Admissions Counselor - Transfer Admissions (Hybrid Opportunity)

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world. 

 

Job Summary

The Admissions Counselor for Transfer Admissions recruits, selects, and advises transfer students in all aspects of admission and transfer processes to provide for a smooth transition to the University and meet institutional undergraduate admission and enrollment goals.

 

Essential Functions

• Provides comprehensive individualized and small group advising to a diverse population of prospective transfer students.
• Advises prospective transfer students regarding College and University academic regulations, requirements, and guidelines.
• Assists students in course selection, development of a transfer plan, and preparation for admission into an appropriate major. Recommends courses for prospective students to take which will transfer into the University.
• Develops and maintains general knowledge of resources available to transfer students.
• Provides transfer policy information to prospective students.
• Advises students on admission selection criteria including guidance on competitive majors and concentrations.
• Directs prospective students to the appropriate application process.
• Provides basic immigration information to student visa holders.
• Reads transfer applications and determines admissions eligibility by evaluating academic and non-academic credentials based on established standards.
• Analyzes, makes recommendations, and participates in the decision-making process on candidates whose applications need further review.
• Reviews and codes applicants for the appropriate residency status and transfer type according to state and federal requirements related to institutional reporting.
• Evaluates the applicants’ records for transfer coursework and provides an estimation of acceptable transfer credits in the preliminary transfer credit form.
• Assigns the appropriate general education student group based on the applicant type and sending institution.
• Recruits at community colleges within an assigned territory, cultivates professional relationships with institutions, and serves as a primary contact with community college representatives.
• Represents the University at community college fairs, recruitment presentations, and campus visitor events.
• Participates in debriefing exercises to assess the success of recruitment and outreach efforts.
• Contributes to long-term recruiting goals, strategies, and innovative ways to recruit talented transfer students.
• Serves as liaison to on-campus departments and off-campus organizations to help increase the volume and quality of transfer applications.

 

Other Functions

• Participates in rotation for walk-in visits and presentation at information sessions with transfer staff.
• Serves as a liaison with designated academic program or college and coordinate special programs as assigned.
• Keeps abreast of pertinent developments at the university, in higher education, and in the field of professional admission work.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

 

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with prospective students, their families and college/transfer counselors and faculty from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to read and understand admissions materials.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficient in office computer skills.

 

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licen