What are the responsibilities and job description for the International Admissions Counselor position at Dallas Theological Seminary?
The International Admissions Counselor (AC) is the initial contact for potential students, serving as the face of Dallas Theological Seminary from the beginning of their interest until they matriculate as students. As a crucial member of the DTS Admissions team, the AC provides front-line leadership to growing the campus by deploying unique skillsets and giftedness toward the recruitment, marketing, and engagement of those the Lord is drawing to seminary.
The AC is responsible for building and implementing a comprehensive regional recruitment strategy for their assigned region. They will provide high-level service to the candidates from start to finish of the admissions process. This service includes but is not limited to thoroughly answering questions about DTS programs and policies, helping candidates navigate application requirements, and answering questions on a variety of matters like financial aid, course registration, etc.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- In consultation with the Admissions and international teams, plan, coordinate, and implement a comprehensive recruitment strategy for that region’s applicants.
- Manage a set of admission accounts to guide applicants through the application process, counsel them regarding degree program choice, and facilitate the matriculation of accepted students.
- Serve on Admissions Committee as an advocate for applicants during the application process.
- Attend regular meetings with the Admissions Office and international teams. Serve as a liaison between the two groups.
- Meet with prospective and accepted students through scheduled appointments to introduce them to the seminary, give counsel regarding degree program choice, answer questions, provide tours, and implement an onboarding process that includes an onboarding meeting, follow-up emails, and regular check-ins.
- Collaborate with the Financial Aid office to manage and promote both regional and DTS-wide initiatives and scholarships, ensuring prospective students are aware of financial aid opportunities.
- Collaborate with the Office of Marketing and Communications to develop and implement strategies for promoting and building brand awareness for DTS.
- Research external recruitment opportunities and represent the seminary through external recruitment at networking events, personal meetings, conferences, fairs, and virtual platforms. Engage with churches, ministries, schools, and alumni to build connections. Meet with prospective students, manage seminary recruitment displays and materials, and enhance institutional relationships.
- Plan, organize, and coordinate on-campus and online recruitment events for prospective students and applicants, including Seminary Preview Day, info sessions, and campus visits.
- Track and analyze applicants' statuses and campus recruitment data. Prepare and present regular progress reports on admissions goals and recruitment efforts.
- Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in carrying out additional special events or projects as assigned by the Admissions Office leadership or regional campus leadership.
Qualifications
- Passion for working with applicants from countries around the world.
- Embodies a natural flexibility and a high degree of self-motivation toward work, including the ability to thrive in a hybrid work environment which requires significant levels of digital engagement (e.g., video conferencing, digital collaboration tools).
- Demonstrates excitement at the prospect of travel throughout the assigned local market (weekly) and throughout the assigned region (monthly) to meet with potential candidates, and campus stakeholders.
- Exhibits excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including public speaking.
- Demonstrates outstanding customer service and the desire to serve prospective students.
- Demonstrates adaptability and comfort using various software applications, CRM systems, and digital tools for efficient communication and data management.
- Exhibits strong character, discretion, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Possesses theological awareness, and embodies the qualities and values of a Dallas Theological Seminary student/graduate.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree.
- DTS graduate or current student (preferably a ministry degree).
- Previous ministry, recruiting, marketing, or sales experience.
Physical Requirements:
- Able to lift and transport materials of up to twenty (20) pounds on occasion, including setting up the DTS display on the field.
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Prolonged periods of time on the phone or video conference sessions.
- Able to travel on a plane or vehicle to conferences, churches, and fairs.
