Admissions Officer
Remote
Full Time
SSP International, Inc.
Mid Level
Department: Program Operations
Reporting to: Director of Admissions
Schedule: Full-time, year-round
Location: Remote
Travel required: Approximately 5-15 days per year
Salary: $55,000 commensurate with experience
Summary
SSP International, Inc. (SSPI) is a non-profit organization that is synonymous with excellence in science education. At SSPI, we are guided by a mission to offer students transformational opportunities to learn, do, and belong in science. Since 1959, SSPI’s flagship program, the Summer Science Program, has offered immersive summer research experiences that ignite curiosity and inspire a lifelong passion for discovery. Our vision is to inspire and inform humanity through science, fostering a world where discovery and innovation drive progress. To achieve our mission and vision, SSPI is focused on embracing collaboration, building a lifelong community, and cultivating a diverse and inclusive environment. SSPI places a strong emphasis on belonging and connection among participants, alumni, staff, and stakeholders, wherein individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered. With a legacy spanning more than six decades, and a global network of over 3,700 alumni, we continue to pave the way for the next generation of leaders. More information on our mission, vision, values, and programs can be found at www.summerscience.org.
Under the direction of the Director of Admissions, the Admissions Officer is responsible for recruiting applicants to Summer Science Program, introducing prospective students and their families to the program, processing and reading applications, and making admissions recommendations. Their primary goal is to assist the Director of Admissions in running the admissions process throughout the calendar year.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Reporting to: Director of Admissions
Schedule: Full-time, year-round
Location: Remote
Travel required: Approximately 5-15 days per year
Salary: $55,000 commensurate with experience
Summary
SSP International, Inc. (SSPI) is a non-profit organization that is synonymous with excellence in science education. At SSPI, we are guided by a mission to offer students transformational opportunities to learn, do, and belong in science. Since 1959, SSPI’s flagship program, the Summer Science Program, has offered immersive summer research experiences that ignite curiosity and inspire a lifelong passion for discovery. Our vision is to inspire and inform humanity through science, fostering a world where discovery and innovation drive progress. To achieve our mission and vision, SSPI is focused on embracing collaboration, building a lifelong community, and cultivating a diverse and inclusive environment. SSPI places a strong emphasis on belonging and connection among participants, alumni, staff, and stakeholders, wherein individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered. With a legacy spanning more than six decades, and a global network of over 3,700 alumni, we continue to pave the way for the next generation of leaders. More information on our mission, vision, values, and programs can be found at www.summerscience.org.
Under the direction of the Director of Admissions, the Admissions Officer is responsible for recruiting applicants to Summer Science Program, introducing prospective students and their families to the program, processing and reading applications, and making admissions recommendations. Their primary goal is to assist the Director of Admissions in running the admissions process throughout the calendar year.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Work with the Director of Admissions on recruitment, evaluation, selection, and yield, with a focus on access and equity.
- Propose revisions and make recommendations to admissions policies, procedures, and application materials, ensuring consistency with SSPI’s mission and vision for current and developing programs.
- Provide information to potential students regarding the programs, entrance requirements, curriculum, and academic standards.
- Present the program to prospective participants, including systematic and efficient handling of applications and communication with candidates; securing necessary participant credentials; and communicating final decisions to the appropriate individuals. Provide exceptional customer service throughout the entire admissions life cycle.
- Review and develop systems to improve efficiency in the admissions workflow.
- Keep all required reports up-to-date with accurate information and application statistics.
- Assist in the implementation of new admissions software, as applicable. Attend all suggested trainings and work to become proficient.
- Ensure adherence to all regulations and department policies.
- Consistently operate within and be measured concerning SSPI’s mission and values.
- Performs other appropriate and reasonably required duties as assigned.
Outreach and Recruitment
- Under the direction of leadership, work with the Director of Admissions and other SSPI staff to develop recruitment strategies for specific constituencies and/or regions.
- Participate in recruitment and marketing initiatives and programs.
- Represent Summer Science Program compellingly to prospective participants and families.
- Counsel prospective participants and families from the initial point of inquiry through the application process.
- Answer questions related to the Summer Science Program admissions process.
Application Review
- Handles a high volume of applications, with a goal of reviewing at an average pace of at least 4 applications per hour during reading season.
- Verify accuracy of admissions information and confirm that application packages are complete and contain all required elements.
- Review applications and make recommendations for admission/waitlist.
- Support in the implementation of application review-related CRMs and software as they are acquired.
After Decision Release
- Assist with the enrollment process as needed.
- Assist with the financial aid process as needed.
- Periodically attend outreach opportunities to maintain relationships with college host sites and partner CBOs.
- Serve as a point person between SSPI and admissions offices of host and affiliate colleges, including sharing rosters and coordinating college visit days.
Desired Education and Experience Level
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience as a college admissions professional, high school college counselor, or CBO admissions reviewer, including experience reviewing applications.
Skills and Abilities
- Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
- Recognition of and sensitivity to issues of access and equity for historically underrepresented populations in science.
- Ability to communicate succinctly and clearly, both verbally and in writing.
- Intermediate computer skills (experience with Microsoft Office suite).
- Prior familiarity with the program is highly desirable but not required.
- Experience considering candidates for selective STEM programs is highly desirable but not required.
Working Conditions
The working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Constantly operates a computer.
- The ability to observe details at a close range and the ability to adjust focus.
- The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
- Ability to occasionally travel to staff and board meetings and alumni and recruitment events, as needed.
Clearance Requirements
- Authorization to work in the United States
- Background clearance
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. SSPI values a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with all the qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other opportunities.
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