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Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
Penn State Altoona seeks an on-campus Admissions Counselor to support on-campus student recruitment, enrollment, transition, and student success efforts for the Altoona college and the University.
Penn State Altoona is a residential Commonwealth Campus of Penn State University, serving students from local, regional, national, and international communities. The campus is committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment and providing equitable opportunities for students to thrive academically, socially, and personally.
The Admissions Counselor serves as a key member of the student affairs team, guiding prospective students and families from initial inquiry through enrollment and transition to campus life. Working collaboratively with financial aid, academic affairs, athletics, housing, advising, and University enrollment partners, this position helps students navigate the college decision-making process and successfully transition into the Penn State Altoona community.
Particular emphasis is placed on relationship-based recruitment, student engagement, enrollment conversion, yield enhancement, summer melt prevention, and supporting students as they transition from admission through their first-year experience.
RESPONSIBILITES
On- Campus Student Recruitment, Counseling, and Enrollment Support
- Provide individualized guidance to prospective and admitted students and their families regarding academic programs, admission requirements, campus opportunities, financial aid resources, and enrollment processes.
- Build meaningful relationships with students throughout the recruitment and enrollment cycle through phone, email, text, virtual, and in-person communication.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for prospective and admitted students, connecting them with academic, financial, and student support resources.
- Assist students in understanding admission decisions, enrollment requirements, and available academic pathways.
- Support students through key enrollment milestones, including application completion, admission, orientation registration, housing processes, and course scheduling preparation.
- Partner with academic and student affairs colleagues to ensure a seamless and supportive transition to campus.
Campus Visit and Enrollment Experience Programs
- Coordinate and support a variety of campus visit experiences, including daily visits, group tours, open houses, admitted student programs, information sessions, and special recruitment events.
- Manage registration processes, logistics, communications, and campus partner involvement for recruitment and yield events.
- Coordinate student ambassador and campus tour guide programs, including scheduling, training, and quality assurance.
- Develop innovative engagement opportunities that showcase Penn State Altoona's academic strengths, student life, and support services.
On-Campus Recruitment Outreach and Territory Management
- Conduct on-campus recruitment presentations for prospective students, families, school counselors, and community organizations both virtually and in person.
- Support targeted recruitment initiatives designed to increase enrollment in academic programs and areas of strategic enrollment interest.
- Collaborate with academic departments and marketing partners to develop student-centered recruitment messaging and outreach efforts.
- Utilize data and enrollment trends to inform outreach activities and support recruitment goals.
Student Engagement and CRM Communication
- Utilize Slate and other enrollment systems to manage prospective student communications and engagement strategies.
- Maintain consistent and personalized communication with prospective and admitted students throughout the enrollment cycle.
- Develop and implement outreach campaigns through text, email, phone, and other communication platforms.
- Monitor student engagement and proactively connect students with appropriate campus resources.
- Support initiatives focused on improving student responsiveness, enrollment conversion, and retention of admitted students.
Application Review and Enrollment Processing
- Review and evaluate undergraduate applications in accordance with University admissions policies and academic criteria.
- Monitor applicant progress and assist students with completing required application materials.
- Analyze applicant records and provide guidance regarding admission decisions, academic pathways, and alternative campus options when appropriate.
- Maintain accurate student records and documentation within University systems.
- Assist students with enrollment next steps and troubleshoot barriers that may impact matriculation.
Cross-Campus Collaboration and Student Success
- Collaborate with colleagues across Student Affairs units, Financial Aid, Academic Affairs, Athletics, Housing, Advising, Career Services, Alumni, and other campus units to support student recruitment and success goals.
- Participate in campus-wide initiatives that promote student engagement, belonging, persistence, and retention.
- Contribute to a culture of student-centered service and continuous improvement.
- Support special projects, committees, and strategic enrollment management initiatives as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience presenting to diverse audiences, including high school students, families, and community partners.
- Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated commitment to student success and excellent customer service.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team-oriented environment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and technology platforms.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with Slate CRM, PeopleSoft SIS, or similar enrollment management systems.
- Experience in admissions, enrollment management, student affairs, higher education, recruitment, counseling, customer relationship management, or student support services.
- Understanding of student development, student engagement, and transition practices in higher education.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree
3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Work Arrangement
This position is fully on-campus and is not eligible for remote work. Regular in-person presence is required to provide on-campus admissions counseling, support campus visits and recruitment events, collaborate with campus partners, and engage directly with prospective and admitted students and their families. Some evening, weekend, and travel commitments may be required based on recruitment and enrollment activities.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $54,060.00 - $78,444.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.