Rural Admissions Counselor

JOB NO: 519459
CLASSIFICATION: Student Services Professional 2 (E)
GRADE: Grade 78
WORK TYPE: Staff Full-time
ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT: University of Alaska Southeast
SCHOOL/BUSINESS UNIT: Student Services
LOCATION: Juneau
CATEGORIES: Academic Advising/Support, Student Affairs/Services

Position Summary:

The University of Alaska Southeast is seeking a full-time Rural Admissions Counselor. This position will initiate and nurture relationships with high school students, counselors, teachers, and administrators, as well as tribal and other community organizations that serve and employ prospective Alaska Native and Rural Students with the intent of creating a college-going mindset and clear pathways for college enrollment.

Duties:

Participate in division meetings and on committees relevant to recruiting and transition responsibilities, AK Native and rural student issues, etc., and as a representative of the admissions department.

Under the direction of the Director of Admissions and in conjunction with colleagues from other departments and the academic schools, assist in the development and implementation of an annual recruitment plan. Work collaboratively with the UAS Admissions team to manage recruiting software and move students through the admissions and enrollment funnel. Administer tuition waiver funds as outlined in the annual plan. Coordinate admissions activities with other recruiters to support activities and events that benefit incoming students. Participate in social media activities (including but not limited to creating and updating content), new student orientation or other pre-college activities, enrollment days, and other engagement opportunities as identified in the annual plan or added throughout the year. Provide basic guidance for faculty and staff on rural student recruiting techniques and transition issues.

In alignment with the annual recruiting plan and in partnership with the Alaska Native Retention Specialist, conduct recruitment outreach and community engagement with a primary focus on Alaskan students, Alaska Native students, and rural AK communities. Visit high schools, participate in college and career fairs, and conduct virtual engagement events in coordination with local contacts and relevant UAS partners. Initiate, build and nurture relationships with students, parents/guardians, teachers and administrators, counselors, tribal organizations, and other relevant community partners to establish a college pathways identity for traditional and non-traditional students. Support and participate in mentorship activities for AK Native and rural students when possible.

Assist prospective UAS students through the recruitment funnel from inquiry to enrollment. In one-on-one and group settings, work with students and parents/guardians to help explain the UAS admissions and enrollment process. Accurately explain requirements, including how to complete placement exams (if needed), how to prepare for academic advising, how to secure housing, and how to pay for college, including but not limited to how to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and how to apply for scholarships and other funding. Conduct careful referral and transition of new students to academic advisors and other support staff. Using recruiting software, initiate outreach and conduct follow up with students at all stages of the admissions process.

Located in the ancestral homeland of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples, the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) is fully committed to advancing the education and research aspirations of Indigenous peoples and is committed to ongoing work toward decolonization. These efforts are reflected in our UAS programs and formal community partnerships across our three campuses and throughout all of Southeast Alaska.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 

Strong interpersonal, organizational, and public speaking skills.
Ability to travel extensively in Alaska, including rural Alaska.
Ability to work independently and work evenings and weekends.
Basic computer application and telephone skills.

Special skills/knowledge: Demonstrated experience in working with Alaska Native and/or rural students and communities.
Extensive travel is an important component of the job.

Preferred knowledge/skills/abilities: Knowledge of UAS academic programs, admissions, financial aid, and advanced placement.

Strong writing and presentation skills. Authentic communication skills. Comfort with speaking in front of groups of people.

Required Education or training:

Bachelor's degree required and Alaska Driver's License. 

This is a full-time, 11-months, permanent, exempt staff position, complete with a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. New hires are typically placed somewhere between steps one and ten on the Grade 78 staff salary schedule, (based on education and experience).

A complete application will include a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references. This is open until filled recruitment with the initial application review date on May 31, 2022. To ensure consideration, please apply by May 30, 2022, by 11:55 pm Alaska Standard Time. 

To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized for unrestricted employment in the United States. No work visas will be sponsored for this position.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement:

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.

Affirmative Action Statement:

UA is an AA/EO employer and educational institution and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination

Background Check:

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on a background check.

Probationary Period:

Pursuant to University Regulation 04.07.020, new employees of the University are employed in an at-will probationary status for the first six months of employment. During the probationary period, employment may be terminated for no reason or any reason. Promoted employees also serve a probationary period with limited rights of retreat.

Public Disclosure Statement:

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

The University of Alaska is a Drug-Free Workplace. University of Alaska campuses are Tobacco-Free. 

Training Policy:

It is the policy of the University of Alaska (UA) that all employees are required to complete training to meet the requirements of the positions they hold and to complete the required training within a specified period to remain employed at the UA.

Contact Information:

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact the University of Alaska HR at 907-450-8200.