Admissions and Student Engagement Specialist

June 4, 2026

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The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff "for fit" makes significant contributions to Howard University's overall mission. At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth. Here is what we offer: <ul><li>Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support</li><li>Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements</li><li>Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match </li><li>Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths</li><li>Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture</li></ul> Join Howard University and thrive with us! <a target="_blank" href=""> JOB PURPOSE: The Admissions & Student Engagement Specialist supports the full continuum of student engagement at the College of Dentistry-from initial applicant inquiry through enrollment and ultimately graduation. This position plays a critical role in the administrative, operational, and customer-service functions of both admissions and student programs. The Specialist ensures efficient processing of applicant materials, contributes to the evaluation and interview process, and supports initiatives that enhance student engagement, orientation, retention, and milestone events. The individual in this role represents the College professionally to prospective students, applicants, families, external partners, and internal University stakeholders, demonstrating the College's commitment to academic excellence, professionalism, and service. SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY: This position does not directly supervise staff but provides functional oversight and guidance to student assistants, ambassadors, and volunteers supporting admissions, orientation, and commencement activities. NATURE AND SCOPE: This position does not supervise full-time staff but provides functional oversight, training, and direction to student ambassadors and volunteers supporting admissions, orientation, recruitment, and commencement activities. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES: <ul><li>Admissions Operations and Applicant Management</li><li>Coordinates the interview process for applicants, including file review preparation, interview scheduling, session facilitation, and processing of application fees.</li><li>Oversees the processing, tracking, and maintenance of applicant files, ensuring timely data entry and accuracy of records.</li><li>Evaluates applications and supporting documents to ensure completeness, accuracy, and integrity, and flags irregularities or potential misconduct.</li><li>Advises prospective students and applicants on admissions policies, requirements, and timelines.</li><li>Prepares admissions-related reports for the Dean, the Director, College leadership, and external associations as required.</li><li>Maintains compliance with institutional, accreditation, and ADEA guidelines related to admissions documentation, confidentiality, and applicant data.</li><li>Manages the full onboarding and enrollment process for incoming predoctoral students, including verification of admissions requirements, collection and tracking of matriculation documents, immunization and compliance records, and University credentialing to ensure all students are fully cleared for enrollment.</li></ul> Student Engagement and Success Initiatives <ul><li>Supports programs and activities that foster a welcoming and supportive environment for incoming students.</li><li>Assists with the planning and implementation of New Student Orientation in collaboration with the Director of Admissions and Student Ambassadors.</li><li>Executes pre-matriculation communication plans to ensure incoming students remain informed, prepared, and connected prior to enrollment.</li><li>Supports student milestone events-including Opening Ceremony, White Coat Ceremony, Match Day, and Commencement-ensuring a positive and professional student experience throughout the lifecycle.</li></ul> Recruitment, Outreach, and Representation <ul><li>Represents the College at recruitment fairs, pipeline programs, high school and college visits, and national or regional pre-dental events in absence of or at the request of the Director.</li><li>Assists with preparation of recruitment materials, presentations, and digital content highlighting student success, College programs, and mission-focused initiatives.</li><li>Participates in staff meetings, retreats, and strategic planning activities related to recruiting, retention, and student engagement.</li></ul> University and Institutional Coordination <ul><li>Serves as the College's liaison to the University Commencement Committee; attends meetings, provides updates, and ensures timely submission and proofing of Commencement Program content.</li><li>Prepares graduation recommendations for the Office of the Provost and oversees diploma ordering and fulfillment.</li><li>Coordinates institutional data requests and end-of-year reporting for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.</li></ul> CORE COMPETENCIES: Student-Centered Service: <ul><li>Demonstrates empathy, professionalism, and responsiveness when engaging with applicants and students.</li><li>Maintains a positive, solutions-oriented approach to student support.</li> </ul> Organizational Excellence: <ul><li>Ability to manage complex workflows, multitask, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy in data and documentation.</li><li>Strong attention to detail and confidentiality.</li></ul> Professional Communication: <ul><li>Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.</li><li>Ability to interact effectively with diverse audiences, including prospective and current students, families, faculty, staff, and external partners.</li></ul> Collaboration & Interpersonal Skills: <ul><li>Demonstrated ability to work across academic and administrative units to achieve shared goals.</li><li>Comfortable guiding student assistants, ambassadors, and volunteers.</li></ul> Integrity, Compliance, and Judgment: <ul><li>Adheres to FERPA, accreditation standards, and institutional policies governing sensitive information.</li><li>Exercises sound judgment, discretion, and ethical decision-making.</li></ul> Technical Skills: <ul><li>Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).</li><li>Ability to learn CRM systems, admissions software, Banner, WebAdMIT, Slate, Workday, or other student information platforms.</li><li>Comfortable with data entry, digital communication tools, and document management.</li></ul> MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: <ul><li>Bachelor's degree required, preference for program in Education, Higher Education, Counseling, Business, Communications, or a related field.</li><li>Experience: 1-2 years of experience in admissions, student services, customer service, recruitment, or administrative support.</li><li>Experience in higher education or health-professions settings preferred.</li><li>Experience with event coordination (orientation, ceremonies, recruitment) strongly preferred</li></ul> Compliance Salary Range Disclosure Expected Pay Range: $72,539 - $79,793

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Common Interview Questions And Answers

1. HOW DO YOU PLAN YOUR DAY?

This is what this question poses: When do you focus and start working seriously? What are the hours you work optimally? Are you a night owl? A morning bird? Remote teams can be made up of people working on different shifts and around the world, so you won't necessarily be stuck in the 9-5 schedule if it's not for you...

2. HOW DO YOU USE THE DIFFERENT COMMUNICATION TOOLS IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS?

When you're working on a remote team, there's no way to chat in the hallway between meetings or catch up on the latest project during an office carpool. Therefore, virtual communication will be absolutely essential to get your work done...

3. WHAT IS "WORKING REMOTE" REALLY FOR YOU?

Many people want to work remotely because of the flexibility it allows. You can work anywhere and at any time of the day...

4. WHAT DO YOU NEED IN YOUR PHYSICAL WORKSPACE TO SUCCEED IN YOUR WORK?

With this question, companies are looking to see what equipment they may need to provide you with and to verify how aware you are of what remote working could mean for you physically and logistically...

5. HOW DO YOU PROCESS INFORMATION?

Several years ago, I was working in a team to plan a big event. My supervisor made us all work as a team before the big day. One of our activities has been to find out how each of us processes information...

6. HOW DO YOU MANAGE THE CALENDAR AND THE PROGRAM? WHICH APPLICATIONS / SYSTEM DO YOU USE?

Or you may receive even more specific questions, such as: What's on your calendar? Do you plan blocks of time to do certain types of work? Do you have an open calendar that everyone can see?...

7. HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE FILES, LINKS, AND TABS ON YOUR COMPUTER?

Just like your schedule, how you track files and other information is very important. After all, everything is digital!...

8. HOW TO PRIORITIZE WORK?

The day I watched Marie Forleo's film separating the important from the urgent, my life changed. Not all remote jobs start fast, but most of them are...

9. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A MEETING AND PREPARE A MEETING? WHAT DO YOU SEE HAPPENING DURING THE MEETING?

Just as communication is essential when working remotely, so is organization. Because you won't have those opportunities in the elevator or a casual conversation in the lunchroom, you should take advantage of the little time you have in a video or phone conference...

10. HOW DO YOU USE TECHNOLOGY ON A DAILY BASIS, IN YOUR WORK AND FOR YOUR PLEASURE?

This is a great question because it shows your comfort level with technology, which is very important for a remote worker because you will be working with technology over time...

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