Admissions Counselor

Title: Admissions Counselor 

Department/Location: Office of College Admissions and Recruiting / Elsah, IL

Organizational Relationship: Direct Report to Assistant Director of Admissions – Recruitment and Outreach; dotted line report to Operations Manager

Summary

Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Admissions, the Admissions Counselor is responsible for effective recruiting cultivation within priority regions and markets based on the institution’s strategic enrollment targets. This position serves as a primary recruiter of values-aligned students and represents Principia College through effective external outreach both in-person and virtually. The Admissions Counselor keeps frequent contact with students and parents, utilizing a network of alumni, admissions “connectors”, and other community organizations for recruiting purposes. In coordination with Admissions Leadership, this position plans and participates in the recruitment of prospective students using marketing strategies and public relations skills and provides counsel to prospective students and parents regarding the admission process.

Who We Are

At our award-winning Early Childhood through grade 12 Principia School in St. Louis, Missouri, and top-ranked Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, Principia faculty and staff make up a close-knit community of educators, coaches, and professionals taking a distinct approach to education—blending academic excellence with Christian Science-based character education. Principia’s team of over 500 employees supports not only Principia School and Principia College, but also a worldwide network of Alumni & Friends. 

At Principia College, our globally-focused curriculum honors diverse perspectives and develops creative changemakers who use their academic skills for good in service to themselves, their communities, and the world. In-depth study meets real-world experience through study abroad programs, internships, capstone projects, and a robust slate of student activities, including a world-renowned mediation team, top-ranked solar car team, and the nation’s oldest student-run public affairs conference.

Principia employees are part of an engaging academic community preparing students to be tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. We strive to create a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued.

Primary Responsibilities 

• Manage an assigned recruitment territory, including relationship development and pipeline management.
• Travel to college fairs, high school visits, and recruitment events.
• Plan and coordinate recruitment travel logistics.
• Develop relationships with high school counselors, alumni, and community partners.
• Conduct high school visits and build school partnerships.
• Document all student interactions in Slate CRM.
• Execute timely follow-up with prospective students and families.
• Collaborate with campus engagement staff to support outreach efforts.
• Provide campus tours and represent the College at events.
• Participate in weekend recruitment events.
• Guide students through admissions, scholarships, and financial aid processes.
• Evaluate applicant files and support decision-making processes.
• Mentor Admissions Ambassadors.
• Collaborate across campus to support recruitment and student success.
• Engage in professional development activities.

Special Requirements

• Evening and weekend availability during peak recruitment periods
• Approximately 7-10 weeks of travel annually during peak recruitment periods

Core Competencies

• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Follows through on commitments
• Interpersonal - Excellent organizational and communication skills, including ability to effectively and intuitively interact with prospective students and family members; maintains confidentiality
• Team Work - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed; Recognizes accomplishments of other team members
• Organizational Support - Supports organization's goals and values, benefits organization through outside activities

Minimum Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with prospective students and families
• Master’s degree in a related field
• Experience with CRM/SIS systems (e.g., Slate)

The statements above describe the general nature and level of work, but are not a complete list of responsibilities and are subject to change at the discretion of Principia. 

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary range for this position: $44,600-$50,800 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

In addition to salary, our comprehensive total rewards package includes:

• Generous Employee Tuition Discount: Enjoy a 90% discount on tuition (pro-rated for part-time staff) for your eligible children enrolled from Pre-K3 through College (infant and acorn programs excluded). 
• Relocation: Principia provides a relocation imbursement of up to 12% of your annual salary when moving from outside a radius of more than 50 miles
• Professional Development: Access to learning opportunities, training programs, and career growth support.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Learn more about all our benefits here, including comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, paid time off, a 403(b) retirement plan with Principia matching, and more. 

Equal Opportunity 

Principia, a mission-driven institution, believes every person has the right to an equitable and respectful educational environment and workplace. Principia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender (identity or expression), sexual orientation, family status, disability, age, or military or veteran status. 

In hiring, admissions, and related decisions, Principia—as an institution with a religious mission—gives preference, where appropriate, to Christian Scientists.