The Graduate Admission Counselor is the entry-level professional role on Suffolk University’s Graduate Admission team, and the foundation of the team’s recruitment and advising capacity. Reporting to the Associate Director of Graduate Admission, this position manages an assigned caseload of graduate programs across the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) and the Sawyer Business School (SBS), guiding prospective students from first inquiry through enrollment decision.
The Graduate Admission Counselor is a high-energy, student-centered role that combines travel and recruitment, applicant advising, file review, and relationship-building with program directors and campus partners. A particular area of emphasis for this position is supporting access and inclusion efforts — serving as the admission team’s primary liaison to the Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion, the Center for Academic Access and Opportunity, and community-based organizations focused on first-generation and historically underrepresented graduate student populations.
This position is ideal for candidates who are passionate about graduate education, thrive in a collaborative team environment, and are eager to develop a broad foundation of admission skills that supports advancement toward the Assistant Director and Associate Director levels. A limited hybrid schedule is available based on departmental needs and the enrollment cycle.
Recruitment & Territory Management
Execute recruitment activities for an assigned portfolio of CAS and SBS graduate programs, with the goal of maximizing inquiry generation and applicant conversion. Represent Suffolk University at on- and off-campus events including graduate fairs, information sessions, community college visits, professional association events, and corporate partner sessions. Travel approximately 6–8 weeks per year during fall and spring recruitment cycles. Manage a defined prospect territory using Slate CRM, maintaining current and accurate data on outreach activity, pipeline status, and applicant progression. Advise prospective students through multi-channel communication — in-person, virtual, phone, email, and text — on program options, application requirements, and the enrollment process. Collaborate with program directors to stay current on program offerings and participate in faculty-led recruitment initiatives.
Applicant Advising & File Review
Manage the admissions process for an assigned caseload of graduate program applicants, maintaining a high standard of responsiveness and service from inquiry through enrollment decision. Follow up with applicants via email, phone, and CRM to ensure applications are complete and moving through the review process. Evaluate applications using established program criteria, assign preliminary decisions for Director review, and contribute to merit scholarship rankings as applicable. Maintain data integrity in Slate and contribute accurate, timely updates to enrollment funnel reports. Refer complex advising situations or policy questions to the Associate Director or Director as appropriate.
Office Contributions & Professional Development
Participate in office-wide projects, committee work, and initiatives as assigned by the Director or Associate Director. Support the planning and execution of recruiting events as directed, in collaboration with the Assistant Director who leads event logistics. Contribute to team training sessions, onboarding activities, and continuous improvement efforts. Actively pursue professional development opportunities to build expertise in graduate enrollment management and advance toward the Assistant Director level. Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Demonstrated interest in higher education, enrollment management, student services, or a related field
- Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to present professionally to diverse audiences
- Excellent interpersonal skills and a genuine commitment to helping students navigate the graduate admission process
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet frequent, time-sensitive deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion — particularly in working with first-generation and historically underrepresented student populations
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and comfort learning new technology platforms; CRM experience a plus
- Ability to travel approximately 8-10 weeks per year domestically and internationally for recruitment events
- Must be 18 years old, have at least two years of driving experience and have a valid driver’s license from the U.S. or U.S. Territories; must submit to an annual driver record check and maintain an acceptable driving record per university and/or insurance carrier requirements; must complete the University driver safety training within 60 days of hire and additional driver training as needed. Valid passport required for international travel
- Ability to work evenings and weekends as required by the recruitment cycle
Preferred
- 1–3 years of experience in college admission, recruitment, sales, student services, or a related field
- Experience with Slate CRM or comparable admissions technology
- Familiarity with graduate-level programs in liberal arts, sciences, or business disciplines
- Experience working with or advocating for underrepresented student populations in an educational or community setting
- Bilingual candidate a plus
The salary range for this role is $45,000-$60,000.
Salary Transparency
Suffolk University provides salary ranges as a good faith estimate of what it reasonably expects to pay for a role at the time the position is posted. The actual salary offered to the selected candidate will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to, the position’s scope and responsibilities, the candidate’s experience, education, training, and applicable legal requirements. The listed pay range reflects base salary only and does not include additional benefits or compensation.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Suffolk University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We welcome applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. The University strives to recruit, develop and retain faculty and staff committed to educational excellence, the robust exchange of ideas, and engage in membership in a diverse and inclusive community.
