Admissions Specialist

Admissions Specialist

Position Summary

The Admissions Specialist works closely with the Associate Director of Admissions to uphold and strengthen the integrity of the admissions process flow from application through enrollment for the School of Professional Studies growing set of offerings. These offerings currently include cross-disciplinary Master's Degree Programs, Pre-Graduate and Graduate Certificate Programs, Structured and Unstructured Certifications of Professional Achievement, take-a-class options for bachelor's degree holders and visiting students enrolled at other institutions, High School Programs, and the American Language Programs. The Admissions Specialist manages the inflow of a high quantity of applications with a diverse range of application criteria using multiple application management system tools to ensure efficiency and accuracy at all points along the application timeline. The Admissions Specialist screens and/or reviews applications and renders timely decisions or recommended decisions for the specified programs. The Admissions Specialist communicates with applicants as needed and internal program stakeholders on an ongoing basis to ensure application processing meets expected deadlines. All efforts performed by the Admissions Specialist will contribute to the SPS goal of yielding and retaining increasing numbers of highly qualified students by facilitating a seamless application process.

Responsibilities

• Lead the application review process for designated program(s); Serve as a back-up specialist for additional programs as assigned.
• Perform thorough review of applications for admission, including for quality and potential fraud, using exceptional professional judgement and knowledge of key indicators of success.
• Ensure applications are complete with all materials ready for evaluation, and conduct initial application review following established rubrics; conduct follow-up with applicants and recommenders as needed.
• Ensure timely review and appropriate delegation of files to the program committee for possible admission; communicate with relevant team members to have admission decisions rendered within the timeframes communicated to applicants.
• Communicate with applicants throughout the admissions process regarding missing application materials and other application-related topics via email and phone.
• Help to ensure that decision information is accurately represented within all appropriate systems.
• Communicate any potential systems issues to the Associate Director of Admissions and proactively assist with troubleshooting those issues.
• Lead regular admissions pipeline meetings and provide feedback on applicant quality and relevant insights gathered during the application review process.
• Provide a seamless transition from point of prospective student to enrolled student by working collaboratively and consistently with the Recruitment and Advising teams.
• Assist with recruitment activities that meet the enrollment goals for the School including open houses, webinars, admitted student days, and specialized information sessions.
• Collect and analyze data for programs regarding admissions trends, demographics, and behaviors throughout the admissions cycle. In collaboration with the recruitment team, provide meaningful insights into data for future enrollment enhancement.
• Communicate frequently with Program Directors regarding the quality of applicants and the progress of applications through the processing stages.
• Identify potential ways to improve the application process and streamline workflows where appropriate.
• Suggest improvements to application review rubrics based on the tracking of acceptance rates, applicant quality data, and other insights.
• Assist with conducting regular audits of application data across all systems currently in use to facilitate the admissions process.
• Assist in refining application communications to ensure that applicants have the information needed to take action toward completing their application and enrolling in their program of choice.
• Proactively contribute toward streamlining the application workflow and automating current and future processes where possible with a special focus on the application review process.
• Assist with school-wide events such as orientation and graduation.
• Performs other duties as assigned or requested.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent related experience required
• 2 years related experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience handling a high volume of applications for multiple, diverse programs
• Experience reviewing transcripts from high school, undergraduate and graduate programs
• Experience reviewing and/or processing international applications and related materials
• Experience with system implementations and/or new system testing
• Familiarity with SPS program offerings overall

Other Requirements

• Background in higher education admissions or similar field
• Demonstrated experience using a relational database, online application system and/or Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool, ideally in a higher education setting
• Familiarity with or willingness to learn, Technolutions Slate, SIS, and other systems, applications and software used by the University and the School
• Proven track record identifying and implementing improvements to streamline and/or automate complex processes
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Exceptional attention to detail, strong organization and time management skills, and the ability to perform routine and non-routine work with changing priorities
• Sound problem-solving and decision-making abilities, both as an independent entity and as part of a team
• Proven ability to work effectively within a collaborative team setting
• Ability to handle confidential information in a mature, professional manner
• Adaptability and flexibility in working in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word and Excel required
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends during peak application periods

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.