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 JobsMonths Per Year:
12
Work Model:
Onsite
Seattle University will be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. We embrace an intersectional framework for defining diversity in its broadest sense, including differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin and physical ability. Seattle University strives to be a welcome, open and safe campus climate for all who learn, live and work at Seattle University.
Seattle University's Core Competencies
Effective Team Collaboration: Works harmoniously with others towards a common goal, leveraging individual strengths to achieve shared objectives.
Emotionally Intelligent Communication: Engages in a skillful exchange of information, thoughts, and feelings, verbally and non-verbally.
Ethics and Integrity: Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to honesty, professionalism, and alignment with our Jesuit mission in all actions and decisions.
Flexibility and Innovation: Embraces change, approaching problems with curiosity adaptability, and is committed to making a positive impact.
Mindful Inclusion: Fosters mindful inclusion by consciously creating a workplace that celebrates differences, embraces cultural humility, and empowers uniqueness.
Outcomes-Driven Orientation: Sets clear objectives, pursues excellence, and delivers measurable outcomes while upholding Jesuit Catholic values.
Job Description Summary
As part of the Graduate Studies organization, the Graduate Admissions Counselor will recruit applicants to Seattle University’s graduate programs. Through daily outreach, events, and communications, this position will work with prospective students during the admissions process and through acceptance to their programs. This position will work under the supervision of the Director of Graduate Admissions and Recruitment and contribute to recruitment, admissions, and yield goals for graduate programs.
The graduate admissions counselor will be well-versed in all graduate academic offerings and will maintain expertise for a portfolio of programs. Working closely with our graduate program offices throughout the enrollment process, the graduate admissions counselor employs a variety of strategies to help meet enrollment goals. Through a proactive, engaged relationship with prospective students, the graduate admissions counselor will focus on recruitment for all programs and will guide prospective students through the admissions process.
Position Description:
Outreach and Recruitment
- Proactively manage an active portfolio of prospective graduate programs, providing professionally superior and differentiated service to achieve enrollment targets.
- Support prospective students through the full admissions cycle (prospect, inquiry, application, admissions, onboarding, and enrollment).
- Attend recruitment events requiring some evenings and weekends in the local area and Pacific Northwest region.
- Develop and organize top-quality recruitment events, and other activities to connect with, engage, and inform future students. Create opportunities to generate new student leads, in addition to and in partnership with the graduate enrollment marketing team.
- Meet prospective students through daily in-person, virtual and phone appointments, sharing information about the programs, learning about their interests, and providing guidance for a strong application.
- Partner with assigned program(s) to develop and implement full-cycle recruitment plans, including in person and virtual information sessions, meet-ups, and yield events.
- Track applicants through each part of the funnel and support them with application completion and monitor key performance indicators related to the recruitment funnel, events, and yield.
- Work with the Director of Admissions and Recruitment and the Student Success teams to ensure a smooth student experience from admission funnel through matriculation.
- Network and travel to build and expand existing, creative, and mutually beneficial relationships with targeted individuals and audiences. Support existing strategic partnerships and assist in the establishment of new partnerships.
- Oversee special projects related to admissions, recruitment and yield.
- Serve on relevant committees and working groups.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree and two years of experience sales/recruiting or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job
- A commitment to outstanding customer service and lifelong education
- Demonstrated skill in supporting diverse student populations and commitment to intercultural communication
- Ability to embrace change – technology, processes, and procedures
- Excellent active listening skills
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- A commitment to building an antiracist workplace.
- Ability to work in a team environment across multiple departments.
- Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, faculty, staff, and the public.
- Ability to manage time and hit deadlines
- Comfort and experience with learning and using multiple technology applications, including but not limited to chat features, texting, learning management systems, CRMs, student information systems, and event management systems
- Knowledge of MS Office 365 suite, including Excel Experience serving adult and professional students.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Slate (CRM), Workday (SIS), Canvas (LMS), and Tableau (data visualization)
- Experience in recruitment and retention preferred
Compensation at a Glance
$56,100 - $61,500
Application Instructions
Please attach a cover letter with your resume when applying. Job postings are open until filled, unless otherwise specified.
Seattle University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, and not based on a candidate’s gender or any other protected status.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Seattle University provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your total compensation package.
Benefits at a Glance
Consistent with its fundamental Jesuit values, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person. Benefits are available to eligible employees working at an FTE of 0.53 or greater. Eligible employees may choose from three medical plans, as well as dental and vision insurance programs. Protect your income with life, short- and long-term disability coverage. Plan for your future with up to a 10% employer contribution toward retirement benefits, comprised of a 5% nonelective employer contribution and an additional dollar-for-dollar match of your voluntary contributions, up to a maximum of 5%.
Eligible employees may also take advantage of 100% paid tuition benefits for themselves and eligible dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with free access to an on-site fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events. Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid December holiday break closure, vacation and paid sick leave, and paid community service leave.
Positions designated as hybrid eligible may offer the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule after successful completion of an introductory period of 3–6 months. In these cases, the role typically begins fully on campus to support onboarding and training, with the potential to transition to a hybrid arrangement thereafter.
Positions designated as on-site are not eligible for hybrid work and are expected to remain fully on campus.
All flexible work arrangements are subject to periodic review and may be modified or discontinued at any time at the university’s discretion.
Months Per Year:
12
Work Model:
Onsite
Seattle University will be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. We embrace an intersectional framework for defining diversity in its broadest sense, including differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin and physical ability. Seattle University strives to be a welcome, open and safe campus climate for all who learn, live and work at Seattle University.
Seattle University's Core Competencies
Effective Team Collaboration: Works harmoniously with others towards a common goal, leveraging individual strengths to achieve shared objectives.
Emotionally Intelligent Communication: Engages in a skillful exchange of information, thoughts, and feelings, verbally and non-verbally.
Ethics and Integrity: Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to honesty, professionalism, and alignment with our Jesuit mission in all actions and decisions.
Flexibility and Innovation: Embraces change, approaching problems with curiosity adaptability, and is committed to making a positive impact.
Mindful Inclusion: Fosters mindful inclusion by consciously creating a workplace that celebrates differences, embraces cultural humility, and empowers uniqueness.
Outcomes-Driven Orientation: Sets clear objectives, pursues excellence, and delivers measurable outcomes while upholding Jesuit Catholic values.
Job Description Summary
As part of the Graduate Studies organization, the Graduate Admissions Counselor will recruit applicants to Seattle University’s graduate programs. Through daily outreach, events, and communications, this position will work with prospective students during the admissions process and through acceptance to their programs. This position will work under the supervision of the Director of Graduate Admissions and Recruitment and contribute to recruitment, admissions, and yield goals for graduate programs.
The graduate admissions counselor will be well-versed in all graduate academic offerings and will maintain expertise for a portfolio of programs. Working closely with our graduate program offices throughout the enrollment process, the graduate admissions counselor employs a variety of strategies to help meet enrollment goals. Through a proactive, engaged relationship with prospective students, the graduate admissions counselor will focus on recruitment for all programs and will guide prospective students through the admissions process.
Position Description:
Outreach and Recruitment
- Proactively manage an active portfolio of prospective graduate programs, providing professionally superior and differentiated service to achieve enrollment targets.
- Support prospective students through the full admissions cycle (prospect, inquiry, application, admissions, onboarding, and enrollment).
- Attend recruitment events requiring some evenings and weekends in the local area and Pacific Northwest region.
- Develop and organize top-quality recruitment events, and other activities to connect with, engage, and inform future students. Create opportunities to generate new student leads, in addition to and in partnership with the graduate enrollment marketing team.
- Meet prospective students through daily in-person, virtual and phone appointments, sharing information about the programs, learning about their interests, and providing guidance for a strong application.
- Partner with assigned program(s) to develop and implement full-cycle recruitment plans, including in person and virtual information sessions, meet-ups, and yield events.
- Track applicants through each part of the funnel and support them with application completion and monitor key performance indicators related to the recruitment funnel, events, and yield.
- Work with the Director of Admissions and Recruitment and the Student Success teams to ensure a smooth student experience from admission funnel through matriculation.
- Network and travel to build and expand existing, creative, and mutually beneficial relationships with targeted individuals and audiences. Support existing strategic partnerships and assist in the establishment of new partnerships.
- Oversee special projects related to admissions, recruitment and yield.
- Serve on relevant committees and working groups.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree and two years of experience sales/recruiting or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job
- A commitment to outstanding customer service and lifelong education
- Demonstrated skill in supporting diverse student populations and commitment to intercultural communication
- Ability to embrace change – technology, processes, and procedures
- Excellent active listening skills
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- A commitment to building an antiracist workplace.
- Ability to work in a team environment across multiple departments.
- Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, faculty, staff, and the public.
- Ability to manage time and hit deadlines
- Comfort and experience with learning and using multiple technology applications, including but not limited to chat features, texting, learning management systems, CRMs, student information systems, and event management systems
- Knowledge of MS Office 365 suite, including Excel Experience serving adult and professional students.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Slate (CRM), Workday (SIS), Canvas (LMS), and Tableau (data visualization)
- Experience in recruitment and retention preferred
Compensation at a Glance
$56,100 - $61,500
Application Instructions
Please attach a cover letter with your resume when applying. Job postings are open until filled, unless otherwise specified.
Seattle University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, and not based on a candidate’s gender or any other protected status.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Seattle University provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your total compensation package.
Benefits at a Glance
Consistent with its fundamental Jesuit values, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person. Benefits are available to eligible employees working at an FTE of 0.53 or greater. Eligible employees may choose from three medical plans, as well as dental and vision insurance programs. Protect your income with life, short- and long-term disability coverage. Plan for your future with up to a 10% employer contribution toward retirement benefits, comprised of a 5% nonelective employer contribution and an additional dollar-for-dollar match of your voluntary contributions, up to a maximum of 5%.
Eligible employees may also take advantage of 100% paid tuition benefits for themselves and eligible dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with free access to an on-site fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events. Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid December holiday break closure, vacation and paid sick leave, and paid community service leave.
Positions designated as hybrid eligible may offer the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule after successful completion of an introductory period of 3–6 months. In these cases, the role typically begins fully on campus to support onboarding and training, with the potential to transition to a hybrid arrangement thereafter.
Positions designated as on-site are not eligible for hybrid work and are expected to remain fully on campus.
All flexible work arrangements are subject to periodic review and may be modified or discontinued at any time at the university’s discretion.
See all 55+ 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.