Admissions Counselor

The College of Human Ecology (CHE) Undergraduate Admissions Team practices highly-selective admissions and takes a mission-focused approach to the comprehensive recruitment and review of our deep, diverse, and talented applicant pool.

Advise prospective and continuing students on how to apply for admission.

Travel to represent the University as a recruiter, as a liaison with alumni or employers, at conferences or other related activities.

Assist with content development and maintenance for all digital and print materials related to admissions and the recruitment of prospective students.

May plan and coordinate events, including but not limited to student open-houses, visits, tours, and off-site receptions; work closely with faculty, alumni, and administration and current students to coordinate their participation in events; produce written materials relating to events.

Follow up with applicants and others as necessary to assure all factors are considered.

Assist in identifying and recruitment of high-quality candidates and students in priority groups; provide assistance to the Director in long-range planning and admission strategies and operations.

Gather data about incoming and current students for purposes of reporting to faculty, administration, alumni, and accrediting/ranking organizations.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the CHE Director of Admissions, the Admissions Counselor is responsible for advising prospective undergraduate students and their families/supporters on matters of admission, assisting with the recruitment, selection, and yield of first-year and transfer students, event support and implementation, and assisting in the implementation of communications content and updates.

What You Will Do

The Admissions Counselor is responsible for counseling and advising prospective undergraduate students and their families/supporters on matters of admission, assisting with the recruitment and selection of first-year and transfer students, event planning and implementation, and assisting in the implementation of communications content and updates.

Enrollment representatives within Cornell’s colleges, schools, and units regularly collaborate and partner with the Enrollment Division to accomplish the University’s enrollment goals. This role reports to the College of Human Ecology Director of Admissions.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a point of contact for prospective students and their families/supporters. Provide timely, detailed, and well-crafted responses to mail, email, phone, and web inquiries.
• Counsel and advise prospective students on matters of admission including how to apply for admission; course selection and academic preparation; help applicants and their supporters better understand admissions decisions.
• Assist with content development for College of Human Ecology admissions digital and print materials.
• Assist the College of Human Ecology Admissions Colleagues on the creation and implementation of first year and transfer recruitment and yield plans.
• May participate in and represent CHE on college and university-wide committees.
• Work through the admissions process utilizing the Slate CRM system and adapt to other platforms as needed.
• In conjunction with the CHE Admissions Team review and evaluate first year and transfer applications. Identify and recommend applicants for further consideration by the Admissions Committee.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

Success Factors

Success in the Admissions Counselor role at the College of Human Ecology requires strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to effectively counsel prospective students and families, deliver engaging presentations, and craft clear, compelling written content. Experience in college admissions or student advising is essential, particularly in reviewing and selecting first year and transfer applicants. The role also demands excellent organizational and project management abilities to support events, manage multiple priorities, and ensure attention to detail in both application review and communications. Proficiency with technology, especially CRM systems like Slate and digital communication tools—is critical for executing recruitment and outreach strategies.

Minimum Education & Experience Equivalency

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum of 2 – 3 years of experience working in an advising/counseling role in higher education admissions, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Key Qualifications that contribute to success

• Commitment to supporting students and families from broad backgrounds through the admissions process.
• Must demonstrate strong verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Effective time management, organizational, and prioritization capabilities.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of accuracy with attention to detail, and to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proven ability to work effectively as part of a team and individually to achieve established goals within tight deadlines.
• Aptitude and ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, students, faculty, and alumni.
• Positive, curious, inventive, and resourceful, with a strong work ethic!
• Open to feedback and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated maturity, integrity, judgment, and professional etiquette.
• Knowledgeable about current computer systems, software applications, data analysis, and social media.
• Must possess sound judgment, ability to respond in a professional manner, and demonstrated commitment to the highest standards of integrity and confidentiality in working effectively with all constituents (including staff, faculty, advisers, applicants, and families) throughout the admissions process.
• High level of discretion and sound judgment with confidential information.
• Commitment to CHE’s vision and mission.
• Demonstrated service orientation.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with evolving trends in higher education and admissions.
• Knowledge of holistic admissions process for selective to highly selective US universities.
• Experience presenting to groups.
• Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) systems in higher education such as Slate.

This is a full time (39 hours), benefits eligible position.  It is eligible for seasonal hybrid work arrangement. The hybrid schedule will be determined at the time of hire with the hiring manager.  The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke or terminate the hybrid work arrangement at any time.  This position is based on the Ithaca, NY Cornell University campus.

To be considered for this position, please attached your resume or CV and cover letter expressing your interest in the role and how

No visa sponsorship or relocation assistance are provided for this position.

All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.  No relocation assistance is provided for this position.

Rewards & Benefits

• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.