Graduate Admissions Counselor

Graduate Admissions Counselor

Reports to:  Director of Graduate Admissions

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Graduate Admissions Counselor will work to develop and implement an effective recruitment strategy for incoming students and transfer students. The Counselor, as a representative of the university, must demonstrate highly developed interpersonal and public speaking skills. Organizational skills to conduct demographic and historical research, as it pertains to the University's applicant trends, are essential. The position requires significant travel and work on evenings and weekends. The Admissions Counselor should be familiar, skilled, and knowledgeable of the responsibilities of Data Entry as well.

• Nurtures relationships with school counselors, alumni/ambassadors, and other constituents in the local school districts.
• Creates comprehensive plans for travel to, and coverage of local college and university visits and college fairs.
• Leads in support of meeting the university’s annual Admissions goals including but not limited to working professionals/new student Admissions benchmarks. 
• Thrives in a fast-paced, competitive, deadline-oriented, and dynamic environment while maintaining a positive attitude.
• Maintain consistent communication via multiple platforms with prospective students and families with a focus on encouraging applications, campus visits, Admissions deposits, etc.
• Advises students and families of Admissions requirements, transfer guidelines, financial aid and scholarship information.
• Provides follow-up to students, guidance counselors via phone, letters, email, and scheduled appointments in specific recruitment territory.
• Evaluates program effectiveness, assesses outcomes, and develops improved programming to achieve goals, completes cost analyses for programs/events.
• Works with students, parents and alumni organizations that assist with recruiting students.
• Advises students of admissions requirements, financial aid, and scholarship information, as well as residence life, etc.
• Makes 20 telephone calls to potential students daily.
• Reviews applications, evaluates credentials and makes Admissions decisions.
• Develops a network of contacts that will assist in identifying students eligible for Admissions.
• Lift 15 pounds from floor level to chest, and stoop, walk, stand, and climb for prolonged periods of time. Work in all-weather elements such as rain, heat, or snow
• Participates in weekend events as necessary, participates on VUU and community committees as needed, and other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

A Bachelor's degree is required; Master’s preferred; 1-2 years’ experience in recruitment. A high energy level, strong attention to detail, and outstanding project management skills; Excellent oral and written communication skills; Strong customer service skills; Ability to multitask, take initiative, and function with minimal supervision; Familiarity with Jenzabar is a plus. Ability to collect and interpret data to make strategic decisions, Possession of a valid U.S. driver's license. 

VUU is nourished by its African American and Christian heritage and energized by a commitment to excellence and diversity. Its mission is to: 1) Provide a nurturing, intellectually challenging and spiritually enriching environment for learning; 2) Empower students to develop strong moral values for success; and 3) Develop scholars, leaders, and lifelong learners of a global society.

Established in 1865, Virginia Union University gave newly emancipated slaves an opportunity for education, for establishing a community, and for gaining economic, political and social advancement. The University is the result of a merger among four historic institutions: Richmond Theological Seminary, Wayland Seminary, Hartshorn Memorial, and Storer College. Richmond Theological Seminary held its first classes at Lumpkin’s Jail, a former holding cell for runaway slaves. The Wayland Seminary was founded in 1865 by the American Baptist Home Mission Society in Washington, DC. Two years later Storer College was founded in West Virginia, and Hartshorn Memorial College opened its doors in 1883 as the first college for African American women in the country. After operating independently for three decades, these notable seminaries joined forces to form Virginia Union University in 1899. Hartshorn Memorial and Storer Colleges would eventually join this Union in 1932 and 1964, respectively.

Located in the heart of Virginia’s capital city, Virginia Union University, a Baptist affiliated private institution, is best known for its world-renowned graduate school of theology. It also offers a broad range of educational opportunities in the liberal arts, teaching, research, science, technology, continuing education, civic engagement, and study abroad. VUU’s commitment to student success has included an emphasis on student engagement and retention, and close interaction between faculty and students, both of which produce a synergy among scholarship, teaching, and learning.

At Virginia Union University®, we consistently search for and create growth opportunities that forge groundbreaking research, state of the art technology, or top-of-the-line curriculum. We welcome and encourage new ideas and processes that positively impact experiences. We require the following core values. 

Spiritual Formation, as a faith-based University, we welcome the regular practice of prayer, worship, silence, and mediation that matures one’s relationships, values, and life purpose that lead to ongoing spiritual growth and transformation.

Integrity, we value our commitment to fairness, honesty, and truth reflected in each person’s words and deeds while holding ourselves accountable for our personal and words and actions.

Diversity & Inclusion, as one of the nation’s oldest HBCUs, we value diversity in thought, perspective, and embodiment, trusting that we are stronger when various voices, traditions, and experiences are present. 

Excellence, we provide the highest quality of experiences and interactions while remaining flexible, responsive, and open-minded in developing and delivering programs, services, and facilities committed to exceeding the standards of what it means to be Best-In-Class.

Salary:  Commensurate with experience

Applications Deadline:

Review of candidate materials will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.   If you have any questions, please contact Askhr@vuu.edu

The selected applicant may be required to submit to a background investigation. VUU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other protected class.