Admissions Counselor

SMU Division of Student Affairs

Admissions Counselor representing Samuel Merritt University, counseling prospective students on academic programs and admission requirements. Engaging in recruitment events and maintaining applicant relationships.

Posted 5/28/2026full-timeSacramento • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $23 - $30 per hourWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Front line, essential 'face' of Samuel Merritt University (SMU) with prospective students, Health Science Advisors, Community College and University Counselors, Community Partners, and health care professionals.
Counsel prospective students regarding the appropriateness of academic programs, entry options, and curriculum.
Respond to inquiries and represent Samuel Merritt University at local, regional, and national recruitment events.
Activities will focus on, but not be limited to, the admission cycle related to the undergraduate & graduate programs.
Demonstrated commitment to the mission, vision, and values of SMU, including a core commitment to recruitment and inclusion of diversity in all SMU academic programs.
Establish contact with prospective students and counselors through continued presence at recruitment events.
Communicate with prospective students, both verbally and in written form, relative to admission requirements, entry options, prerequisites, applicant pool statistics, denial of entry to the program, curriculum, and general financial aid.
Develop and execute the manner in which this will happen.
Demonstrate and articulate the value of higher education.
Represent Samuel Merritt University at transfer days, graduate and professional days, transfer centers, conferences, and other community events.
Participate in regularly scheduled, on-campus Information Sessions.
Participate in diversity-related recruitment events on and off campus.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Baccalaureate required
Demonstrated experience in student recruitment and admission required, or substantially similar work experience.
Excellent organizational skills with a strong ability to meet all deadlines related to work projects with attention to detail.
Moderate experience with spreadsheet software such as EXCEL.
Excellent communication skills are required, including the ability to converse effectively with counselors, prospective students and family members, and other professional colleagues.
Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to organize and effectively communicate thoughts through the written word.
Ability to read English and carry out written instructions.
Ability to work and concentrate in a busy, multi-tasked, multi-faceted environment.
A courteous and professional manner is required.
Diplomacy in dealing with conflict.
Ability and willingness to serve as an ombudsperson for students in a crisis situation.
Excellent attention to detail as they relate to the successful, daily operation of the Office of Admission.
Demonstrated ability to make decisions and exercise professional judgment.
Ability to analyze other statistical data pertaining to enrollment trends and projections.
Ability to interact with University faculty and staff, medical center staff, prospective students and their families, and other University admission personnel.
Ability and skill to work independently, and as part of a designated team.
Ability and willingness to travel locally, regionally, and nationally for recruitment purposes.
Ability to rent a car and a willingness to travel by airplane.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Hybrid work arrangements
Professional development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

student recruitmentadmission processesdata analysisstatistical analysisspreadsheet softwareEXCEL

Soft Skills

organizational skillscommunication skillswritten communicationattention to detaildiplomacydecision makingprofessional judgmentindependent workteam collaborationcustomer service

Certifications

Baccalaureate