Graduate Enrollment Counselor

Working Title

Graduate Enrollment Counselor

Posting Number

NFE03123P

Department

DSU-Graduate School

Physical Location of Position (City)

Madison

Posting Text

Dakota State University is seeking applications for a Graduate Enrollment Counselor. This position will build relationships with prospective and current students to assist them in planning and pursuing their graduate degree. The successful candidate will maintain frequent communication with prospective and current students to assist them in core areas of graduate program progression. They will work closely with graduate program coordinators to identify resources, curriculum, admission and marketing needs to support recruitment and retention.

DSU offers both online and on-campus graduate programs, many of whom study online. The successful candidate will maintain a flexible work schedule to provide timely responses to students as appropriate which occasionally includes evenings and weekends. A remote work arrangement will be considered, with preference to candidates who can office on campus at least once a week.

Note: This position is internal only. Only current DSU employees are eligible to apply.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain consistent phone, text, Zoom, and/or email communication with prospective and current students to support students from the inquiry phase through graduation.
• Address applicant inquiries in a timely manner.
• Coordinate student on-boarding activities including admissions, orientation, and academic advising.
• Adjust work schedule as needed to support a working adult population, which will occasionally require some evening and weekend hours.
• Conduct advising to assist students in setting their plans of study and registering for courses each term.
• Maintain up-to-date, accurate and detailed documentation on student interactions, progress and meetings in TrojanConnect, the Dissertation Database, GradConnect, and the course substitution/credit transfer spreadsheet.
• Respond to students’ concerns with course engagement, university policies and instructor interaction to ensure academic progress.
• Recommend appropriate resources for students who need additional academic support to improve student success.
• Collaborate with appropriate departments (Registrar, Financial Aid, Cashier, Disabilities Services, Counseling Services, Veterans Services, etc.) to resolve individual student issues and ensure positive student experiences.
• Assist with graduate special events including program open houses for prospective students, commencement, Graduate Research Initiative (GRI), doctoral residency and seminars/colloquia.
• Track student enrollment, persistence, success, and completion. Produce reports that strengthen student outreach and student success.
• Develop tools and strategies to remove common challenges online graduate students encounter.
• Identify innovative strategies to improve student services for graduate students.

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree is required.
• A minimum of 2 years of student/academic affairs experience in admissions or advising or a minimum of 5 years of customer service experience in other contexts.
• Ability to respond to students’ questions in a very timely manner, which will require some evening and weekend office hours.
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Ability to learn student information platforms.
• Ability to work independently with a high level of attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Effective listening, assessment, and problem solving skills.
• Ability to serve a diversity of backgrounds, cultures, talents, and experiences.
• Ability to foster collaboration and cultivate a positive work environment by actively engaging with colleagues within the department and across campus.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A master’s degree.
• Previous experience working with student information platforms or a customer relation management (CRM) tool.
• Knowledge of SDBOR/DSU academic policies and procedures.
• Experience working with student support initiatives.
• Industry-based certification in professional coaching or a related field.

Benefits:

• Flexible benefits package – health, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, hospital indemnity insurance, flexible spending account, health savings account, health reimbursement account.
• South Dakota Retirement System. Employees receive 6% fully matched contributions from SDRS and are vested after three years of service.
• Paid time off – full time 12-month employees earn 15 days per year of annual leave and 14 days of sick leave per year. In addition, employees receive 11 federal paid holidays.
• Reduced tuition for education.
• Professional liability coverage
• Paid family leave

How to Apply:
DSU accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu. Please submit a cover letter, resume, transcript, and a list of at least three professional references.

For questions concerning the position, contact Alicia Entringer at Alicia.entringer@dsu.edu.

Applications will begin to be reviewed immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Posting Date

07/01/2026

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

First Consideration Date

Advertised Salary

NFE Pay Grade 6S: Starting at $51,100

Duration of the Term

12 months

If Other, describe duration

Appointment Percent

100%

Work Hours

40 hours per week; may require evenings and weekends to meet the needs of working adult students

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

Appointment Type

Regular

Faculty Status

No

Scope of Search

Internal

If internal, define scope of search

Note: This position is Internal Only. Only current DSU employees are eligible to apply.

This position requires

Weekends/Holidays

If other, please indicate

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

In addition to the exciting professional opportunities at Dakota State University, employees will have the privilege of enjoying the benefits of Madison, South Dakota. Nestled in the heart of the state, Madison offers a unique blend of small-town charm and modern amenities, creating an ideal environment for work-life balance.

The city boasts a range of recreational activities, from picturesque parks to outdoor events, fostering a sense of community engagement and well-being. Madison’s scenic landscapes and proximity to nearby lakes provide ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, whether it be fishing, hiking, or simply enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors.

Madison’s location within South Dakota provides easy access to larger cities, cultural events, and regional attractions. Madison is only a short 50 minute drive from South Dakota’s largest city, Sioux Falls.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

DSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and DSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing DSU-HumanResources@dsu.edu.

E-Verify, EOE.