Senior Admissions Counselor / Assistant Director, Transfer Recruitment

The Undergraduate Office of Admissions is seeking a highly motivated, focused, and results-oriented Senior Admissions Counselor/Assistant Director of Transfer Recruitment who will serve as a key contact for prospective transfer students in Minnesota. This position will represent the University of Minnesota with a primary focus on prospective transfer students, their families, and community college partners in Minnesota while remaining agile and prepared to serve a secondary focus and collaborate on all undergraduate recruitment populations and initiatives, including freshman, domestic, and international prospective students, families, and business partners.

This is a 100%, full-time, 12-month, on-campus, annually renewable appointment in the academic professional and administrative (P&A) personnel series. Most work is conducted during normal business hours, Monday through Friday. However, evening and weekend work is occasionally required, as necessary, to properly execute the duties of this role. Occasional remote work may be accommodated at the discretion of the Office of Admissions when such remote work is in the interest of the University.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

The incumbant will be hired into one of two job codes based on education and experience, as determined at time of job offer: Senior Admissions Counselor (9702AN) OR Assistant Director (9703AN).

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

Recruitment and Outreach 35%

• Recruit and facilitate enrollment of prospective transfer undergraduate students.
• Represent the University of Minnesota Twin Cities at community college fairs, daylong community college programming and other recruitment events.
• Implement extensive recruitment and relationship-building efforts utilizing written, telephone, and in-person communication to prospective students, applicants, and admitted students.
• Assist with communication and coordination of community college advising visits, events, fairs, application workshops and other events.
• Evaluate effectiveness of programming and events while proposing recommendations for improvement to enhance recruitment initiatives.
• Consistently work to improve efficiency and offer propositions to enhance systems and workflow that contribute to progress of overall UMN and collegiate transfer recruitment.
• Design tailored recruitment plans for college enrollment to meet short-term and long-term goals.
• Design tailored recruitment plans dedicated to specific territories and/or specific transfer recruitment focus areas.
• Plan and execute college recruitment plans through a variety of relationship-building methods.
• Advocate for incoming transfer students' needs ensuring the college has the appropriate support services in place.
• Monitor student behavioral trends in territory and adjust recruiting plans accordingly.
• Establish effective relationships with external partners, e.g. community college advisors.
• Build brand awareness and reputation in prospective student and parent audiences.
• Lead projects and handle other duties as assigned.

Counseling, Advising, and Customer Service 30%

• Represent the Undergraduate Office of Admissions by answering questions and providing extra-mile customer service to prospective transfer students and their supporters about university resources, academic opportunities, applications, admission practices, scholarships, and more.
• Meet with prospective transfer students to determine a course plan to ensure students are admissible to their intended college/major.
• Work with students to determine transferability of courses
• Work with stakeholders from transfer admitting programs in the university to ensure strong understanding of program requirements and curriculum
• Connect students with resources across the University after admission has been offered.
• Manage prospective student inquiries and CRM cases and tasks, in a timely manner with extra mile customer service.

Application Review 20%

• Manage transfer application review for primary and secondary college(s), as well as other needed colleges
• Review applications and make admission recommendations based on academic requirements and program choice compatibility
• Participate in application review meetings to discuss complicated application cases, as needed.
• Participate in admission appeal or TARC committees, as needed.

Visits and Events 15%

• Participate in the execution of the office's Visits and Events programs, including but not limited to: application workshops, community college daylong visits, admitted student events
• Meet with students and their families on campus to provide admissions information and support them in taking the next step in the enrollment process.
• Deliver on-campus information sessions to recruit students to apply and enroll at the University of Minnesota.
• Collaborate with colleges' to develop and implement programming to support prospective and admitted transfer students as well as increase recruitment to UMN.

Expanded Responsibilities - Assistant Director (9703AN) 10% (duties above would reduce by 10%)

• Work to understand the changing student landscape and pivot recruitment plans as needed
• Expand recruitment and commitment initiatives and tactics for the transfer student population; assess overall recruitment plans and think big picture about college needs; create both long term planning and adjust plans as needed
• Participate in the design and delivery of internal training programs; guide conversations in best recruitment practices and assist in training new staff with their onboarding process
• Serve as a mentor to new staff and support in onboarding; act as a leader and content expert for other admissions counselors in the office
• Interpret data and provide suggestions for implementing changes or new ideas in reflection of data analysis
• Expanded responsibility in key stakeholder relationship and territory management

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree plus at least two years of relevant experience, or master's degree.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in practice
• Must have a valid driver's license; must be able to travel regionally for extended periods and work evenings/weekends and some holidays as needed.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in practice
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a variety of individuals with diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in college admissions and recruitment or a closely related unit such as campus tours, orientation, college access community based organizations, or other direct work with student outreach and enrollment.
• BA/BS degree plus at least three years of relevant experience, or three years of relevant experience plus a master's degree.
• Prior experience working with transfer student populations
• Event planning or project management experience.
• University of Minnesota experience defined broadly such as former student, graduate, employee, or community member of any campus.
• Previous experience working with specialized populations in a recruitment and/or advising setting
• Public speaking skills/experience

Additional Required Qualifications - Assistant Director (9703AN)

• Qualifications listed above
• BA/BS degree plus at least four years of relevant experience, or master's degree plus at least two years of relevant experience
• Previous experience working with specialized populations in a recruitment and/or advising setting
• Project management experience
• In-depth knowledge of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The mission of the Office of Admissions is to take leadership in recruiting and enrolling undergraduate students who will benefit from and contribute to the University of Minnesota scholarly community. The Office of Admissions coordinates undergraduate student enrollment efforts and collaborates campus-wide with colleges, departments, and the units within the Office of Enrollment Management to meet the University's enrollment goals. The Office of Admissions serves prospective undergraduate students and incoming undergraduate students.

Pay Range: 9702AN: $50,000 - $55,000 OR 9703AN: $55,000 - $60,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment, 12 month

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Application materials must be submitted online and will be reviewed beginning November 27, 2026 as a priority application date. Depending on the status of the search, applications may be reviewed after that date. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will need to complete the online application and submit the following required materials:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Diversity Statement (a statement outlining how you value diversity and your experience in working with diverse populations. This statement should be one page or less.)
• 3 professional references will be requested by finalists only at a later time

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

Priority Application Deadline: Friday, November 27, 2026

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.