Job Details

Admissions Counselor

Position Number: 9927021
Location: Mechanicsburg, United States
Position Type: Admissions/Enrollment

Admissions Counselor
Mechanicsburg, PA, United States

Description:

The Admissions Counselor serves as a front-line representative of Messiah University, guiding students and families through the admissions process with care and expertise. This role combines relational engagement, strategic territory management, and event support to meet institutional enrollment goals. Each counselor manages a defined geographic territory and contributes to a collaborative, mission-driven team that advances the University's strategic enrollment objectives and supports the growth and diversity of the undergraduate student body.

Primary Duties

Student Recruitment & Relationship Management

Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective students within an assigned geographic territory
Build strong relationships with prospective students and their families through in-person, phone, text, email, and live chat communication
Represent the University at high schools, college fairs, conventions, and community-based events
Develop connections with high school counselors, pastors, community leaders, alumni, and other influencers
Model Christian hospitality and provide a welcoming experience to all students and families

Territory Management & Application Review

Develop and implement a territory strategy informed by data, trends, and institutional priorities
Manage the full admissions funnel for assigned territory-from inquiry through matriculation
Review and evaluate applications and submit admissions recommendations in accordance with University guidelines
Track student progress through the enrollment pipeline and communicate consistently and professionally with students and families
Ensure alignment of recruitment activity with broader enrollment strategies and goals

Campus Engagement & Event Coordination

Lead group visits, presentations, and information sessions for prospective students and guests
Participate in the planning and execution of admissions events, including open houses, visit days, and virtual engagements
Collaborate with campus partners to ensure a welcoming and personalized visit experience
Maintain a high standard of professionalism and faith integration in all campus-facing engagements

Financial Aid Communication & Support

Help students and families understand financial aid packages, scholarship opportunities, and payment plan options
Serve as a liaison between prospective families and Student Financial Services, ensuring clear and timely information is provided
Empower students to make informed college decisions by providing clear explanations of affordability, cost of attendance, and financial planning tools

CRM & Administrative Operations

Use Slate CRM to track prospective student engagement, manage communications, and document recruitment activities
Maintain timely, accurate, and professional communication with all prospective students and stakeholders
Contribute to any other projects and committees that support admissions and University-wide initiatives as required
Uphold University data practices with integrity and accountability

Secondary Duties

Other duties as assigned.

Critical Operating Practices

This position requires the following of the incumbent:

Consistent demonstration of the highest standards of personal integrity
A commitment to cultural intelligence and developing strong inter-cultural engagement skills
Productive efforts toward the achievement of department goals and the University's strategic plan
Consistent engagement in the communication process, actively seeking to make sure that priorities and initiatives, as well as changes are communicated abundantly
Consistent efforts to foster a work environment that is rooted in Christian values
Integration of Christian faith into daily work

Compliance

Employees must comply with the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which includes, but is not limited to, safety glasses, chemical splash goggles, protective footwear, gloves (mechanical, chemical resistant, electrical, cut-resistant), face shields, hearing protection, protective clothing, etc. Requirements for use of PPE are communicated in the Safety Manual, Section 25; by supervision; in area safety rules; in machine and process procedures; and by posted signage. In addition, if a task exists with an inherent potential hazard but the use of PPE has not been identified, employees are encouraged to use the appropriate PPE to protect against the hazard.

Qualifications
Education Required

Bachelor's degree

Education Preferred

N/A

Experience Required

None

Experience Preferred

Experience in college admissions, student mentoring, or other student-facing roles
Bilingual proficiency (English/Spanish)

Skills, Characteristics Required

Communication & Relationship-Building

Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to build rapport with prospective students, families, school counselors, and community partners
Skilled in adapting messaging for different platforms, including in-person, phone, email, text, and live chat
Culturally responsive approach to engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds
Demonstrates personal integrity and cultural intelligence in all student and professional interactions
Embodies the mission of Messiah University through welcoming, informed, and faith-integrated communication

Strategic Thinking & Initiative

Demonstrated ability to manage a recruitment territory using data-informed strategies
Self-starter with a high level of initiative and independence, especially when traveling or managing projects remotely
Resourceful and solution-oriented when facing challenges or ambiguity
Aligns recruitment practices with departmental and university strategic goals
Exhibits dependability and leadership in support of long-term enrollment outcomes

Organization & Time Management

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Attention to detail and accuracy in communication, recordkeeping, and follow-up
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with time-sensitive responsibilities
Maintains regular, reliable attendance and consistent accountability to assigned responsibilities

Collaboration & Teamwork

Committed to a team-based, mission-driven work culture
Willingness to collaborate across departments and contribute to shared enrollment goals
Receptive to feedback and committed to continuous learning and improvement
Actively contributes to a team culture that reflects Messiah's shared Christian values
Demonstrates professionalism and a commitment to excellence in both independent and group settings

Technology & Data Management

Proficiency in standard office software and communication platforms (e.g., Office 365, Zoom)
Experience with or willingness to learn Slate CRM system
Ability to use data and technology to support strategic outreach and territory planning
Practices proactive and effective digital communication with prospective students and stakeholders
Maintains confidentiality and accuracy in all data management practices

Special Working Conditions

Significant travel within an assigned recruitment territory
Valid driver's license required
Frequent evening and occasional weekend work is expected
Recommended: up-to-date vaccination against flu and COVID-19 due to public-facing travel responsibilities

Driving Requirements

Significant travel within an assigned recruitment territory
Valid driver's license required

About Us
Messiah University's commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence draws inspiration from its mission "to educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation in church and society." The university has pursued this vision through a strategic planning process that encourages diversity through employee and student composition, campus climate, and an educational program that seeks to equip and enable educators and students to embrace diversity. Candidates should clearly articulate why diversity and inclusive excellence matter to them as persons of faith as well as in their profession. Candidates will speak to how as a potential employee, they will contribute to the advancement of this vision through their teaching-learning, research, institutional service, and public engagement.

Job Info
Job Identification: 596
Job Category: Admissions / Financial Aid
Posting Date: 10/28/2026, 12:00 PM
Job Schedule: Full time
Locations: 1 University Ave, Mechanicsburg, PA, 17055, US

To apply, visit https://messiah-ibvrjb.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/596