Admissions Counselor

Overview

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) is seeking applicants for the position of Admissions Counselor as a member of the Office of Admissions. This position is integral in the communication of the educational opportunities provided by IMSA and in the recruitment and enrollment of qualified students throughout the State of Illinois.  This position reports to and is supervised by the Executive Director of Admissions.

The internationally recognized Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) develops creative, ethical leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.  As a teaching and learning laboratory created by the State of Illinois, IMSA enrolls academically talented Illinois students (grades 10–12) in its advanced, residential college preparatory program. It also serves thousands of educators and students in Illinois and beyond through innovative instructional programs that foster imagination and inquiry.

IMSA is committed to an equitable, diverse and inclusive teaching and learning environment. Through the work of Equity and Excellence, IMSA has committed to advancing equity in STEM education and representation and creating a diverse, inclusive community of global citizens who can realize their full potential, and execute our mission to advance the human condition.

This Equity and Excellence work is the intentional integration of Cultural Competence, Diversity, Equity, Equity-Minded Frame, Excellence and Inclusion into every facet of the Academy, with the understanding that it is an active and ongoing process involving structures, processes and people and not an isolated initiative.

Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Admissions Counselor will be responsible for, but not limited to:

• Provide information via multiple methods of communication and direct support to prospects, family members and other stakeholders regarding IMSA’s programs
• Coordinate and conduct informational meetings for educators, school administrators, prospective students, parents of prospective students, and other interested persons throughout Illinois
• Represent the Academy at numerous IMSA on-campus visitation opportunities and special events, as well as off-campus school fairs and community and educational events
• Support application file maintenance, preparation and audit processes
• Serve as an active member of the Admissions Selection Committee through review of applicant files and presentation of candidates
• Assist in the implementation of recruitment strategies including school outreach and the development of relationships with school administrators and leaders of educational organizations
• Participate in statewide recruitment of prospective students at all grade levels
• Provide leadership in the planning and coordination of various recruitment events and communications
• Provide support in the administration of the admission process for PROMISE pre-admission programs
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in counseling, education, communications or related field
• Technical skills/prior database management
• Results-oriented individual with strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written communication and oral presentation skills
• Exceptional interpersonal skills in relating to multiple audiences including students, parents, and educators
• Ability to build rapport and collaborate with colleagues from various departments
• Experience with students and colleagues from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds
• Ability and willingness to travel within the State of Illinois
• Valid Illinois driver’s license required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree
• Experience with CRM or student information systems
• 2 years of sales, customer service and/or admissions
• Proven track record of successful student recruitment
• Previous college/high school admissions recruitment experience
• Bi-lingual, Spanish

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is performed in an office setting with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards.  Substantial time is spent working on a computer.  This role generally requires mobility, written and verbal communication, hearing and visual capabilities. However, reasonable accommodations, including assistive technology, may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform such requirements.

COMPENSATION:

Salary for this twelve month position is commensurate with required formal education and experience. IMSA offers a comprehensive benefits package including health (medical, vision, dental, and prescription) and retirement benefits.  The State Universities Retirement System (SURS) is reciprocal with other Illinois retirement systems such as the Teachers’ Retirement Systems of Illinois (TRS).

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, or national origin.  This policy also includes the handicapped and all disabled Vietnam era veterans.  IMSA utilizes only job-related criteria in making decisions concerning applicants and employees.