Graduate & Online Admission Counselor

Graduate & Online Admission Counselor  Salary $36,000.00 - $40,000.00 Annually Location Lebanon, IL Job Type Full-Time Staff Job Number 202600003 Department Admission and Financial Aid Division Graduate Admission Opening Date 06/12/2026 FLSA Exempt

DESCRIPTION

BENEFITS McKendree University, located in Lebanon, IL and home of the Bearcats, invites qualified applicants to join our team. McKendree University offers a competitive compensation and benefits package and the opportunity to influence the future leaders of tomorrow. The mission of McKendree University is to provide a high-quality educational experience to outstanding students. We guide our students in the pursuit of academic excellence, which will prepare them for leadership roles in our society. To achieve this end we encourage broader vision, enriched purpose, engagement with community, commitment to responsible citizenship, openness to new ideas and dedication to lifelong learning. In keeping with our history and traditions, we provide our students with a rigorous, broadly based liberal arts curriculum joined with specialization in a specific discipline. Position Summary and Key Responsibilities The Graduate and Online Admission Counselor recruits, enrolls, advises, and supports prospective and newly admitted graduate and online students. Serving as a primary point of contact throughout the enrollment process, this position assists students with admission, registration, academic planning, and transition into their programs. The counselor develops relationships with prospective students and external partners through outreach, recruitment initiatives, and ongoing communication while representing McKendree University's graduate and online programs. This role collaborates with academic departments, faculty, financial aid staff, and university partners to support enrollment growth, student persistence, and student success.

Key Responsibilities:

Recruitment & Enrollment Recruit prospective graduate and online students through phone, email, virtual meetings, events, and other outreach strategies. Manage assigned recruitment territories, academic programs, or student populations to support enrollment goals. Guide students through the admission, enrollment, registration, and matriculation processes. Represent McKendree University at recruitment events, employer partnership meetings, transfer initiatives, community outreach programs, and virtual events. Develop and maintain partnerships with community colleges, universities, employers, and community organizations to support recruitment, transfer pathways, articulation agreements, and enrollment initiatives. Collaborate with academic departments and university leadership to promote program offerings and support recruitment strategies for graduate, online, adult learner, and transfer populations. Communicate admission requirements, program information, financial aid opportunities, and enrollment procedures clearly and effectively. Maintain accurate recruitment records within CRM and student information systems and monitor application progress through enrollment completion. Academic Advising & Student Support Provide academic advising and enrollment support for assigned graduate and online students. Assist students with course selection, registration planning, degree requirements, and academic policy interpretation. Monitor student progress and connect students with campus resources to support retention and student success. Collaborate with faculty, program directors, and support offices to promote student engagement and persistence. Assist students in navigating university systems and processes related to advising, registration, and enrollment. Operational Responsibilities Assist with recruitment events, orientation programs, and enrollment initiatives. Collaborate with university departments to support a positive student experience throughout the enrollment lifecycle. Participate in departmental planning, training, professional development, and special projects. Maintain knowledge of university programs, policies, and enrollment trends. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree required Experience in higher education, admission, recruitment, advising, counseling, or student services preferred Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends Willingness to travel for recruitment activities

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills Ability to build relationships with diverse student populations Strong organizational and time-management skills Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment Knowledge of student development and customer service principles Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise professional judgment Proficiency with CRM systems, student information systems, Microsoft Office, and virtual communication platforms Understanding of graduate, adult, transfer, and online student populations preferred

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree preferred Experience working with graduate, adult, transfer, or online student populations Academic advising or student support experience preferred Experience using CRM or student information systems

Work Conditions Office Environment:

Professional office environment with hybrid or virtual engagement responsibilities as needed Evening and weekend work may be required during recruitment cycles Some local and regional travel required Position requires management of multiple priorities and ongoing student communication workflows Required Application Materials Cover Letter Resume/CV Equal Opportunity Employer McKendree University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, and other statuses protected by law. This extends to all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruiting, hiring, training, on-the-job treatment, promotion, layoff, and termination. Employer McKendree University