Admissions Counselor - Western Illinois University

Category:
Administrative, Professional & Staff Positions

Recognized as a  Best Midwestern College  by the Princeton Review. Western Illinois University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, serves nearly 5,500 students at its traditional, residential campus in Macomb, IL and its metropolitan, non-residential branch campus in Moline, IL.

APPOINTMENT: July 1, 2026

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Admissions Counselor guides prospective students through the college application process, evaluates applications, and promotes educational programs to support enrollment and student success.

The Undergraduate Admissions Office serves as the primary representation of the Western Illinois University campus to a variety of constituents and this position is a member of that team. The admissions counselor will develop an annual territory management plan, implementing strategies and tactics to increase enrollment within their assigned territory. The admissions counselor is enthusiastic, self‑motivated, and results‑oriented with the ability to think creatively to implement new initiatives and foster relationships with students, parents, mentors, and other influencers in schools, communities, and organizations.

The counselor will travel and represent Western Illinois University.

RANK & SALARY: 12-month; 100% appointment. $44,652 - $45,216; negotiable, commensurate with experience.

Western Illinois University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS). These benefits include:
Health Insurance plans (HMO's, OAP's, QCHP, and CDHP), Dental Insurance, Vision Plan, Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Supplemental Long‑Term Disability (LTD), Flex Spending Accounts (HAS, MCAP, and DCAP), 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plans and 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plans.

Eligible employees are required to participate in the State Universities Retirement System (SURS). SURS is the retirement administrator for employees in public higher education in the State of Illinois.

Other benefits available to eligible employees include: paid time‑off, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Waiver programs, and discounts to the local YMCA.

For questions on benefits, or eligibility, contact our benefits team at HR-Benefits or by calling 309‑298‑1971.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated skill in strong communication, active listening, empathy, and rapport‑building abilities to effectively interact with diverse student populations.
• Ability to manage multiple applications, schedule interviews, and coordinate events efficiently.
• Skill in evaluating student qualifications and aligning them with institutional requirements.
• Familiarity with CRM Software, admissions management systems, and standard office tools like Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prior experience in admissions, counseling, education, or customer service.

For a degree to be considered, it must be conferred from a regionally accredited degree‑granting institution of higher education (or equivalent from an international accrediting body). Unless otherwise stated, the degree must be conferred at the time of appointment.

Since 1899, Western Illinois University has provided outstanding educational opportunities to individuals in west central Illinois and well beyond our region and state. WIU's traditional residential campus in Macomb, Illinois, is the educational, cultural and athletic center of the region, while the WIU‑Quad Cities non‑residential branch campus in Moline, Illinois, is the only public university in the immediate Quad Cities region.

WIU‑Macomb, IL: Western's traditional, residential main campus offers a comprehensive slate of undergraduate and graduate programs, including a doctorate in education, and post‑baccalaureate certificates. A diverse community in west central Illinois, Macomb features a unique blend of agriculture, industry, service, retail, education, and culture. Macomb serves as the county seat, with connections across the state with Amtrak providing twice‑daily…