Western Washington University, with over 15,000 students in seven colleges and the graduate school, is nationally recognized for its educational programs, students and faculty. The campus is located in Bellingham, Washington, a coastal community of 90,000 overlooking Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands and the North Cascades Mountain range. The city lies 90 miles north of Seattle and 60 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia. Western is the highest-ranking public, master's-granting university in the Pacific Northwest, according to the 2024 U.S. News & World Report rankings.

Western Washington University is committed to achieving excellence through advancing inclusive success, increasing our Washington impact, and focusing on transformational education grounded in the liberal arts and sciences and based on innovative scholarship, research, and creative activity. Western's greatest strength is the outstanding students, faculty, staff, and alumni/ae who make up its community. Western supports an inclusive governance structure for all and provides a learning and working environment in which everyone can thrive. In pursuit of this excellence, individual employees are expected to establish and maintain productive and effective inclusive working relationships amongst diverse populations including staff, faculty, administration, student, and external constituents. Further, individual employees are expected to have the ability to operationalize sustainability concepts (economic, societal, environmental) into all aspects of performing their job duties.

Position Responsibilities: In all aspects of the position, the admissions counselor is responsible for ensuring incorporation of accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusiveness perspectives throughout functional responsibility areas, in alignment with the University’s broader efforts to make Western a place where all community members feel truly safe, supported and included. Overall responsibilities include:

Communicating the values of Western Washington University and the benefits of higher education to a wide and diverse range of prospective students, parents, high school counselors, and community groups with tact, diplomacy, and discretion

Extensive public speaking engagements at recruitment events such as high school and community college visits, college fairs, and on campus programs

Analyzing application and enrollment trends and developing appropriate territory recruitment strategies; assessing effectiveness and adjusting strategies as necessary in collaboration with the Recruitment and Outreach team

Evaluating the qualifications of prospective students making admissions decisions which are in the best interest of the student and the University

Maintaining a positive attitude that will promote a healthy and respectful culture as a member of the Admissions team

Traveling by car, plane, and ferry for extended periods and working during irregular hours extensively, including late nights, early mornings, evenings and weekends for fourteen to sixteen (14-16) weeks per year on a continuous and ongoing basis

Providing support for talented, nonresident, and transfer student recruitment; multicultural outreach; early outreach; and/or selected recruitment by academic interest

This position requires routinely lifting 50 pounds

Recruitment and Outreach: Travel extensively, including weeknights and weekends, (approx. 10 weeks in the fall and 4-6 weeks in the spring) to promote Western Washington University to prospective first year and transfer students to meet University enrollment goals Counsel, advise, and maintain positive contact with prospective students and their families, regarding admission requirements, financial aid and scholarships, and campus life Present to large and small groups of students and guests at on- and off-campus events including high school visits, college fairs, campus visit programs, application workshops, community events and parent nights Manage and develop recruitment strategies in conjunction with overall recruitment goals Review and analyze data to determine schools, fairs, and events to attend/visit; and review and analyze data to effectively recruit students to meet University goals Work collaboratively to ensure that the University is making every effort to attract and enroll diverse students from the region Develop and manage relationships with key constituents in territories to include high school and community college counselors, community-based organizations and alumni, parents and students Administer campus visit programs, including planning, assessment and oversight Serve in an on-call advising capacity on a regular rotation in the Office of Admissions providing excellent customer service to students, families and community members visiting campus as well as responding to phone and email inquiries .  

Admission and Scholarship Review: Responsible for making final (admit/deny/wait list) admission decisions First Year students within assigned territory Evaluate qualifications within state and institutional guidelines to make admissions decisions and recommendations in the best interest of the student and the University Responsible for recommending admission decisions for Transfer students within assigned department Participate in review of first year and transfer candidates for scholarships  

Programs and Events: Attend and assist with the planning and execution of events and activities on behalf of the Office of Admissions as needed and assigned Assist in managing Distinguished Scholars program, maintaining content and selecting participants Serve as admissions liaison to a specific college within the University as a point of contact for information and updates as well as partnership opportunities  

Other Duties: Essential Responsible for timely follow up with internal and external customers Complete reports related to recruitment, schedule, travel, and special programs Participate as an engaged and supportive member of the Admissions team by: Participating in meetings, committees and special projects as appropriate Assisting colleagues with team projects 

Other duties as assigned

Positions available currently include a 1-year full-time project employment position ending January 2026, and an additional 2-year full-time project position ending January 2027. While there is no guarantee of employment past these end dates, any potential for continued employment would be considered, dependent on available budget and departmental need. 

• Bachelor’s degree (earned by position’s start date)
• Excellent interpersonal skills that include professional communication, relationship building, and the ability to clearly and concisely present information
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including excellent presentation abilities
• Demonstrated record of or commitment to supporting an organizational culture that emphasizes accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Display strong planning and organizing skills, attention to detail, and ability to produce desired results independently
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities as part of a team

• Bilingual ability (e.g. Spanish, Mandarin, Tagalog, etc.)
• Experience navigating available resources or participating activities related to higher education and/or the prospective undergraduate student market
• Experience as a student leader, Student Admission Representative, Tour Guide, Resident Advisor, Peer Advisor, Orientation Leader, or similar student service roles.

Benefits Overview for Administrative Professional Position.

A cover letter and resume are required and should address your experience related to the position responsibilities and the required and preferred qualifications. Please include the names and contact information of three professional references. References will only be contacted if necessary, with notice provided beforehand.

For full consideration, please apply by November 1, 2024; positions open until filled

Western Washington University (WWU) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, WWU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and parenting status), disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or genetic information in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. See WWU’s Policy on Ensuring Equal Opportunity and Prohibiting Discrimination and Retaliation. Inquiries may be directed to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, Title IX and ADA Coordinator, Western Washington University, Old Main 126 (MS 9021), 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360.650.3307 (voice) or 711 (Washington Relay); crtc@wwu.edu

WWU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources Disability Services, 360.650.3303 or 711 (Washington Relay).

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report: This report is provided pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act ("The Clery Act"). It includes statistics for the previous three calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on Western's campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Western; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a copy of this report in printed or alternate formats by contacting the Office of the Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services at vpsa.office@wwu.edu. The report can be found at: Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

All new employees must comply with the immunization policy and show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service before beginning work at WWU. A thorough background check will be conducted on all new hires which includes a sexual misconduct background check.