University of San Diego·San Diego, California
The Admission Counselor evaluates undergraduate applications, makes scholarship decisions, and manages recruitment territories. They also counsel prospective students and families while representing the university at various recruitment events.
Position Title: & Department:
Admission Counselor; Undergraduate Admission Posting #
5695
Undergraduate Admissions celebrates innovative thinkers who are determined to create lasting change. Our students and faculty members embrace change and relish being part of a globally-minded community of scholars. University Description:
The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition [https://sandiego-dot-yamm-track.appspot.com/Redirect?ukey=103neS9y275bBlWT_QB28CH7DGgjaxx_6dcdrVI0_0zI-367789587&key=YAMMID-84412560&link=http%3A%2F%2Fcatcher.sandiego.edu%2Fitems%2Fusd%2Finsight-rev-2014.pdf] and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens [https://sandiego-dot-yamm-track.appspot.com/Redirect?ukey=103neS9y275bBlWT_QB28CH7DGgjaxx_6dcdrVI0_0zI-367789587&key=YAMMID-84412560&link=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sandiego.edu%2Fchangemaker%2F] and an earnest confrontation of humanity’s urgent challenges [https://sandiego-dot-yamm-track.appspot.com/Redirect?ukey=103neS9y275bBlWT_QB28CH7DGgjaxx_6dcdrVI0_0zI-367789587&key=YAMMID-84412560&link=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sandiego.edu%2Fenvisioning-2024%2F].
This Admission Counselor position will assist with all aspects of the professional responsibilities of our office. General responsibilities will include: evaluating and making decisions on admission applications, assisting with the development of admission policies and procedures, managing and traveling in recruitment territories, counseling prospective students and families, planning and implementing special recruitment strategies, representing the University to high school counselors, alumni, and other external constituents; conducting appropriate follow-up via Zoom, phone, e-mail, and written correspondence to prospects, applicants, and school counselors; and assisting with the processing of applications for admission for freshman and transfer applications; and executing other admission responsibilities as assigned.
Duties: and Responsibilities:
calculating cumulative grade point average (GPA), analyzing the level of difficulty of courses taken by applicants, determining the level of competitiveness of school attended by applicants, and objectively quantifying applicants’ essay, letters of recommendation and extra-curricular activities. Will also make decisions on whether to admit or deny applicants based on the applicants’ individual profile, the overall (and individual school’s) application pool and the applicants’ potential contribution to the campus, and the mission of the University. Finally, admission counselors will also decide which applicants will be awarded a merit scholarship and how much to award based on the above mentioned admission criteria. Admission counselors will also communicate with families and school counselors throughout the process.
Will counsel prospective students and families about admission, financial aid, academic, and community life programs, and student life at the University. Conduct workshops to outreach groups (AVID, Upward Bound, CalSoap, etc.) assisting prospective students and their parents with general college planning and the higher education system. Serve on panels to interpret and discuss admission practices/policies put forth by our governing organizations, the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) and Western Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC). Will have regular responsibilities for meeting individually with families or counselors, while providing coverage as the “counselor of the day,” and participating in all on campus recruitment events.
Serve as Academic and/or Athletic Department Liaison or other duties as assigned. Assist with advising transfer students and evaluating transfer applications.
• A valid driver’s license
• Extensive travel is required. Ability to travel (including air travel) for up to two (2) consecutive weeks: nights and weekends are required
Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.
Posting Salary: $5859-5860 per month; Excellent Benefits
The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including; medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers. Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer. USD: Human Resources: Benefits [http://www.sandiego.edu/hr/benefits//]
The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.
Special Application Instructions: Resume and Cover Letter Required
Click the 'Apply Now' button to complete our online application. In addition, please upload a cover letter and resume to your application profile for the hiring managers’ review. If you have any questions or difficulties please contact the Employment Services Team at jobs@sandiego.edu. [jobs@sandiego.edu]
37.5 hours per week
Closing Date: September 2, 2026
External job postings will be up for at least three days. After that time, applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager/committee throughout the posting period. A candidate may be selected at any time which could then close this posting on a date earlier than listed.
The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information, visit www.sandiego.edu/smokefree. [https://www.sandiego.edu/smoke-free/]
Market context
California admission counselor roles typically seek candidates who can combine college admissions experience with strong communication and frequent travel, making public speaking, relationship-building, and scheduling flexibility important competitive factors. Before applying, verify travel expectations and prepare examples of presentations or outreach results; the requirements and benefits shown here are AI-summarized from the original job description, helping reduce research time while you review details such as medical, dental, vision, retirement, and fitness benefits.