Admissions Counselor

Job Description:

The Enrollment Management Division is a dynamic, high-performance division that plays an essential role in the mission of McDaniel College. Reporting to the Assistant/Associate Director of Admissions, the Admissions Counselor plays a key role in McDaniel College's recruitment and enrollment efforts, developing high-impact and meaningful relationships that support students and families through the college search process. The position requires the ability to travel independently and engage effectively with students, families, and high school personnel to showcase the value of a McDaniel College education. The Counselor must understand and communicate the value of a liberal arts education and contribute meaningfully to the execution of recruitment strategies. The position requires significant travel and the ability to set goals, manage time, and achieve results within an assigned area requiring minimal supervision. Since a major aspect of this position entails attending and handling off-campus recruitment activities, the Admission Counselor must value working independently with students, families, high school personnel, and colleagues from other colleges. An appreciation for diversity as well as strong verbal and written communication skills are required.

The Admission Counselor must quickly build a professional base of higher education and admissions knowledge and network. Information gained from regional and national colleagues assists in achieving both individual and institutional goals.

Given the relationship-driven and seasonal nature of admissions work, the position also requires a significant commitment outside of standard college operating hours, including frequent evening and weekend responsibilities related to recruitment travel, student and family engagement, events, application review, and key cycle deadlines. Flexibility and a results-oriented approach to managing workload during peak periods are essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Recruit and enroll prospective students within an assigned territory through extensive travel, high school visits, college fairs, and off-campus programs.
• Conduct interviews, information sessions, and one-on-one meetings (on-campus, off-campus, and virtually) to guide students and families through the admission process.
• Build and sustain meaningful relationships with prospective, admitted, and enrolling students using personalized outreach (calls, emails, texts, handwritten notes).
• Execute weekly, data-informed outreach strategies (minimum 75 personalized contacts) to drive applications, yield, and enrollment.
• Review applications holistically, make admission recommendations and decisions, and participate in scholarship and committee review processes.
• Support recruitment and yield events, including on-campus, virtual, athletic, and special programs, ensuring a high-quality visitor experience.
• Serve as Counselor on Duty on a rotating basis, greeting visitors, leading information sessions, and responding to admission inquiries.
• Use Slate and other systems to manage territory performance, communications, reporting, and continuous improvement of recruitment strategies.
• Support summer enrollment efforts, including onboarding incoming students, reducing melt, and cultivating interest for future cycles.

Work Environment & Flexibility

• Position requires frequent evening/weekend work and seasonal travel.
• Flexibility and the ability to manage competing priorities during peak recruitment, travel, and deadline-driven periods are essential.
• After successful completion of the probationary period, the role may be eligible for one remote day per week based on coverage and staffing needs.
• Full in-office presence may be required during peak recruitment and yield periods.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Valid driver's license with two or fewer points.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation and interpersonal communication skills are required.
• Must be committed to the value of a liberal arts education.
• Must be comfortable speaking in front of large groups and making recruitment calls.
• Ability to utilize software packages related to admissions.
• Demonstrated ability to balance and manage multiple projects.

Additional Information:

McDaniel College, in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate in the recruitment, admission, and employment of students, faculty, and staff in the operation of any of its educational programs and activities. McDaniel College will not tolerate any discrimination or harassment on the basis of any protected status including protective hairstyle, race, religion, color, ancestry or national origin, disability, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military status, genetic information, marital status, veteran's status, or any other actual or perceived legally protected characteristics.



Application Instructions:

For a complete job description including essential responsibilities and to apply, please visit the college's employment webpage. Completed applications must include a cover letter addressing position qualifications and related experience, resume, and the names and contact information of three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately. The position will be open until filled.