Admissions Specialist

Admissions Specialist The Admissions Specialist serves as the primary liaison to prospective and dual-credit/high school students, supporting their pathway from inquiry through enrollment and first-year transition. Overall functions include recruitment, advising, and onboarding support to facilitate student access, engagement, and success. This role also contributes to enrollment and retention outcomes by supporting prospective students through the admissions process and assisting with a successful transition to college. Essential Duties or Responsibilities The essential duties and primary responsibilities below are intended to describe the general requirements of this job and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. Other related duties which may be required by the Director of Enrollment (duties that may not be specifically listed in the class specification or position description, but are generally within the occupational series and responsibility level associated with the employee's class of work). Maintain a high visibility in SCC's communities by coordinating presentations to local civic organizations, church groups, local agencies, district businesses, and district high schools. Represent the College by presenting information about SCC's programs, statistics, and services. Participate in new student orientations, open houses, campus tours/visits, and other recruitment/retention activities. Provide recruitment and admission assistance at assigned high schools. Manage an assigned recruitment territory and travel regularly to high schools, community sites, organizations, and events to build relationships and promote enrollment pipelines. Plan, coordinate, and participate in outreach events, communication outreach campaigns, presentations, yield activities, and community engagement efforts that support new student enrollment. Initiate and maintain relationships with school personnel, community stakeholders, parents/guardians, and prospective students to support outreach, engagement, and recruitment goals. Coordinate the Student Ambassador Program, including recruitment, selection, training, supervision, and program oversight. Engage in recruitment strategies that support the enrollment of special populations, including homeschooled students, adult education learners, and nontraditional students. Provide academic advising and registration assistance during peak enrollment periods and spring high school senior registration events, as assigned. Provide limited, proactive advising support to dual-credit and high-school students related to academic pathways, SCC programs, and college readiness. Provide information and guidance on admissions, placement, financial aid, scholarships, and college readiness. Identify student needs and risk factors; make referrals to support services as needed. Collaborate with Enrollment and Academic Affairs to ensure advising services for high-school students are coordinated and accessible. Assist dual-credit/high-school students with onboarding and transition to SCC programs as appropriate, including applications, placement processes, and orientation activities. Assist with dual credit activities as needed by the Coordinator of High School Partnerships & Pathways. Collect high school student directory information for all students. Build and maintain strong working relationships with counselors, administrators, teachers, and other school staff in partner high schools. Collaborate with schools to promote SCC pathways, dual-credit opportunities, and transition resources for students and families. Remain up to date on the curriculum requirements of other colleges and universities to which students commonly transfer. Work to protect the confidentiality of student records in accordance with FERPA. Maintain up-to-date skill sets for the College's ERP and CRM systems. Utilize ERP/CRM platforms to document recruitment activity, student engagement, outreach outcomes, and enrollment progression. Maintain accurate records of student contacts, advising services, and high-school communication in accordance with institutional procedures. Track all encounters and activities with prospective and current students. Communicate statistical information about SCC to prospective students and community members. Provide information for the Director's monthly board report. Monitor, analyze, and evaluate recruitment-related activities and outcomes to support departmental planning and continuous improvement. Assist the Director of Enrollment in managing department budgets. Maintain a budget for the Student Ambassador Program. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience Bachelor's degree in Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field. A minimum of two (2) years of experience working in academic advising, admissions, student services, or a related field. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with students, faculty, and community partners Strong organizational and time-management skills. Ability to present information to groups clearly and professionally. Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines. Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and maintain confidentiality. Flexibility to support events, travel, and occasional evening/weekend activities. Required Supplemental Documentation Please submit the following documents with your application. Your application will not be considered complete and will not advance if one or more of these documents is missing: Resume Cover Letter Official Transcripts Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Shawnee Community College is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment for all employees and students. We uphold the principles of equal employment opportunity and prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We believe that a diverse workforce enhances our educational mission and enriches the community. As such, we actively encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds and experiences. Our hiring practices are designed to ensure that all qualified candidates receive fair consideration, and we strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive. Artificial Intelligence Statement In accordance with Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) (775 ILCS 5/), Shawnee Community College must inform employees or potential applicants when AI is used for decisions about recruitment, hiring, promotion, or any other employment terms. The notice should include the specific purposes of the AI and any characteristics it assesses. Shawnee Community College Human Resources does not utilize AI tools to review, summarize, or disseminate application materials. Benefits Retirement State Universities Retirement System (SURS) 8% pretax 1.45% Medicare Tax 1% SURS Retirees Group Health Insurance Health Insurance Blue Cross Blue Shield 80% of the individual premium is paid by the College. Employees can add family coverage at their own cost. The effective date of insurance coverage for an employee is the first day of the month following 30 days of eligible employment . (Example: if an employee starts work February 15, his/her coverage would begin April 1. Payroll deductions for the insurance would begin March 15 and 31 as the premium is due and payable on April 1) Dental Insurance Delta Dental available for minimal cost per pay period for Employee and family Vision Insurance VSP available for minimal cost per pay period for Employee and family Life Insurance The College pays the premium for a $15,000 life insurance policy on all full-time employees. Payroll Paid twice a month (15th and last working day). The college encourages the use of direct deposit. Tuition Waiver ? With written approval of the College President, the tuition and fees for SCC courses shall be waived for full-time employees, their spouses, and their dependent children under the age of 24 living in the household of the eligible employee. The books are loaned out at no charge through the SCC Bookstore. Staff Paid Leave - Faculty Paid Leave Sick Days -18 days per fiscal year (pro-rated based on hire date) - Sick Days -16 days per fiscal year Funeral Leave -2 days per fiscal year - Funeral Leave -2 days for Funeral Leave Personal Leave -3 days per fiscal year - Personal Leave -4 days per fiscal year Vacation Days -12 days for the first year. For Shawnee Community College