Admissions Specialist in Illinois at Shawnee Community College (IL)

The Admissions Specialist serves as the primary liaison to prospective and dual-credit/high school students, supporting their pathway from inquiry through enrollment and first-year transition. Overall functions include recruitment, advising, and onboarding support to facilitate student access, engagement, and success. This role also contributes to enrollment and retention outcomes by supporting prospective students through the admissions process and assisting with a successful transition to college.
The essential duties and primary responsibilities below are intended to describe the general requirements of this job and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties.
Other related duties which may be required by the Director of Enrollment (duties that may not be specifically listed in the class specification or position description, but are generally within the occupational series and responsibility level associated with the employee’s class of work).

Enrollment & Outreach

• Maintain a high visibility in SCC's communities by coordinating presentations to local civic organizations, church groups, local agencies, district businesses, and district high schools.
• Represent the College by presenting information about SCC's programs, statistics, and services.
• Participate in new student orientations, open houses, campus tours/visits, and other recruitment/retention activities.
• Provide recruitment and admission assistance at assigned high schools.
• Manage an assigned recruitment territory and travel regularly to high schools, community sites, organizations, and events to build relationships and promote enrollment pipelines.
• Plan, coordinate, and participate in outreach events, communication outreach campaigns, presentations, yield activities, and community engagement efforts that support new student enrollment.
• Initiate and maintain relationships with school personnel, community stakeholders, parents/guardians, and prospective students to support outreach, engagement, and recruitment goals.
• Coordinate the Student Ambassador Program, including recruitment, selection, training, supervision, and program oversight.
• Engage in recruitment strategies that support the enrollment of special populations, including homeschooled students, adult education learners, and nontraditional students.
• Provide academic advising and registration assistance during peak enrollment periods and spring high school senior registration events, as assigned.

Student Support

• Provide limited, proactive advising support to dual-credit and high-school students related to academic pathways, SCC programs, and college readiness.
• Provide information and guidance on admissions, placement, financial aid, scholarships, and college readiness.
• Identify student needs and risk factors; make referrals to support services as needed.
• Collaborate with Enrollment and Academic Affairs to ensure advising services for high-school students are coordinated and accessible.
• Assist dual-credit/high-school students with onboarding and transition to SCC programs as appropriate, including applications, placement processes, and orientation activities.

High School Partnerships

• Assist with dual credit activities as needed by the Coordinator of High School Partnerships & Pathways.
• Collect high school student directory information for all students.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with counselors, administrators, teachers, and other school staff in partner high schools.
• Collaborate with schools to promote SCC pathways, dual-credit opportunities, and transition resources for students and families.

Compliance

• Remain up to date on the curriculum requirements of other colleges and universities to which students commonly transfer.
• Work to protect the confidentiality of student records in accordance with FERPA.
• Maintain up-to-date skill sets for the College’s ERP and CRM systems.
• Utilize ERP/CRM platforms to document recruitment activity, student engagement, outreach outcomes, and enrollment progression.
• Maintain accurate records of student contacts, advising services, and high-school communication in accordance with institutional procedures.

Accountability & Reporting

• Track all encounters and activities with prospective and current students.
• Communicate statistical information about SCC to prospective students and community members.
• Provide information for the Director’s monthly board report.
• Monitor, analyze, and evaluate recruitment-related activities and outcomes to support departmental planning and continuous improvement.

Fiscal Responsibilities

• Assist the Director of Enrollment in managing department budgets.
• Maintain a budget for the Student Ambassador Program.

Minimum Qualifications – Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience working in academic advising, admissions, student services, or a related field.

• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with students, faculty, and community partners
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to present information to groups clearly and professionally.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and maintain confidentiality.
• Flexibility to support events, travel, and occasional evening/weekend activities.