Admissions Counselor

JOB TITLE: Admissions Counselor

JOB UPDATED: July 27, 2026

DEPARTMENT: Admissions

REPORTS TO: Associate Director of Admissions

FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

COMPENSATION: $52,000 Annually / $28.57 Hourly

SCHEDULE: Hybrid (3 days onsite / 2 days remote during non-travel weeks); extensive national travel with required weekend and evening hours during peak seasons (35–50 hours/week depending on travel).

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under the direction of the Associate Director of Admissions, the Admissions Counselor plays a pivotal, candidate-facing role in driving prospective student recruitment and enrollment for the School of Visual Arts (SVA). This position serves as a primary ambassador for the College, counseling applicants, conducting creative portfolio reviews, and communicating the value of SVA’s undergraduate art and design programs.

Operating both in-person and remotely during a heavy recruitment cycle (spanning 8 to 9 months), the Admissions Counselor works independently and collaboratively to travel nationally, deliver engaging presentations at high schools and colleges, and manage prospective student data in Salesforce. The ideal candidate blends administration experience with a passion for higher education, visual arts, and inclusive candidate engagement.

This role is based in New York City and requires extensive national travel during fall/winter weekends.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Recruitment, Counseling, & Outreach

• Serve as a primary point of contact for prospective students and applicants to SVA, counseling them on undergraduate programs, campus facilities, faculty, alumni achievements, and enrollment policies.
• Represent SVA across the country at National Portfolio Day events, high schools, two-year colleges, and recruitment fairs.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with high school art teachers, instructors, department heads, and college counselors nationwide.
• Assist with the development, planning, and execution of recruitment events, campus tours, Pre-College programs, and educator workshops.
• Collaborate with the Associate Director of Admissions to execute customized outreach strategies for high-interest prospective students.

Application & Portfolio Evaluation

• Conduct constructive artistic critiques and portfolio reviews for prospective students during the recruitment events and counseling sessions.
• Review completed application files to evaluate eligibility for admission and scholarships.
• Review transfer applications and transcripts to determine transfer credit awards, supporting the Manager of Transfer Admissions as needed.

Systems & Administration Operations

• Accurately track prospective student records, communication touchpoints, and application materials in Salesforce.
• Manage daily administrative workflows, including data entry, record filing, and high-volume phone and email inquiries.
• Address inquiries from inter-departmental staff and Department Chairs while keeping up-to-date with institutional policies.
• Perform other job-related duties, administrative tasks, and special projects as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree
• License: Must possess a valid US Driver’s License
• Experience: 1-3 years of professional experience in the visual arts, arts education, and/or higher education admissions.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with Apple operating systems and ability to work with Keynote, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and CRM software (preferably Salesforce).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Deep understanding of visual arts curricula, higher education admissions processes, and credit transfer evaluations.
• Strong public speaking, presentation, organizational, and written/verbal communication skills.
• Ability to conduct artistic portfolio evaluations, collaborate with diverse constituencies, work independently and on a team, and maintain flexibility for extensive travel and weekend hours.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OR WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office Location: 342 East 24th Street, New York, NY 10010
• This is a hybrid role based in SVA’s Admissions Office in Manhattan, featuring extensive national travel throughout an 8 to 9-month heavy recruitment cycle.
• Schedule:
  • Peak Travel Seasons (Approx. 8–9 months): The employee may work up to 45–50 hours per week, which includes required evening, Saturday, and Sunday availability for recruitment events and national travel.
  • Non-Travel Weeks: Standard work hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (35–40 hours per week), with a hybrid schedule of (3) days onsite and (2) days remote.
• Travel & Remote Work: Requires flexibility and willingness to travel extensively nationwide. All approved travel expenses are fully covered, and a daily per diem is provided for meals during trips.
• Remote Work Policy: Remote work requires adherence to all standard department communication protocols and methods. Employee will be required to maintain the same standard work schedule and hours as would be performed in the office.
• Physical Demands: Capacity to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods; ability to lift and move recruitment materials weighing up to 50 lbs; ability to drive or fly by airplane for long periods.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To be considered for this position, candidates must submit the following:

• Cover Letter: Describe your interest in the position and how your qualifications meet the stated requirements.
• Résumé or CV: Include relevant experience and key responsibilities.

WORKING AT SVA

The School of Visual Arts has been a leader in the education of artists, designers, and creative professionals for more than seven decades. With a faculty of distinguished working professionals, a dynamic curriculum, and an emphasis on critical thinking, SVA is a catalyst for innovation and social responsibility. Comprising over 7,000 students at its Manhattan campus and over 41,000 alumni from 128 countries, SVA also represents one of the most influential artistic communities in the world. For more information about the College's 30 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Click here to learn what it's like to work at SVA.

The School of Visual Arts is an equal opportunity employer. Diversity and inclusion are core principles of the College. SVA enjoys a community that represents a significant number of historically underrepresented communities, ethnic and religious backgrounds, gender identities, diverse abilities, and foreign countries, and all are encouraged to apply.