Admissions Counselor Jobs for OPT Students
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.
See All Admissions Counselor JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 185+ Admissions Counselor jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 185+ Admissions Counselor jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Admissions Counselor roles.
Get Access To All JobsThe Admissions Counselor role supports the University of Iowa’s College of Dentistry recruitment and admission initiatives for the DDS program. Reporting to the Director of Student Admissions, this role combines personalized engagement with recruitment, admissions operations, and student transition services. Responsibilities may require occasional work time outside regular 8:00am – 5:00pm workday to support recruitment initiatives and other events which may include occasional overnight travel. This is a campus-based position that may be eligible to participate in a hybrid work arrangement within Iowa, upon completion of satisfactory training.
Key Responsibilities
Recruitment & Outreach:
- Serve as a primary point of contact for prospective dental students, providing information on admissions, the DDS program, student life, housing, scholarships, and financial aid.
- Represent the College at regional and national recruitment events, college fairs, conferences, and outreach programs.
- Build relationships with advisors, counselors, community partners, and prospective students.
Events & Campus Visits:
- Coordinate and support Admissions Interview Days, campus visits, and high-impact recruitment events such as Hawkeye Visit Days and Admitted Student Days.
- Serve as a lead presenter for select visit programs and coordinate student tours and event logistics.
- Track participation and assist with follow-up communications.
Admissions Operations:
- Assist with the intake, processing, and management of dental student applications.
- Ensure accuracy and completeness of applicant records and maintain data in admissions systems.
- Communicate with applicants regarding application status, requirements, and deadlines.
Student Support & Administration:
- Support onboarding and orientation for incoming dental students.
- Assist with reporting, accreditation data, and budget-related activities.
- Provide functional supervision to student employees and support student engagement efforts, including the Pre-Dental Advisory Club.
College of Dentistry – Administration, Office of Academic & Student Affairs (Iowa City, IA)
Salary: $49,968 to commensurate (Pay Grade: 3A)
P&S Status: Regular
Work Location: On-Site. This position may be eligible to participate in hybrid work within Iowa. Hybrid eligibility will be evaluated upon satisfactory training. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually, and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location.
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm
May require occasional overtime, occasional evenings/weekends and travel.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- Experience in a student services role such as academic advising, academic support and retention, residence life, admission counseling, career advising, student life or other relevant experience.
- Working experience in program management and/or event planning and execution.
- Demonstrated ability to adhere to regulations related to confidentiality (e.g. FERPA, etc.) and record keeping.
- Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and guidelines to routine and non-routine situations.
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent objectives, projects, groups, or activities, making effective judgements as to prioritizing and time allocation.
- Proficiency with calendaring/mail, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and internet search tools, and computer applications (i.e. Microsoft/Google).
- Demonstrated analytical/reporting skills with attention to detail/accuracy.
- Demonstrated constructive and collaborative relationship building skills.
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to meet and maintain UI Fleet Safety Standards.
- Ability to work occasional evenings/weekends and travel as needed for outreach/recruitment events.
Desirable Qualifications:
- Previous experience in admissions or with graduate or professional educational programs.
- Experience with admissions management systems or platforms (ex: WebAdMIT and MAUI).
- Experience making routine content updates to websites using a content management system (CMS).
- Experience utilizing social media for communication/marketing.
- Public speaking experience.
Position and Application Details:
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload a Resume (and mark as “Relevant File”) to the submission, Cover Letter is recommended, and 3 Names of Professional Reference may be requested at a later date.
Position NOT eligible for University Sponsorship of Employment Authorization.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. For questions or additional information, please contact COD-Requisitions@iowa.uiowa.edu.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.
About Iowa:
Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success. Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance. Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation. Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.
The Admissions Counselor role supports the University of Iowa’s College of Dentistry recruitment and admission initiatives for the DDS program. Reporting to the Director of Student Admissions, this role combines personalized engagement with recruitment, admissions operations, and student transition services. Responsibilities may require occasional work time outside regular 8:00am – 5:00pm workday to support recruitment initiatives and other events which may include occasional overnight travel. This is a campus-based position that may be eligible to participate in a hybrid work arrangement within Iowa, upon completion of satisfactory training.
Key Responsibilities
Recruitment & Outreach:
- Serve as a primary point of contact for prospective dental students, providing information on admissions, the DDS program, student life, housing, scholarships, and financial aid.
- Represent the College at regional and national recruitment events, college fairs, conferences, and outreach programs.
- Build relationships with advisors, counselors, community partners, and prospective students.
Events & Campus Visits:
- Coordinate and support Admissions Interview Days, campus visits, and high-impact recruitment events such as Hawkeye Visit Days and Admitted Student Days.
- Serve as a lead presenter for select visit programs and coordinate student tours and event logistics.
- Track participation and assist with follow-up communications.
Admissions Operations:
- Assist with the intake, processing, and management of dental student applications.
- Ensure accuracy and completeness of applicant records and maintain data in admissions systems.
- Communicate with applicants regarding application status, requirements, and deadlines.
Student Support & Administration:
- Support onboarding and orientation for incoming dental students.
- Assist with reporting, accreditation data, and budget-related activities.
- Provide functional supervision to student employees and support student engagement efforts, including the Pre-Dental Advisory Club.
College of Dentistry – Administration, Office of Academic & Student Affairs (Iowa City, IA)
Salary: $49,968 to commensurate (Pay Grade: 3A)
P&S Status: Regular
Work Location: On-Site. This position may be eligible to participate in hybrid work within Iowa. Hybrid eligibility will be evaluated upon satisfactory training. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually, and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location.
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm
May require occasional overtime, occasional evenings/weekends and travel.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- Experience in a student services role such as academic advising, academic support and retention, residence life, admission counseling, career advising, student life or other relevant experience.
- Working experience in program management and/or event planning and execution.
- Demonstrated ability to adhere to regulations related to confidentiality (e.g. FERPA, etc.) and record keeping.
- Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and guidelines to routine and non-routine situations.
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent objectives, projects, groups, or activities, making effective judgements as to prioritizing and time allocation.
- Proficiency with calendaring/mail, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and internet search tools, and computer applications (i.e. Microsoft/Google).
- Demonstrated analytical/reporting skills with attention to detail/accuracy.
- Demonstrated constructive and collaborative relationship building skills.
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to meet and maintain UI Fleet Safety Standards.
- Ability to work occasional evenings/weekends and travel as needed for outreach/recruitment events.
Desirable Qualifications:
- Previous experience in admissions or with graduate or professional educational programs.
- Experience with admissions management systems or platforms (ex: WebAdMIT and MAUI).
- Experience making routine content updates to websites using a content management system (CMS).
- Experience utilizing social media for communication/marketing.
- Public speaking experience.
Position and Application Details:
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload a Resume (and mark as “Relevant File”) to the submission, Cover Letter is recommended, and 3 Names of Professional Reference may be requested at a later date.
Position NOT eligible for University Sponsorship of Employment Authorization.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. For questions or additional information, please contact COD-Requisitions@iowa.uiowa.edu.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.
About Iowa:
Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success. Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance. Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation. Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.
How to Get Visa 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.
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 jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Admissions Counselor JobsSee all 185+ Admissions Counselor jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Admissions Counselor roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
See which Admissions Counselor employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Admissions Counselor Jobs