Admissions Officer

The Admissions and Financial Aid Division at Macalester College seeks to hire an Admissions Officer. This entry-level position is suitable for recent college graduates and those with 1-3 years of professional experience. The role serves as a prospective student's initial and ongoing contact with Macalester College and a spokesperson for the College's academic and co-curricular programs.

This is a full-time, exempt position that requires 3-8 weeks of overnight travel (Sept-October and March-May). For non-travel weeks this role offers hybrid flexibility based upon the seasonal demand according to the admissions cycle. 

About The Department: 

At Macalester, we are guided by our core values of academic excellence, internationalism, multiculturalism, and civic engagement. We believe in the transformative power of a liberal arts education that prepares students to flourish in a complex, interconnected world and to make a positive difference in their communities. By joining our Admissions team, you'll become part of a kind and welcoming community of professionals who are passionate about our educational mission and dedicated to helping students through the college admissions process.

Our collaborative, supportive work environment encourages creativity, personal growth, and a shared commitment to college access and enthusiasm for the life-changing impact of a Macalester education.

Recruitment Strategy and Travel (45%)

• Develop, implement, and annually reevaluate recruitment strategies for assigned regions
• Plan and execute travel activities including high school visits, college fairs, off-campus interviews, and regional/national recruitment events
• Support yield activities for admitted students
• Lead campus visit programming including information sessions for prospective students and families
• Collaborate with student ambassadors on recruitment initiatives

Application Review and Selection (30%)

• Participate in the admissions selection process and Admissions Committee
• Practice holistic admissions evaluation
• Make professional recommendations regarding admission decisions
• Collaborate with team partners in the evaluation process

Representation and Communication (20%)

• Present Macalester's distinctive academic and co-curricular programs to prospective students and families
• Create a welcoming environment for all visitors while providing thorough information about the college
• Assist with special programming for under-represented students of color, first-generation students, LGBTQIA+, and low-income students
• Cultivate relationships with high school administrators, counselors, and community-based organizations

Other Duties (Approximately 5%)

• Participate in division-wide initiatives and strategic planning
• Assist with special projects as determined by the Dean of Admissions
• Support research and data analysis efforts
• Engage in professional development to stay current with industry trends and best practices

The position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Required Education

• Bachelor's Degree 

Required Experience

• Recent college graduates will be considered
• 1-3 years of professional work experience in college admissions, counseling, or student affairs preferred

Required Licenses/Certifications

• Valid US driver's license

Required Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including personalized communication
• Strong presentation abilities for various group sizes
• Deadline management and multi-tasking capabilities
• Attention to detail and accuracy in work
• Proficiency with Microsoft and Google applications
• Strong understanding of and ability to communicate liberal arts education values
• Excellent interpersonal skills and relationship-building abilities
• Demonstrated aptitude for counseling students and families

Preferred Skills/Experience

• Experience working with diverse student populations
• Understanding of financial aid principles and processes
• Experience in student recruitment or enrollment management
• Familiarity with holistic application review

Schedule & Travel Requirements

• Full-time, 12-month position (38.75 hours per week)
• Standard Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM with occasional evening, holiday, and weekend work
• Peak Periods: Fall and spring recruitment events require extended hours
• Extensive regional and national travel required (3-8 weeks of overnight travel annually, primarily September-October and March-May)
• Must be comfortable with driving rental cars and flying domestically
• Limited remote work is permitted at the discretion of office leadership, but primary duties require regular on-campus presence

Physical Requirements

• Light physical activity performing non-strenuous daily activities
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds (admissions materials, event supplies)
• Occasional standing for extended periods during events
• Extended computer work during application reading season

Cognitive Requirements

• Analyze complex information and make sound judgments
• Communicate effectively in various settings
• Adapt to changing priorities and environments
• Coordinate with colleagues and external stakeholders
• Balance multiple assignments simultaneously

Compensation:

The annual salary for this position will be $49,632-$54,500, depending on experience.

Benefits:

At Macalester, we are proud to offer excellent comprehensive employee benefits. Here are some highlights:

• 10% employer contributions to the retirement plan. 
• Outstanding vacation and sick time packages, plus an additional 10 holidays.
• Generous employer contribution to Health Savings Account.
• Tuition assistance which pays between 75% - 100% of eligible tuition for employee dependents at select institutions.
• Free primary care for most services through Nice Healthcare when enrolled in a Macalester health plan.
• Access to the athletics fitness facility, wellness coaching, and activities.

These are just some of the great benefits Macalester has to offer! To see our full benefits packages and options, please visit our Benefits Page.

Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check is a condition of employment.

Application Guidelines:

For best consideration, please submit your cover letter and resume through the Macalester Employment Opportunities webpage by May 30th, 2025. No applications submitted without cover letters will be considered. This position will be posted until filled. 

Jaclyn Howard

Talent Acquisition Manager

jhoward3@Macalester.edu

Founded in 1874, Macalester College provides students with the inspiration, insight, and experience to become successful and ethical leaders. Located in flourishing St. Paul, Minnesota, Macalester enrolls over 2,000 students from across the country and around the world. Macalester is a preeminent liberal arts college recognized for its student service and celebration of internationalism.

At Macalester, we look at our employees through a whole-person, holistic lens. With comprehensive benefits and well-being programs, we provide and enable our community members to grow and care for themselves, their families, and one another. Our whole-hearted fidelity to community-building and social justice exemplify these ideals. Macalester College continuously prioritizes a culturally diverse and pluralistic community. We value individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences. 

Our rich blend of people holding varied identities enhances our strong commitment to multiculturalism and global citizenship. We seek candidates who reflect and strengthen our campus environment. Macalester invites and encourages everyone to apply who would add depth to our community including those from all sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, national origins, genders, religions, abilities, and ages.