in peak seasons) to build relationships and meet recruitment goals.
- Be actively engaged in ministry at Church of the Highlands and Highlands College by leading small groups.
- Affirm and uphold the Statement of Faith and the Core Values and DNA of the College, exemplifying all by word and lifestyle.
Personal Characteristics
- Strong work ethic with high energy and enthusiasm for the mission of Highlands College.
- Friendly, personable, and influential in communication with prospective students and families.
- Effective organizational, self-management, and analytical skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, both independently and in a team.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- High level of confidentiality and professional integrity.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership, Administration, Business, Ministry, Social Sciences, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
- Minimum of two years of recruiting, admissions, sales, or related experience in higher education or ministry preferred.
- Experience with M365.
- Foreign language skills are a plus.
Extent of Public Contact
- Medium.
Physical Demands
- Moderate exposure to physical risk.
- Good physical condition.
- Ability to drive between campuses.
- Ability to lift 50 lbs. without assistance.
- Ability to stand for long periods of time.
- The physical activity of this job includes climbing, stooping, kneeling, and crawling.