OPT Admissions Counselor Jobs
Admissions Counselor roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in education, counseling, or communications. Most positions qualify as professional roles under OPT guidelines. Your 12-month authorization window is enough to complete a full admissions cycle, which matters to hiring managers in this field.
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Get Access To All JobsAt Marymount University, we believe meaningful work happens when talented people come together with shared purpose. We serve not only our students—but one another—creating a culture where teamwork, adaptability, and resilience are part of everyday practice.
Located in Arlington, Virginia, just minutes from Washington, D.C., Marymount offers a dynamic and forward-looking environment where innovation is encouraged and flexibility is valued. We understand that higher education is evolving, and we embrace change with creativity, responsiveness, and a solutions-oriented mindset.
Our faculty and staff thrive in a community that prioritizes communication, cross-functional collaboration, and service-driven leadership. Whether working directly with students or supporting them behind the scenes, every role contributes to a shared mission: helping students grow, succeed, and lead with purpose and confidence.
JOB SUMMARY
The Admissions Counselor is responsible for developing and implementing recruitment activities for assigned areas nationwide. The Admission Counselor works with prospective students throughout the college process. Admissions Counselors have a clear commitment to providing excellent service to students, families, and related individuals or organizations, reinforcing Marymount’s commitment to student-centered education and development.
Direct Supervisor
Director of Admissions
Status
Full-Time, Exempt
Grade 9
Division
Admissions & Aid
Target Weekly Hours 40
Location
2807 N Glebe (Main Campus)
Benefits Eligibility
Yes
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Counsels and advises prospective students, applicants and family members about opportunities at Marymount University. Develops working knowledge of admissions & financial aid processes, academic programs and student life. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential.
- Establishes and maintains effective communication and rapport with high school counselors, CBOs, and IECs.
- Manages a recruitment territory, uses data to drive decisions, and considers ROI in recruitment events, travel and marketing efforts.
- Schedules and participates in approved travel to assigned regions including, but not limited to, high school visits, fairs, career days, college nights; implements additional activities such as interviews, receptions, and virtual events. Expectations include approximately 12 weeks of travel in the fall and 8 weeks in the spring.
- Expected to support all on-campus recruitment events such as Open Houses and other Divisional events. Staff are accountable for generating reports, informing and meeting goals within their territory and providing input to admissions and student affairs leadership to inform the bigger enrollment picture.
- In-person, phone, email, & chat are all required ways in which Marymount communicates with potential students. Admissions staff members are required to be nimble and able to participate in these ways, counselors will employ strong telephone, electronic, and in-person communication skills.
- Conduct presentations through multiple communication channels, demonstrating effective use of a variety of technologies, including, but not limited to; Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, Slate Webinar and in-person projection technology. Participates in call nights as scheduled throughout the recruiting cycle.
- Ability to travel overnight and work evenings & weekends, with the understanding that time off may not be permissible during the height of the recruitment season.
- Responsible for representing the entire university to external constituents. As such, it is critical that Admissions Counselors have a thorough understanding of university policies and procedures, a professional presence, and that they give accurate information while abiding by the university and higher education best practices.
- Evaluates applications and supporting materials to recommend admission decisions.
- Evaluates scholarship applications and manages associated committees.
OTHER DUTIES AND ASSIGNMENTS
- Assists in the efficient and effective operation of the Admission office as needed
- Helps train new employees
- Participates in professional admission organizations
- Updates student information and maintains data records
- Performs other work-related duties as assigned.
Job Requirements
Education
Bachelor’s degree (BA, BS, etc.) required.
Experience
1-3 years of related experience in recruiting, admissions and customer service within the higher education system
Licenses or Certifications
Valid driver’s license
Financial Responsibility
Processes or records financial transactions within established guidelines and safeguards. Responsible for University issued credit card to be used for necessary expenses and files the appropriate expense reports.
Supervision
None.
Special Knowledge
Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Skilled in public speaking and ability to interact with many different people. Ability to write grammatically correct emails/letters. Knowledge of terminology used in admissions and financial aid. Spanish speaker preferred. Slate experience preferred.
Please note that this role is in person based in Arlington, VA. Position will be open until filled.
Compensation/Total Rewards
The salary for this position is $48,000. It is competitive, market-based, and aligned with the University’s financial framework, ensuring your skills and experience are recognized and rewarded. But your total compensation goes well beyond your salary. As a valued member of our team, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance. This includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; FSA or HSA; employee assistance program; life insurance; short- and long-term disability; contributions to the University’s 403(b) retirement plan; financial planning; identity theft protection; pet insurance; credit union and more. Interested in continuing your education? Our tuition remission program supports your professional growth and lifelong learning, and is also open to covered dependents. On top of that, our generous paid time off plan gives you the flexibility to recharge and maintain balance in your personal and professional life.
Qualified candidates are invited to apply via our career portal by submitting a cover letter addressing their qualifications, along with a resume.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and employment verification, and other role related requirements such as motor vehicle and/or drug screening.
Marymount University is an equal opportunity employer. Marymount University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected bases under applicable federal and local laws and regulations in any of its programs or its activities, including employment and admission. The university also expressly prohibits any form of sex discrimination and sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, dating and domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation and stalking in any of its programs or activities, including employment and admission. For more information, please visit: https://marymount.edu/student-life/health-wellness/title-ix-2/
Marymount University is an E-Verify employer. http://marymount.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/UTF-8E-Verify_Participation_Poster_Eng_Es-1.pdf
At Marymount University, we believe meaningful work happens when talented people come together with shared purpose. We serve not only our students—but one another—creating a culture where teamwork, adaptability, and resilience are part of everyday practice.
Located in Arlington, Virginia, just minutes from Washington, D.C., Marymount offers a dynamic and forward-looking environment where innovation is encouraged and flexibility is valued. We understand that higher education is evolving, and we embrace change with creativity, responsiveness, and a solutions-oriented mindset.
Our faculty and staff thrive in a community that prioritizes communication, cross-functional collaboration, and service-driven leadership. Whether working directly with students or supporting them behind the scenes, every role contributes to a shared mission: helping students grow, succeed, and lead with purpose and confidence.
JOB SUMMARY
The Admissions Counselor is responsible for developing and implementing recruitment activities for assigned areas nationwide. The Admission Counselor works with prospective students throughout the college process. Admissions Counselors have a clear commitment to providing excellent service to students, families, and related individuals or organizations, reinforcing Marymount’s commitment to student-centered education and development.
Direct Supervisor
Director of Admissions
Status
Full-Time, Exempt
Grade 9
Division
Admissions & Aid
Target Weekly Hours 40
Location
2807 N Glebe (Main Campus)
Benefits Eligibility
Yes
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Counsels and advises prospective students, applicants and family members about opportunities at Marymount University. Develops working knowledge of admissions & financial aid processes, academic programs and student life. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential.
- Establishes and maintains effective communication and rapport with high school counselors, CBOs, and IECs.
- Manages a recruitment territory, uses data to drive decisions, and considers ROI in recruitment events, travel and marketing efforts.
- Schedules and participates in approved travel to assigned regions including, but not limited to, high school visits, fairs, career days, college nights; implements additional activities such as interviews, receptions, and virtual events. Expectations include approximately 12 weeks of travel in the fall and 8 weeks in the spring.
- Expected to support all on-campus recruitment events such as Open Houses and other Divisional events. Staff are accountable for generating reports, informing and meeting goals within their territory and providing input to admissions and student affairs leadership to inform the bigger enrollment picture.
- In-person, phone, email, & chat are all required ways in which Marymount communicates with potential students. Admissions staff members are required to be nimble and able to participate in these ways, counselors will employ strong telephone, electronic, and in-person communication skills.
- Conduct presentations through multiple communication channels, demonstrating effective use of a variety of technologies, including, but not limited to; Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, Slate Webinar and in-person projection technology. Participates in call nights as scheduled throughout the recruiting cycle.
- Ability to travel overnight and work evenings & weekends, with the understanding that time off may not be permissible during the height of the recruitment season.
- Responsible for representing the entire university to external constituents. As such, it is critical that Admissions Counselors have a thorough understanding of university policies and procedures, a professional presence, and that they give accurate information while abiding by the university and higher education best practices.
- Evaluates applications and supporting materials to recommend admission decisions.
- Evaluates scholarship applications and manages associated committees.
OTHER DUTIES AND ASSIGNMENTS
- Assists in the efficient and effective operation of the Admission office as needed
- Helps train new employees
- Participates in professional admission organizations
- Updates student information and maintains data records
- Performs other work-related duties as assigned.
Job Requirements
Education
Bachelor’s degree (BA, BS, etc.) required.
Experience
1-3 years of related experience in recruiting, admissions and customer service within the higher education system
Licenses or Certifications
Valid driver’s license
Financial Responsibility
Processes or records financial transactions within established guidelines and safeguards. Responsible for University issued credit card to be used for necessary expenses and files the appropriate expense reports.
Supervision
None.
Special Knowledge
Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Skilled in public speaking and ability to interact with many different people. Ability to write grammatically correct emails/letters. Knowledge of terminology used in admissions and financial aid. Spanish speaker preferred. Slate experience preferred.
Please note that this role is in person based in Arlington, VA. Position will be open until filled.
Compensation/Total Rewards
The salary for this position is $48,000. It is competitive, market-based, and aligned with the University’s financial framework, ensuring your skills and experience are recognized and rewarded. But your total compensation goes well beyond your salary. As a valued member of our team, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance. This includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; FSA or HSA; employee assistance program; life insurance; short- and long-term disability; contributions to the University’s 403(b) retirement plan; financial planning; identity theft protection; pet insurance; credit union and more. Interested in continuing your education? Our tuition remission program supports your professional growth and lifelong learning, and is also open to covered dependents. On top of that, our generous paid time off plan gives you the flexibility to recharge and maintain balance in your personal and professional life.
Qualified candidates are invited to apply via our career portal by submitting a cover letter addressing their qualifications, along with a resume.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and employment verification, and other role related requirements such as motor vehicle and/or drug screening.
Marymount University is an equal opportunity employer. Marymount University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected bases under applicable federal and local laws and regulations in any of its programs or its activities, including employment and admission. The university also expressly prohibits any form of sex discrimination and sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, dating and domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation and stalking in any of its programs or activities, including employment and admission. For more information, please visit: https://marymount.edu/student-life/health-wellness/title-ix-2/
Marymount University is an E-Verify employer. http://marymount.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/UTF-8E-Verify_Participation_Poster_Eng_Es-1.pdf
See all 78+ OPT Admissions Counselor Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Admissions Counselor Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Admissions Counselor
Target universities and colleges first
Higher education institutions are the most OPT-familiar employers in this field. College admissions offices regularly hire international staff and understand work authorization timelines better than private sector employers in other industries.
Lead with your degree field, not just your title
Admissions Counselor roles require a bachelor's degree, but the field matters. Highlight degrees in education, psychology, communications, or social sciences to show the direct connection USCIS requires between your degree and the role.
Apply before your OPT start date
Many universities run hiring cycles in spring for fall positions. Starting your search two to three months before your OPT authorization begins gives you time to receive an offer and complete onboarding paperwork without rushing.
Address your authorization window proactively
When employers ask about long-term availability, mention STEM OPT extension eligibility if applicable, or H-1B visa sponsorship potential. Admissions roles at large universities often have HR teams experienced with visa transitions.
Highlight multilingual skills in your application
Many admissions offices actively recruit international student liaisons. If you speak a language common among applicant pools, that skill directly supports the office's mission and makes you a stronger candidate despite authorization limitations.
Search Migrate Mate for OPT-friendly postings
Migrate Mate filters job listings by sponsorship willingness, saving you time on roles where authorization is already a barrier. Browsing by job title lets you identify which institutions post Admissions Counselor openings regularly.
Admissions Counselor OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Admissions Counselor role qualify for F-1 OPT work authorization?
Yes, Admissions Counselor positions qualify for F-1 OPT as long as the role is directly related to your degree field. If your degree is in education, communications, psychology, or a related area, the connection is straightforward. You must work at least 20 hours per week to maintain valid OPT status, and the position must be paid employment, not volunteer work.
Can I work as an Admissions Counselor at a university while on OPT?
Yes, and universities are among the most OPT-accommodating employers in this field. College and university admissions offices frequently hire international graduates, understand DSO reporting requirements, and often have HR infrastructure to support H-1B sponsorship if you transition off OPT. You should confirm with your DSO that your specific role and employer are documented correctly in SEVIS before your start date.
Where can I find Admissions Counselor jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters listings by sponsorship openness, so you can focus on employers who won't screen you out at the first step. Search by the Admissions Counselor title to see which colleges and education organizations are actively posting. Applying through a platform designed for your visa situation saves significant time compared to general job searches.
Does my degree need to match the Admissions Counselor job for OPT to be valid?
Yes. USCIS requires that OPT employment be directly related to your degree field. A degree in education, higher education administration, communications, counseling, or psychology connects clearly to admissions work. If your degree is in an unrelated field like engineering or biology, you may need to document the connection more carefully with your DSO before accepting an offer.
Can an Admissions Counselor employer sponsor me for an H-1B after my OPT ends?
It depends on the employer. Large universities and private college networks sometimes sponsor H-1B visas, particularly for staff in student services and enrollment management. Smaller institutions often lack the legal infrastructure for sponsorship. It's worth asking about long-term hiring intent during interviews, ideally framed around your value to their enrollment goals rather than leading with your visa situation.