Seasonal Application Reader – Undergraduate Admission – Office of the Provost

Carnegie Mellon University has steadily built upon its foundations of excellence and innovation to become one of America’s leading universities. The university’s unique approach to education builds leaders and problem solvers for the changing marketplace of today and tomorrow.

About the role

The Office of Undergraduate Admission is hiring several seasonal application readers for the fall/winter of 2026 through early spring of 2027 (typically late October to February). Readers will thoroughly and holistically evaluate application materials, helping to enroll an academically and artistically qualified class. Readers will also complete assigned readings/articles/materials to ensure adequate knowledge of current and historical admission/higher education information.

This is a fixed-term, remote position hiring in Pennsylvania, California, New York, Virginia, or Washington, D.C. Readers will work a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 25 hours per week with a flexible weekly schedule. Seasonal Readers will be expected to reach efficiency goals of a minimum average of 4 application reviews per hour.

Selected candidates need to be available for in-person training on days which may include Oct. 28, 29, 30, 31 and Nov. 3, 4, 5, then will begin working preliminary hours in November and December. Regular hours will commence the first week of January. Availability for in-person training is required; flexibility may be offered at the discretion of the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

Responsibilities

• Thoroughly and holistically evaluate undergraduate admission applications
• Complete assigned readings/articles/materials to stay informed on current and historical admission/higher education topics
• Attend weekly staff meetings via Zoom and in-person training sessions
• Maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding Carnegie Mellon’s application review process and applicant information
• Meet efficiency goals of a minimum average of 4 application reviews per hour

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• Prior admission/recruiting and/or secondary education experience
• Ability to attend weekly staff meetings via Zoom and in-person training in Pittsburgh in late October and early November
• Commitment to confidentiality and discretion regarding application review processes
• Access to a personal computer and reliable, secure, high-speed internet
• Proven excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong time management, organizational, and critical thinking skills, as well as independent initiative
• Attention to detail and ability to synthesize information and recognize/distill critical information
• Adaptability, excellence, and passion
• Successful pre-employment background check

Qualifications

A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

• Advising or work with a community-based organization advancing education and career opportunities
• Experience advocating for students from historically underrepresented backgrounds
• Experience with selective and holistic college admission
• Proficiency with Gmail, Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, VPN, and enrollment management software platforms such as Slate by Technolutions
• Experience reviewing international applicants, familiarity with international curricula and non-US based national curricula, or an eagerness to learn about various educational systems around the world

Conflict of Interest Considerations

Seasonal Reading staff may not hold other employment that poses a conflict of interest (e.g., positions with other four-year colleges, advising roles for high school students, independent college admissions consulting roles). Additionally, Seasonal Reading staff cannot have a child applying to Carnegie Mellon. Upon hiring, staff will be asked to sign a conflict of interest statement.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous retirement savings program with employer contributions
• Tuition benefits
• Ample paid time off and observed holidays
• Life and accidental death and disability insurance
• Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass
• Access to Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs
• Fitness center access

Pay

Hourly

Schedule

• Part-time, 20–25 hours per week
• Flexible weekly schedule
• Fixed-term position from late October 2026 to early spring 2027