About Job
POSITION SUMMARY
We are a vibrant and diverse admissions team seeking a personable, positive, and poised admissions counselor to join us and represent CIIS. Admissions counselors at CIIS develop in-depth knowledge of admissions practices, institutional policies, and program offerings in order to effectively recruit and advise students. Counselors work collaboratively while maintaining areas of specialty and responsibility. The successful candidate will demonstrate a background in relationship building and the ability to establish and maintain good rapport with both prospective students, admissions team members, and with the programs we proudly represent.
Our ideal candidate will also show creativity, flexibility, and ingenuity in identifying opportunities, the ability to adapt to new technologies, and a dedication to the shared values of the CIIS community which include integral education, diversity, and sustainability.
The Admissions Counselor will represent assigned academic programs, explain entrance requirements and the application process to prospective students, and guide them from initial inquiry through enrollment. This role includes active participation in outreach and recruitment efforts, including travel to attend recruitment events.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Recruitment and Outreach
- Collaborate with department chairs, Communications, and Marketing on recruiting and publicity materials.
- Coordinate and implement recruitment initiatives, including outreach campaigns, travel, and drip marketing.
- Conduct outreach at recruitment fairs, community colleges, and community events; contribute to program-specific recruitment strategies.
- Identify and execute admissions strategies to grow and enhance the prospective student pool.
- Represent the university in a professional and personable manner at both on-campus and external recruitment events.
- Attend and co-host online information sessions: assist with Q&A, Zoom setup, faculty coordination, and slide deck development; follow up with attendees.
- Lead presentations about CIIS and its programs, virtually and in person.
Department & Faculty Engagement
- Meet regularly with programs to update faculty on enrollment activities and address admissions-related questions or concerns.
- Coordinate faculty participation in the admissions process, including applicant review and awareness of deadlines.
- Ensure faculty involvement in key events such as Open Houses and yield activities.
- Communicate regularly with team members and supervisors to share admissions trends and updates.
Prospective Student Support
- Serve as the primary contact for prospective students regarding admissions and non-academic matters.
- Provide informed and timely counseling on CIIS programs, admissions, and student life via phone, email, Zoom, and in person.
- Assess when questions should be referred to faculty or other staff and make appropriate referrals.
Application & Enrollment Support
- Track prospective student engagement and application progress in Slate.
- Review applications for completeness and provide written recommendations for admission.
- Monitor applicant files and follow up to encourage timely submission and completion.
- Provide recommendations for institutional scholarships as applicable.
- Ensure accurate and timely processing of applicant materials in Slate.
- Analyze inquiry and applicant trends to inform recruitment strategy adjustments.
Events & Yield Activities
- Manage fall and spring Open Houses and lead yield activities in April and May.
- Organize and participate in both virtual and in-person admissions events.
- Provide campus tours and support with event logistics and prospective student engagement.
Transition & Retention Support
- Partner with Student Affairs and the Provost's Office to coordinate summer communication and engagement efforts.
- Help facilitate a smooth "hand-off" from Admissions to academic and student support teams post-enrollment.
Team Collaboration & Professional Development
- Stay current on academic program updates, faculty research, and curriculum changes.
- Contribute to annual planning and evaluation of recruitment strategies.
- Support colleagues as needed, including vacation coverage or high-volume periods.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- B.A. from a regionally-accredited college or university required; M.A. preferred
- Demonstrated outstanding customer service skills; sales skills desired
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills
- Commitment to articulating and supporting the mission, vision, and values of the university
- Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, diverse environment and to develop good working relations and collaborate with diverse people
- Ability to balance flexibility with adherence to campus policies and ethical standards
- High attention to detail, sound judgment, and highly developed organizational management skills
- Advanced proficiency working with Microsoft Office suite of products and software in general; experience working with student information systems (SIS) and CRM software preferred
- Availability to travel during the week and on weekends, particularly during fall recruitment season to various Bay Area campuses and nationwide
- Ability to work some evenings and weekends for recruitment events
- Valid driver's license and access to functioning car with valid insurance required 2 years of experience in admissions/recruitment (or the equivalent) preferred
ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS
Occasional work performed alone with ability to work remotely from time-to-time. Collaboration and constant work around and with other people.
PHYSICAL ABILITIES
This position requires attention to detail, good memory, ability to work under deadline pressure, sitting and standing for long periods of time, oral and written communication, keyboarding for significant portions of the workday, pushing, pulling, bending, stooping, reaching, patience, and tact to perform the essential functions.
LOCATION
Hybrid, 2 days in person.
Additional Information:
WAGES AND BENEFITS
$62,000.00- $70,000.00
NOTES TO CANDIDATE
- Working Conditions Duties are primarily performed in an office environment at a desk or computer terminal, typically Monday through Friday.
- Background Check Due to the sensitivity and requirements of this position, you should expect to undergo and be cleared of an employment background/criminal check, if extended an offer for employment. You may also be asked to provide proof of educational degree(s), licenses, or credentials pertinent to the position. If your job requires driving on behalf of CIIS you will be required to provide proof of a valid driver's license.
- Visa Sponsorship Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer.
- Relocation Assistance This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY
At the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), we are dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging, guided by our Seven Commitments. We value the diverse experiences, perspectives, and identities within our community and strive to create and maintain environments that are inclusive, equitable, accessible, and welcoming for all.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer we are committed to providing an open, fair, and non-discriminatory environment for all individuals, in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. This commitment extends to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, and other terms and conditions of employment.
CIIS actively seeks to recruit and retain individuals who bring a broad range of cultural backgrounds, languages, and life experiences that enhance our institutional mission and values.