Staff Assistant-Admission Counselor

Company Description:

At MCLA, we're here for all, and focused on each of our students. Classes are taught by educators who care deeply about teaching, and about seeing their students thrive on every level of their lives. In every way possible, the experience at MCLA is designed to elevate our students as individuals, leaders, and communicators, fully empowered to make their impressions on the world. In addition to our 130-year commitment to public education, we have fortified our dedication to equitable academic excellence. MCLA has appeared on U.S. News & World Report's list of Top Ten Public Colleges for 11 consecutive years, earning the No. 6 spot on the list of Top Public Liberal Arts Schools in the nation for 2026. The College's focus on affordable education and economic prosperity is reflected in additional 2026 U.S. News rankings: No. 6 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for liberal arts colleges in the state and No. 4 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for public liberal arts colleges in the country. These rankings measure how well schools graduate students who receive Federal Pell Grants. Learn more at

Job Description:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

The Staff Assistant/Admission Counselor supports all aspects of the undergraduate recruitment efforts of the College, including, but not limited to, planning and organizing recruitment travel, outreach to prospective students and partners, application review, and new student yield initiatives.

This position is responsible for supporting recruitment efforts in a designated downstate New York territory, including New York City and Westchester County, and requires regular travel to this region during the fall and spring recruitment cycles. Candidates must be able and willing to travel frequently throughout this territory in support of recruitment activities. Candidates who reside within reasonable traveling distance of the assigned territory (including parts of Connecticut and New Jersey) are encouraged to apply.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the direct supervision of the Associate Director of Admission and Director of Admission.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Assists with supervision of Office of Admission student ambassadors and work-study students.

STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Recruitment

Manages an assigned recruitment territory and travel schedule, including organizing and coordinating travel activities by contacting high schools, confirming the College's representation, and making reservations.

Represents the College at a variety of recruitment activities for the purpose of recruiting students to the College. This includes college night programs, high school visits, mini high school fairs, and other recruitment programs within the scope of the assigned territory.

Meets with prospective students and families through individual interviews, group information sessions, and virtual engagement opportunities.

Develops and maintains relationships with high school and college counselors to expand opportunities for prospective first-year students.

Establishes and cultivates relationships with community-based organizations (CBOs), college access programs, and community partners in the New York City and Westchester County area to expand awareness of MCLA and support prospective student outreach.

Assists in the planning and execution of recruitment and yield activities, including on-campus and off-campus events designed to encourage prospective student enrollment and increase counselor awareness of MCLA's academic offerings.

File Review

Evaluates undergraduate applicants from assigned territory in an accurate and timely fashion. Reviews academic credentials, calculates grade point averages, and renders admissions decisions in accordance with the College's admission standards.

Provides follow-up and advising to prospective students throughout the admissions process.

Utilizes the student records system and admissions tracking systems to maintain accurate application data, update admissions decisions, and track statistical characteristics.

Assists in the awarding of scholarships within the assigned recruitment territory, including merit-based and foundation scholarships.

Outreach and Communication

Utilizes and becomes proficient with the admissions Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to support outreach and communication with prospective students.

Collects, edits, and disseminates information for distribution to prospective students and families.

Assists in research and data collection to support understanding of student trends, needs, and interests.

Performs other duties related to supporting and developing programs designed to increase new student enrollment at MCLA.

Assists in off-hour coverage or supervision of student callers and admissions ambassadors as needed.

Supportive Duties

Assist other staff members with phone and office coverage when needed.
Serves as a campus tour guide for prospective students and families as needed.

Assists with campus and community programs and events.
Participates in institutional committees or working groups as appropriate.

Requirements:

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree is required.
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively throughout recruitment seasons (approximately 8?10 weeks in the fall and additional travel during the spring).
• Strong written and oral communication skills and public speaking experience.
• Quantitative skills and the ability to analyze data for admissions recruitment purposes.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and campus partners to meet institutional enrollment goals.
• Ability to effectively articulate the value of a public liberal arts education.
• Familiarity with MCLA and its academic programs preferred.
• Fluency in Spanish or another language commonly spoken in the New York City region is strongly preferred.
• A valid driver's license is required.
• Experience working with or recruiting first-generation, underrepresented, or historically marginalized student populations preferred.
• Experience collaborating with community-based organizations, college access programs, or community partners serving diverse student communities preferred.

Additional Information:

This is a full time, permanent benefitted position within the APA bargaining unit. Salary for this position is $40,000-$45,000/year.

Employee Benefits:

Health Insurance: MCLA offers a variety of HMO, POS, and PPO-type health insurance plans for eligible employees. Coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following the date of hire. Exceptions to employees hired on the 1st of the month, coverage is effective immediately.

Retirement: The MA State Employee Retirement System provides eligible employees with a retirement pension following a 10-year vesting period. In lieu of the retirement pension, eligible employees may select the Optional Retirement Plan with a maximum 5% employer matching contribution.
Tuition Waivers & Discounts: eligible employees, including spouses and dependent children, receive reduced tuition at MA state colleges, community colleges, and universities.

Paid Time Off: employees receive 12 paid holidays and generous vacation, personal, and sick leave benefits.

Until further notice, in response to the Presidential proclamation, issued on September 19, 2025, imposing a significant fee on the entry of individuals with new H-1B visas, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. Should you need to request a reasonable accommodation for the application process, please email Brenda Stokes, Executive Director of Human Resources.

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is deeply committed to fostering a community of excellence, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We provide equal access to educational, co-curricular and employment opportunities for all applicants, students, and employees regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital or parental status, veteran status, or membership in any other legally protected class. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity that they operate, which extends to admission and employment.

Inquiries about Title IX, Equal Opportunity, or ADA/504 and other non-discrimination policies may be directed to MCLA's Interim Title IX and Equal Opportunity Coordinator, to the Assistant Secretary of the Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, or both.

Lucas Morrill
Interim Title IX and EO Coordinator
375 Church Street, North Adams, MA 01247
Telephone: (413) 662-5103

[email protected]

U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights
33 Arch Street, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02119-1424
Telephone: (617) 289-0111; FAX: (617) 289-0150; TDD (877) 521-2172

[email protected]

Application Instructions:

Interested candidates must apply electronically and should submit a letter of interest and resume by clicking on the APPLY NOW button below