Admissions Counselor

Department Admissions About

MSU Denver Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) is Colorado's student-centered public university, dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education and advancing social mobility. Located in the heart of downtown Denver, MSU Denver serves a diverse student population through innovative academic programs, community engagement, and a commitment to student success. As a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, MSU Denver fosters an inclusive environment where students, faculty, and staff can thrive while making meaningful contributions to Colorado and beyond.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Associate Director of High School Outreach and Recruitment, this position shares broad recruitment and enrollment responsibilities with other members of the Office of Admissions. This position is a key player in the recruitment and outreach efforts of the university and provides counseling to prospective students, applicants, and admitted students to assist the university in meeting enrollment goals. The High School Outreach team is dedicated to implementing meaningful and equitable engagement opportunities for students from historically underserved backgrounds to learn about and begin identifying with a college education. Members of the High School Outreach team facilitate programming for underserved students and families including Hispanic/Latine, Black, indigenous, and other students of color along with low income and first‑generation students who may not have otherwise considered college as an option. These efforts plant seeds for motivating students toward college as early as 9th grade and extending through the application and enrollment process at MSU Denver.

Duties/Responsibilities

50% Recruitment and OutreachRepresents MSU Denver at off‑campus recruitment opportunities including college fairs, workshops, and community events. Manage a local recruitment territory by maintaining a regular visitation schedule to high schools in assigned regions. Facilitate virtual recruitment activities when needed including participation in high school visits, college fairs, campus sponsored outreach events and other virtual offerings that may arise. Assist with the execution of on‑campus recruitment related activities such as campus visits, group tours, bi‑institutional events, and open houses. This can entail presenting to large audiences and providing general support for the events. Answer questions specific to the MSU Denver admissions process, reading and reviewing admission applications and application materials, participating in Admissions events, and conducting daily information sessions as required. During the summer, support the Office of Admissions with recruitment planning activities and goal setting for the upcoming academic year and engage in professional development.40% College Access CounselingProvide admissions counseling and academic planning advice to prospective students, applicants, and newly admitted students via email, telephone, video conferencing, text, mail, and direct in‑office communication. Facilitate application and admission of students by working closely with a variety of MSU Denver student services programs and academic offices. Exercise professional judgment to interpret University policies to advise prospective and new students about admission procedures, transfer of credits, University policies, the financial aid processes, scholarships, program requirements, registration, tuition classification, and available student support services.10% Additional DutiesPromote MSU Denver in out‑of‑state regions virtually and in‑person on a case‑by‑case basis. Represent the Office of Admissions on internal and external committees and organizations related to the recruitment and admission of students. Uphold and interpret the standards of ethical practice in university admissions to assist with broad recruitment activities. Assist in the preparation of surveys and questionnaires distributed by the Office of Admissions to determine the effectiveness of our programs and services. Other duties as assigned.

Position Competencies

Demonstrates values‑based leadership by modeling CADRE values, building trust through self‑awareness and emotional intelligence, seeking feedback, and navigating conflict productively. Ensures operational effectiveness by managing priorities, time, and resources responsibly, adhering to policies, delivering measurable results, and meeting performance expectations. Aligns individual work with team and departmental goals by contributing to shared priorities, seeking clarity, and adapting to change in support of the 2030 Strategic Plan. Practices collaboration by communicating clearly, checking for understanding, building strong relationships, and engaging diverse perspectives to achieve shared outcomes. Advances equity and belonging with awareness of culture and potential biases, listens openly to diverse perspectives, contributing to respectful and inclusive work relationships. Innovates by developing professional skills, staying informed on relevant trends, and identifying opportunities to improve processes and outcomes.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree
Experience working or volunteering with diverse, underrepresented populations.
One year of paid or volunteer experience providing academic support or college preparation to high school students.
Successful applicants will ensure their resumes clearly demonstrate that their work experience describes how they meet ALL required qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in higher education, counseling, social work, human services, or related field.
Experience in college access programs, college recruitment, or admissions.
Experience providing direct service to students, clients, or customers.

Skills

Bilingual in English and Spanish (speaking and writing). Giving and creating presentations for large groups. Microsoft Office, Student Information System database and/or Customer Relationship management system. Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Our commitment to CADRE

At MSU Denver, we are committed to our CADRE values: Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all community members are valued and belong. Our dedication to breaking down barriers to education, fostering open dialogue, and promoting world‑class scholarship ensures that we provide exceptional services and innovative learning opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff.

Schedule and Position Information

Position Type: Full‑Time
Weekly Hours: 40 Hours Per Week
FLSA Status: Exempt
Work Schedule: Monday‑Friday, 8:00 AM‑5:00 PM
Evening and Weekend Work: Required; Dependent on business need
Work Modality: Hybrid
Travel Requirements: Frequent travel. Valid driver’s license and dependable transportation required due to travel for recruiting activities.

Salary for Announcement

Under Colorado law, MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The anticipated hiring range is $47,300-$50,000. This position is paid monthly and is eligible for MSU Denver benefits.

Benefits

• Medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as access to a long‑term disability (LTD) plan.

Background Checks

Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.

Diversity Statement

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access‑oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver. We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success. Thank you for considering Metropolitan State University of Denver as an employer of choice. MSU Denver has transformed the lives of more than 90,000 people in Denver and Colorado through affordable degree programs, innovative public‑private partnerships and a commitment to diversity. Learn about MSU Denver's facts, statistics, and C.A.D.R.E values. If you need another reason to choose MSU Denver, get to know our unbeatable benefits packet.