Music Admissions Counselor

Job Opening ID: 52324 - Position Number: 109888 - Job Code: 108595

Job Summary

Under general direction, assists in the recruitment efforts of the Bienen School of Music by communicating with prospective students and parents and reviewing applications. Working closely with the Assistant Dean for Admission and Financial Aid, the Assistant Director for Admission, and with performance and academic faculty, executes recruitment strategies, works towards enrollment goals, and assists with on-campus music auditions and events. Travels to recruitment events throughout the year to represent and recruit for the Bienen School of Music. Assists in promoting to prospective students and parents the goals of Northwestern University Bienen School of Music, with its strong emphasis on musicianship, liberal education, and professional preparation.  

Principal Responsibilities

  • Works under the direction of the Assistant Dean for Admission and Financial Aid, along with performance and academic faculty, to assist with recruitment strategies, meet enrollment goals, and support admission policies and practices.  
  • Participates in off-campus recruitment travel as determined by the Asst. Dean for Admission and Financial Aid (will involve three to four weeks of total travel time per year).
  • Works with the online application system and assists in the evaluation of all applicants to the Bienen School of Music (includes application and all supporting materials, plus audition materials). This also involves assisting with on-campus auditions and PhD on-campus recruitment events.
  • Meets with prospective students and families to communicate the institutional mission, programs, and goals of the Bienen School and Northwestern University, with its strong emphasis on musicianship, liberal education, and professional preparation. This includes presenting Information Sessions as needed to groups, representing positively the Bienen School and responding knowledgeably to questions with detailed information about all aspects of the admission process.
  • In collaboration with Assistant Dean & Assistant Director, assists with the processing and registration of Summer Session applicants.
  • Assists with the annual update and ongoing creation and editing of admission publications, website information, and internal process documentation.
  • In collaboration with the Assistant Dean, maintains and uploads applications data into SES system.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Music required 
  • At least one year experience in an administrative position, preferably in a college or university performing arts environment 
  • Experience in public speaking and effective written communications
  • Some experience in music admissions is highly desirable

Minimum Competencies (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

  • Strong communication and team collaboration skills.  Ability to manage multiple, complex tasks simultaneously, working across the school and ability to effectively meet deadlines.
  • Effective use of multiple software programs, including Microsoft products, data management softwares, and social media.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage details, policies, and demands of position with forethought and anticipation of needs.
  • Strong interpersonal skills. Commitment to ethics and integrity, follow-through and trust.  Executes decisions with judgement and objectivity

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master of Music preferred or commensurate music experience 
  • Experience with PeopleSoft Systems and/or TechnoSolutions Slate
  • Experience compiling statistics and performing database queries

Preferred Competencies (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

  • Experience with social media platforms as part of a broad marketing and communications strategy
  • Experience as a professional performing musician and/or scholar


Target hiring range for this position will be between $53,000-$58,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Application Information

To apply for this position, you will need to submit your résumé, cover letter and references through the University's electronic recruiting system, eRecruit, using the job opening number or the job title. Please include the names and contact information for three references.

Once you apply, you will receive an email confirming submission of your résumé. For all résumés received, if there is interest in your candidacy, the human resources recruiter or the department hiring manager will contact you. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a candidate is selected.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern’s non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

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