Admissions Counselor

About North Park

Founded in 1891, North Park University is a Christian university affiliated with the Evangelical Covenant Church of over 3,200 students from around the country and the world.

North Park University is located in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago, one of the most ethnically diverse zip codes in the United States. It is nine miles from downtown Chicago. The North Park campus has often been referred to as an oasis in the heart of the city – a place where students from urban, rural, and suburban backgrounds alike can call home. And all of this within the major metropolitan backdrop of Chicago: one of the world’s largest and most diversified economies, renowned for its museums and music, and voted best large city in the U.S. for four years in a row by Condé Nast Traveler.

Mission

The mission of North Park University is to prepare students for lives of significance and service through education in the liberal arts, professional studies, and theology.

Vision

Building on our core institutional identity—Christian, city-centered, intercultural—our vision is to create a university of uncommon character and enduring excellence, where faith, learning, and service meet.

Position Summary
Recruit, counsel, and guide prospective undergraduate students from inquiry through enrollment using a relationship-driven approach. Build and maintain strategic partnerships with counselors, youth leaders, and community influencers to generate and convert prospective student interest.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute territory recruitment strategies and outreach plans in collaboration with admissions leadership to meet annual enrollment goals.
• Plan and manage travel to high schools, churches, college fairs, and community organizations to build a strong and diverse prospect pipeline.
• Cultivate meaningful relationships with prospective students, families, counselors, and community partners, reflecting the University’s commitment to personal attention and care.
• Represent North Park University’s mission and values, articulating its Christian identity, academic offerings, and commitment to student success.
• Deliver engaging presentations and consultations, including information sessions, financial aid overviews, and individualized appointments.
• Guide prospective students through the admissions process, including interviews and application review requirements.
• Manage communications with prospects through phone, email, and virtual platforms, ensuring timely, accurate, and personalized follow-up.
• Maintain accurate CRM records and track recruitment activity to support data-informed decision-making and goal attainment.
• Collaborate with faculty and campus partners to highlight academic programs and enhance recruitment efforts.
• Represent the University at open houses, visit programs, and special events, including those held on evenings and weekends.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of academic programs, student life, and financial aid to effectively counsel prospective students.
• Engage fully as a member of the admissions team, participating in meetings, training, and cross-functional initiatives.
• Maintain a flexible schedule, including travel and work during evenings and weekends during peak recruitment periods.
• Work evenings and weekends for special events, including one Saturday information session every other month.
• Lead, participate in and contribute to work teams as assigned.

Salary: $50,000

Requirements

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
• 3–5 years of professional experience preferred, ideally in higher education, admissions, recruitment, or nonprofit settings.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.
• Knowledge of or ability to quickly learn and effectively communicate financial aid and scholarship processes.
• Willingness to travel extensively and manage logistics, including transporting and setting up recruitment materials.
• Comfort with frequent travel, including air and car travel.
• Highly organized, adaptable, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with standard office technology and systems (e.g., email, CRM platforms, or similar tools).
• Valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
• Possess a clear understanding and personal commitment to North Park University’s mission of Christian higher education.
• Have good attention to detail and excellent organizational and planning skills.
• Be customer friendly and hospitable.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite: Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.

Desired

• Fluency in Spanish.
• Have experience with Enterprise Systems.
• Comfortable with using new technology.