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 JobsJob Description:
Who We Are
Seattle Pacific University is a Christian university fully committed to engaging the culture and changing the world by graduating people of competence and character, becoming people of wisdom, and modeling grace-filled community.
The Undergraduate Admissions team partners with prospective students and families as they explore college options and discern their educational journey. Through relationship-building, recruitment travel, and personalized support, Admissions staff help students understand SPU’s academic opportunities, Christian mission, and vibrant campus community.
What We Need
Seattle Pacific University is seeking an Admissions Counselor to recruit, guide, and support prospective undergraduate students throughout the admissions process.
This role is responsible for developing student interest through travel, outreach, presentations, relationship-building, and personalized communication. Admissions Counselors manage assigned geographic recruitment territories and serve as representatives of SPU to students, families, schools, churches, and community organizations.
The ideal candidate is relational, organized, adaptable, and energized by working with students and families from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
This is an on-campus position based in Seattle, WA with regular travel throughout assigned recruitment territories. Evening and weekend work will be required at various points throughout the year.
What You’ll Do
Student Recruitment & Relationship Building
- Manage recruitment efforts within 3–5 assigned geographic territories for first-year student recruitment
- Generate and develop prospective student leads through in-person meetings, phone calls, email communication, events, and outreach activities
- Travel to high schools, community colleges, churches, college fairs, and other recruitment venues
- Build strong relationships with prospective students, families, counselors, pastors, and community influencers
- Identify and recruit students who align with SPU’s mission and admissions criteria
Student Guidance & Admissions Review
- Review assigned applications for admission and assess student readiness and potential for success at SPU
- Support accurate and timely admissions and scholarship decision processes
- Provide excellent customer service and individualized guidance throughout the enrollment process
Communication & Territory Management
- Maintain accurate documentation of recruitment activities and student interactions within CRM systems
- Manage communications and updates for assigned academic departments and campus partners
- Communicate effectively about SPU academic programs, student life, athletics, arts, and university opportunities
Campus Events & Outreach
- Participate in the planning and implementation of campus visit programs, recruitment events, and special admissions activities
- Represent SPU at evening and weekend events throughout the year
- Assist with outreach efforts designed to support students from a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and communities
Collaboration & Mission Engagement
- Work collaboratively with Admissions staff and campus partners to support enrollment goals
- Enthusiastically represent and articulate SPU’s Christian mission, values, and educational purpose
- Support a welcoming and engaging environment for students and families from all faith and non-religious backgrounds
What You Bring
- Bachelor’s degree
- 1–2 years of experience in sales, marketing, student engagement, public speaking, or related work
- Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
- Professional phone and customer service skills
- Ability to inspire, motivate, and connect with prospective students and families
- Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team environment
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed
- Valid driver’s license
- Mission Alignment: A personal commitment to Christian faith; enthusiasm for supporting SPU’s mission; alignment with the University’s Statement of Faith; and willingness to uphold the lifestyle standards of our Christian community
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous university admissions experience
- Experience in sales, marketing, public relations, or related fields
- Ability to write and speak Spanish
- Experience using CRM systems such as Slate
Compensation & Position Details
- Rate of pay: $53,041 annualized, $25.50 per hour
- Status: Full-time
- Location: On-campus in Seattle, WA with recruitment travel responsibilities
Benefits: SPU pays employee premiums for medical, dental, and vision insurance; provides HSA/HRA contributions; contributes 7% to a retirement account with immediate vesting (as eligible); and offers a tuition discount program for employees and qualified dependents.
Additional Information:
How to Apply
Please complete the online application through Workday and be prepared to submit a resume and cover letter.
We look forward to hearing how your unique talents and giftings make you a great fit for this role and how you can contribute to the mission of SPU!
Job Description:
Who We Are
Seattle Pacific University is a Christian university fully committed to engaging the culture and changing the world by graduating people of competence and character, becoming people of wisdom, and modeling grace-filled community.
The Undergraduate Admissions team partners with prospective students and families as they explore college options and discern their educational journey. Through relationship-building, recruitment travel, and personalized support, Admissions staff help students understand SPU’s academic opportunities, Christian mission, and vibrant campus community.
What We Need
Seattle Pacific University is seeking an Admissions Counselor to recruit, guide, and support prospective undergraduate students throughout the admissions process.
This role is responsible for developing student interest through travel, outreach, presentations, relationship-building, and personalized communication. Admissions Counselors manage assigned geographic recruitment territories and serve as representatives of SPU to students, families, schools, churches, and community organizations.
The ideal candidate is relational, organized, adaptable, and energized by working with students and families from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
This is an on-campus position based in Seattle, WA with regular travel throughout assigned recruitment territories. Evening and weekend work will be required at various points throughout the year.
What You’ll Do
Student Recruitment & Relationship Building
- Manage recruitment efforts within 3–5 assigned geographic territories for first-year student recruitment
- Generate and develop prospective student leads through in-person meetings, phone calls, email communication, events, and outreach activities
- Travel to high schools, community colleges, churches, college fairs, and other recruitment venues
- Build strong relationships with prospective students, families, counselors, pastors, and community influencers
- Identify and recruit students who align with SPU’s mission and admissions criteria
Student Guidance & Admissions Review
- Review assigned applications for admission and assess student readiness and potential for success at SPU
- Support accurate and timely admissions and scholarship decision processes
- Provide excellent customer service and individualized guidance throughout the enrollment process
Communication & Territory Management
- Maintain accurate documentation of recruitment activities and student interactions within CRM systems
- Manage communications and updates for assigned academic departments and campus partners
- Communicate effectively about SPU academic programs, student life, athletics, arts, and university opportunities
Campus Events & Outreach
- Participate in the planning and implementation of campus visit programs, recruitment events, and special admissions activities
- Represent SPU at evening and weekend events throughout the year
- Assist with outreach efforts designed to support students from a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and communities
Collaboration & Mission Engagement
- Work collaboratively with Admissions staff and campus partners to support enrollment goals
- Enthusiastically represent and articulate SPU’s Christian mission, values, and educational purpose
- Support a welcoming and engaging environment for students and families from all faith and non-religious backgrounds
What You Bring
- Bachelor’s degree
- 1–2 years of experience in sales, marketing, student engagement, public speaking, or related work
- Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
- Professional phone and customer service skills
- Ability to inspire, motivate, and connect with prospective students and families
- Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team environment
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed
- Valid driver’s license
- Mission Alignment: A personal commitment to Christian faith; enthusiasm for supporting SPU’s mission; alignment with the University’s Statement of Faith; and willingness to uphold the lifestyle standards of our Christian community
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous university admissions experience
- Experience in sales, marketing, public relations, or related fields
- Ability to write and speak Spanish
- Experience using CRM systems such as Slate
Compensation & Position Details
- Rate of pay: $53,041 annualized, $25.50 per hour
- Status: Full-time
- Location: On-campus in Seattle, WA with recruitment travel responsibilities
Benefits: SPU pays employee premiums for medical, dental, and vision insurance; provides HSA/HRA contributions; contributes 7% to a retirement account with immediate vesting (as eligible); and offers a tuition discount program for employees and qualified dependents.
Additional Information:
How to Apply
Please complete the online application through Workday and be prepared to submit a resume and cover letter.
We look forward to hearing how your unique talents and giftings make you a great fit for this role and how you can contribute to the mission of SPU!
See all 143+ OPT Admissions Counselor Jobs
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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.