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Title: Admissions Counselor
Division Name: Academic Affairs
Department: Admissions
Campus Location: Normal, IL

Job Summary

The admissions counselor position is responsible for recruiting and supporting new undergraduate students at Illinois State University. This position represents the University at on- and off-campus events, including college fairs, school visits, daily campus visits, and large admissions programs. Counselors serve as key points of contact for school counselors, students, and families, providing guidance throughout the college search, admission, and enrollment process.

The position requires strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with students, families, faculty, staff, and advisors. Responsibilities include delivering presentations to groups of varying sizes, conducting one-on-one meetings, and assisting with inquiries to ensure a positive experience for prospective students. This role plays a central part in shaping the first impressions of Illinois State University while supporting its enrollment goals through strategic outreach and personalized student support.

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$40,000 - $44,000

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree
2. Valid driver’s license
3. Ability to present to both large and small groups
4. Ability to work cooperatively with external and internal partners
5. Excellent oral and written communication skills
6. Excellent organizational and time management skills
7. Interest in travel
8. Basic computer skills for word processing, scheduling, and email

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience with Technolutions Slate CRM
2. Experience giving public presentations

Work Hours

Monday-Friday, 8-4:30, some evening and weekend work

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:
1. Remain at a workstation for extended periods
2. Move about in various locations on and off campus as needed to complete day-to-day work
3. Effectively communicate on a daily basis

Proposed Starting Date

February 2026

Required Applicant Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Reference list - Please provide a list of three professional references, including their contact information.

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions for Applicants

Applicants must have a valid driver's license at the time of application.

University Benefit Highlights:

- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
- Paid benefit time

Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/

Contact Information for Applicants

Samantha Meranda,
sjmeran@ilstu.edu

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.