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Admissions Counselor / Senior Admissions Counselor - King County
Tacoma, WAApril 2nd, 2026
Central Washington University is recruiting an Admissions Counselor OR a Senior Admissions Counselor to join our Admissions team in King County, Washington. This role is an important member of our team as they enhance the vision for the University. The role is a regionally based position and will require travel within King County, WA and surrounding areas and must reside in this region. We're offering a competitive salary plus the awesome CWU benefits. Who we are:We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students' Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams.Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice. Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. You'll find diverse academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~8,300 students.Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition, for seven out of eight years, CWU was a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. RentCafe has also named CWU #13 of the Top 20 Best College Towns in the U.S. in 2025.Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus.Tour our campus in Ellensburg here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjdhOegDa9AWhat we offer:Our investment in you begins the day you join our team, a healthy and successful future for you is important to us. We offer medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, tuition assistance for you and your dependents, discounts across town, an employee assistance program for individualized counseling, and a wellness incentive program. Learn more: Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator .The Role:The Admissions Counselor serves as a key member of a dynamic and high-performing recruitment team within the Office of Admission. This role is responsible for the planning and execution of undergraduate (freshman and transfer) domestic recruitment and admissions efforts within an assigned geographic territory, which may include both in-state and out-of-state travel. The Admissions Counselor represents Central Washington University's values, academic programs, and services to prospective students and the public through individual and group presentations. This position includes oversight and coordination of regional multicultural recruitment initiatives, with a focus on engaging minority, first-generation, and historically underrepresented student populations. The regional position, the Admissions Counselor works from a home office and must demonstrate the ability to work independently and collaboratively. The role involves managing a designated territory and serving as a liaison between CWU Admissions and high school counselors, students, families, campus partners, and community organizations. The Admissions Counselor directly affects the vision, mission, and values of Central Washington University by creating and promoting a welcoming environment where students, faculty, and staff feel supported and by promoting access and opportunity for all students. All employees are expected to uphold and contribute to CWU's vision, mission, and values, fostering a culture of student success and institutional excellence.Job DutiesCounseling:- Presents Central Washington University philosophy, programs, services, etc. to prospective resident and non- resident first year, transfer students, and the general public individual and group gatherings. Connected non- traditional and international students to appropriate partners or services.- Represents CWU at high schools, community colleges, community functions, specific events, etc.- Provide general pre-admissions advising to prospective students concerning general admission procedures, early transfer admissions, plus benefits/processes, academic programs, career opportunities, financial aid, and student services.- Independently evaluate academic records and personal histories of prospective students and make decisions regarding academic qualifications for admission to the university and preparation for the intended major.- Develops relationships with CWU departments and external communities/organizations that work with traditionally underserved populations.Recruitment:- Conduct proactive (initiating contact with individuals who express interest) and reactive prospect management (respond to incoming inquiries), works to convert prospects to applicants, and admitted applicants to matriculated student by offering individual meetings and small group sessions.- Participate in special recruitment events which may include Wildcat Preview Day, On the Spot Admissions, Next Steps Presentations, IVHS Presentations, Coffee Shop Talks, etc.- Independently coordinates travel for assigned territory, making data- informed decisions and adjustments based on regional trends and strategic priorities.- Contributes to special projects and initiatives as assigned.- Perform other duties as assignedMinimum QualificationsBachelor's degreeMust be able to travel and work irregular hours extensively, including late nights, early mornings, evenings and weekends.Must possess and maintain a current, valid driver's license.Must be able to lift 50 pounds, drive and travel in all weather conditions.Candidate must be comfortable with technology and have basic familiarity with Microsoft Office, CRM's and presentation softwareDemonstrable experience in creating and conducting presentations, and excellent verbal, oral and written communications skillsDemonstrable experience in professional roles that involve extensive public speaking to diverse audiences and extensive public contact.Demonstrated willingness and/or experience working with students and/or co-workers from a wide range of abilities, backgrounds and experiences. For consideration as a Senior Admissions Counselor:2 to 5 years of professional and progressively responsible work experience related to admissions, student affairs in higher education, or student recruitment at a regionally accredited 2 or 4 year not-for-profit college or university.2 to 5 years of professional and progressively responsible work experience related to multicultural and diversity outreachOR applicable c ombination of education and/or experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position. Preferred QualificationsMaster's degreePrevious remote office experienceExperience and familiarity with utilizing social media applications, databases, and other student recruitment tools.Demonstrated proficiency in a second language (Spanish preferred)A record of promoting institutional excellence in the work environment.Demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for students through various activities CompetenciesAccountability/Dependability: Accepts responsibility for quality of own work; acknowledges and corrects mistakes. Shows up on time, meets standards, deadlines, and work schedules.Judgement: Makes timely, informed decisions. Analyzes options and determines appropriate course of action.Teamwork: Promotes cooperation and mutual support to achieve goals. Encourages participation and mutual support.Adaptability/Flexibility: Responds positively to changing business needs and responsibilities. Adapts approach and methods to achieve results; recovers quickly from setbacks and finds alternatives.Commitment to Belonging: Values the uniqueness of every individual and fosters an environment where everyone feels respected and empowered to thrive. Don't meet every single requirement? At CWU, we're committed to creating a welcoming and genuine workplace. If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification, we still encourage you to apply. This could be the opportunity you're looking for! Pay, Benefits, & Work ScheduleSalary : T he Admissions Counselor position has a minimum annual salary of $37,440 and maximum annual salary of $52,417. The Hiring Department's expected hiring range is $45,000 - $50,000. The Senior Admissions Counselor position has a minimum annual salary of $45,303 and maximum annual salary of $63,424. The Hiring Department's expected hiring range is $48,000 - $55,000.In addition, a 5% location based premium pay will be added to the monthly salary, contingent on being permanently assigned to a King County duty station.In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the hiring range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.Schedule/Appointment : Monday - Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm (1 hour lunch); May require additional hours depending on schedule requirementsWorking Conditions : General office environment when on campus or visiting other schools. This position requires substantial travel throughout Washington state and the Pacific Northwest, with occasional travel to other regions of the United States. Position requires a flexible schedule to accommodate evening and weekend programs and other interactions with the public, including presentations. If working from home, this position requires dedicated office space within one's home free of distractions.Benefits : CWU offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, life and disability insurance, along with vacation and sick leave plans depending on employment classification. For additional information please visit Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator .An employee of CWU may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program if the employee has student loans. To learn more, visit: https://ofm.wa.gov/state-human-resources/public-service-loan-forgiveness-program .How To ApplyTo apply for this position, you must complete the on-line application and attach:A detailed cover letter clearly demonstrating how your education and experience: (a) meet the required (and, as applicable, preferred) qualifications, and (b) demonstrate the ability to perform the responsibilities as described by the posting;Resume including work history, education, training; andContact information for three professional references. Screening Begins: March 18, 2026**Priority will be given to applications received by the screening date. Incomplete applications may not be considered.Contact InformationName: Laura MiyatakeTitle: Director, Admissions - RecruitingEmail: Laura.Miyatake@cwu.eduPhone: 206-304-2487Website: http://www.cwu.edu/admissions-aid/Please contact Human Resources at hr@cwu.edu or 509-963-1202 if you require technical assistance with the on-line application process.Conditions of EmploymentBackground Check/Reference Check Process:Prior to employment, final candidate(s) will be required to sign a Sexual Misconduct disclosure in pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080 and submit to a background check. All information obtained through background investigations will be strictly confidential and revealed only to those required to have access.Notice to Prospective Employees:Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity StatementCentral Washington University is an EEO/AA/Title IX Institution. Central Washington University's policies and practices affirm and actively promote the rights of all individuals to equal opportunity in education and employment. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, disability, or status as a protected veteran is prohibited. The university provides an internal procedure for reporting discrimination and affords protection against retaliation for participating in the complaint process. Central Washington University complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and executive orders including when soliciting bids and in the fulfillment of all contracts with governmental agencies. Direct related inquiries to Civil Rights Compliance , 202 Barge Hall, Ellensburg, WA 98926-7501; Telephone 509-963-2050; or email crc@cwu.edu.Reasonable AccommodationsCentral Washington University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact Human Resources at HR@cwu.edu or call 509-963-1202. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)