Admissions Counselor

Admissions Counselor

The Admissions Office is seeking qualified individuals for the position of Admissions Counselor. The Admissions Counselor is an externally-facing and relationship-focused position that performs a variety of functions related to recruitment and admissions and serves as the primary contact person for prospective undergraduate students. The counselor spends significant time out of the office during pre-determined points in the admission cycle to connect with prospective students and key influencers at college fairs, schools, churches, camps and other pertinent venues. The counselor establishes and develops meaningful professional relationships for Cairn through both travel and regular engagement through various modes of communication. The position requires a person with a high degree of ambition, diligence, and creativity.

All employees at Cairn University sign the University's Foundational Statements annually as an affirmation of their commitment to support the University's mission, positions, and values. Employees are expected to carry out their roles and responsibilities in alignment with these statements in all professional interactions with students, colleagues, and the broader University community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Process and manage student enrollment applications in assigned area, incorporating sales tactics to'seal the deal' with each applicant (Approximately 145 applications minimum).
• Actively promote Cairn through visits to Christian/public high schools, churches, community colleges, college fairs, and youth events in assigned territory (Approximately 100 unique visits annually).
• Proactively initiate regular and effective contact with key influencers (guidance counselors, youth pastors, etc.) to foster a relationship of trust between he/she and the university.
• Be a skilled salesperson, able to effectively network while traveling and sell Cairn confidently through giving presentations to audiences both large and small or meeting with one-on-one with students' families.
• Meet with, respond to and aggressively initiate frequent, proactive contact via phone, email and social media with inquiries through deposited students and parents.
• Effectively guide students and parents through the transition from inquiry to enrolled student.
• Plan, coordinate, and participate in all campus recruitment events as assigned.
• Provide customer service to support the efforts of the Admissions department.
• Use the prescribed data management system to efficiently and accurately record/report recruitment efforts.
• Maintain working knowledge of Financial Aid and Billing processes.
• Maintain current knowledge and understanding of society/culture of present generation of students and their parents, as it relates to enrollment trends.
• As directed, collaborate with the Marketing department in their efforts to create relevant and useful marketing content.
• Achieve historical and industry standard admissions benchmarks as designated by Director of Admissions, which will be evaluated regularly.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
• Participate in additional tasks and responsibilities as needed to support the overall operations and goals of the department. This may include contributing to cross-functional projects, assisting colleagues, or responding to evolving priorities, even when such tasks fall outside the specific scope of the role.
• Participate in departmental meetings.
• Participate in University meetings as requested.
• Perform other departmental duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities

• Possess effective interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the needs and thinking of prospective students and parents.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet goals and deadlines.
• Ability to relate well to students from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds.
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility and patience.
• Comfortable and proficient conversing with individuals and groups.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Possess strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to efficiently organize and maintain large numbers of records and files.
• Ability to function effectively in a team environment and help meet team goals.
• Possess excellent organizational skills.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Prior experience in administrative, and/or customer service-related positions preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer or during travel by car, plane, or train.
• Frequent walking and standing, including during campus tours, high school visits, college fairs, and recruitment eventssometimes for extended durations.
• Ability to lift and carry admissions materials, display items, and promotional supplies weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Use of hands and fingers to operate a computer, mobile device, and standard office equipment.
• Visual and auditory ability to read materials, present information in person and virtually, and communicate clearly in various settings.
• Ability to travel frequently, including overnight stays, driving long distances, and navigating airports or public transportation with luggage and materials.
• Physical stamina and flexibility to work long or irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and extended travel periods, particularly during peak recruitment seasons.
• Occasional exposure to varying climates during travel or outdoor events.
• Sustained mental concentration and focus required to perform complex tasks, manage multiple priorities, and make sound decisions in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to remain alert, composed, and professional while managing interruptions, shifting demands, and potentially high-stress or emotionally charged situations.
• Capacity to work independently or collaboratively for extended periods while maintaining productivity and attention to detail.
• Emotional resilience to handle sensitive information, provide support or service to diverse individuals, and adapt to evolving institutional needs.

This position requires a valid driver's license, the ability to operate a motor vehicle, and adherence to university travel and safety protocols.

Serving at Cairn University Located in Langhorne, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Cairn University exists to educate students to serve Christ in the church, society, and the world as biblically minded, well-educated and professionally competent men and women of character. Students earn bachelor's degrees in various areas including Bible, Education, Music, and Business Administration; and graduate degrees in Business, Divinity, Education, Organizational Leadership, Worship and Music, and Counseling. Cairn is a conservative evangelical institution within the protestant tradition that employs faculty and staff who profess Jesus Christ as personal Savior; agree to Cairn's Foundational Statements and Community Life Covenant; and serve students in a ministerial capacity through imparting and upholding biblical instruction, prayer, and mentoring. Members of the faculty are required to integrate biblical instruction in their respective professional subject areas. All members of the Cairn community are obligated to affirm, agree with, and align with the University Foundational Statements. During the application process, applicants will have the opportunity to review these statements and must agree to affirm and support the position of the University, if hired. Applicants are also asked to provide a Personal Testimony of salvation as part of the application process. Ineligible for sponsorship of H1B visa.