Admissions Counselor
12-month, 100% appointment starting July 1, 2026.
About the role
The Admissions Counselor guides prospective students through the college application process, evaluates applications, and promotes educational programs to support enrollment and student success. As a member of the Undergraduate Admissions Office team, this position serves as the primary representation of Western Illinois University to a variety of constituents.
The admissions counselor will develop an annual territory management plan, implementing strategies and tactics to increase enrollment within their assigned territory. The role requires travel to represent Western Illinois University.
Responsibilities
- Guide prospective students through the college application process.
- Evaluate applications and align student qualifications with institutional requirements.
- Promote educational programs to support enrollment and student success.
- Develop and execute an annual territory management plan to increase enrollment.
- Implement creative strategies and initiatives to foster relationships with students, parents, mentors, and influencers in schools, communities, and organizations.
- Travel to represent Western Illinois University.
- Manage multiple applications, schedule interviews, and coordinate events efficiently.
- Utilize CRM software, admissions management systems, and standard office tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace).
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (or equivalent international accreditation).
- Demonstrated skill in strong communication, active listening, empathy, and rapport-building with diverse student populations.
- Ability to evaluate student qualifications and manage multiple applications, interviews, and events.
- Familiarity with CRM software, admissions management systems, and standard office tools.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in admissions, counseling, education, or customer service.
Pay
$44,652 - $45,216; negotiable, commensurate with experience.
Benefits
Western Illinois University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS), including:
- Health Insurance plans (HMO, OAP, QCHP, CDHP).
- Dental and Vision Insurance.
- Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D).
- Supplemental Long-Term Disability (LTD).
- Flexible Spending Accounts (HSA, MCAP, DCAP).
- 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plans and 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plans.
- Mandatory participation in the State Universities Retirement System (SURS).
- Paid time-off.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Tuition Waiver programs.
- Discounts to the local YMCA.
For a full list of benefits, visit the WIU Benefits Homepage. For questions, contact HR-Benefits@wiu.edu or call 309-298-1971.
About the University
Since 1899, Western Illinois University (WIU) has provided outstanding educational opportunities in west central Illinois and beyond. WIU’s traditional residential campus in Macomb, Illinois, serves as the educational, cultural, and athletic center of the region, offering a comprehensive slate of undergraduate and graduate programs, including a doctorate in education and post-baccalaureate certificates.
Macomb is a diverse community in west central Illinois, blending agriculture, industry, service, retail, education, and culture. As the county seat, Macomb is connected to Chicago and other points via Amtrak, with twice-daily service. The city is located approximately 75 miles from the Quad Cities International Airport (Moline, IL) and 70 miles from the Greater Peoria Regional Airport (Peoria, IL).
WIU also operates a non-residential branch campus in Moline, Illinois, located on the banks of the Mississippi River, serving the Quad Cities region.