Seasonal Application Reader

Howard University’s Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions that contribute to the overall strategic success of the university. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s mission of developing exceptional leaders in service to the global community.

Benefits

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: Paid time off, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) retirement plan with company match
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

About the role

Howard University is seeking seasonal application readers for the undergraduate admissions cycle. Seasonal readers will be trained by the admissions staff to conduct admission application reviews. With 35,000 applications expected, readers must be efficient, timely, and accurate to meet internal review deadlines. All work is performed online, requiring candidates to track hours and communicate frequently with the admissions office.

Candidates must have access to a reliable, high-speed internet connection and a private, secure workspace. The role requires a commitment to training in September/October and 10–20 hours of work per week through April.

Candidates who currently work closely with high school students, are college admission professionals (including high school guidance counselors and independent consultants), or are employees at another undergraduate institution cannot be considered. Additionally, parents or guardians of high school seniors are ineligible.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough holistic application reviews by evaluating each applicant's academic achievement, curriculum rigor, extracurricular involvement, leadership, personal qualities, and contextual factors in accordance with Howard University's admissions philosophy.
• Accurately complete first-read evaluations and recommendations within the admissions CRM, ensuring consistency, attention to detail, and adherence to established review guidelines and scoring rubrics.
• Maintain assigned application review productivity goals while ensuring each application receives a thoughtful, equitable, and comprehensive evaluation.
• Participate in required training sessions, calibration meetings, and ongoing quality assurance activities to promote consistency and integrity throughout the application review process.
• Protect the confidentiality of applicant information and comply with all institutional policies, ethical standards, and admissions best practices while meeting established review deadlines.

Core Competencies

• Holistic Application Review: Conduct comprehensive first-read evaluations of undergraduate applications by assessing academic achievement, curriculum rigor, extracurricular involvement, leadership, personal qualities, and contextual factors to provide fair and consistent admission recommendations.
• Commitment to Howard University's Mission: Demonstrate an understanding of Howard University's mission to develop exceptional leaders in service to the global community by applying a holistic review philosophy that recognizes students' academic potential, resilience, leadership, and capacity to contribute to the University's diverse and inclusive learning environment.
• Attention to Detail and Sound Judgment: Accurately evaluate transcripts, recalculate academic credentials when required, document application notes, and apply institutional admission guidelines with consistency, integrity, and confidentiality.
• Productivity and Time Management: Effectively manage a high-volume application review workload while meeting established productivity benchmarks, adhering to review timelines, and maintaining exceptional quality standards throughout the admissions cycle.
• Professionalism and Collaboration: Communicate effectively with admissions leadership, participate in required training and calibration sessions, incorporate feedback into the review process, and contribute to a collaborative team environment dedicated to equitable and student-centered admissions practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; previous experience in higher education, college admissions, student affairs, or a related field preferred.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to accurately evaluate academic records, application materials, and supporting documentation while maintaining consistency and confidentiality.
• Excellent written communication and organizational skills, including the ability to document application decisions clearly and manage a high-volume workload while meeting established deadlines.
• Proficiency with technology, including experience using web-based databases, CRM systems, and Microsoft Office or Google Workspace. Experience with Slate CRM is preferred but not required.
• Availability to work a minimum of 15 hours per week during the application review season, with the ability to complete required virtual training and maintain established productivity and quality standards in a remote work environment.

Pay

Expected pay range: $21–$25 per hour.

Schedule

• Training: September/October
• Work period: Through April
• Hours: 10–20 hours per week