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Ohio State University

Senior Academic Program Services Specialist 3 - College of Optometry

🇺🇸 Hybrid - Columbus, Ohio 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $56K - $73K 💻 Enrollment 🗓️ October 31st, 2026
Higher Ed Recruitment Admissions

Edtech.com's Summary

Ohio State University is hiring a Senior Academic Program Services Specialist 3 - College of Optometry to serve as the admissions counselor for the college's Doctor of Optometry program. The role centers on recruiting prospective students, representing the college at pre-optometry clubs, fairs, and virtual events across the country. The counselor works within the Office of Student Services and reports to the Assistant Dean of Student Services.

Highlights
  • Create, plan, and execute an annual outcomes-oriented plan for prospective student recruitment, and continually evaluate and improve those initiatives.
  • Build relationships with external agencies, organizations, and other colleges and universities to recruit a diverse and highly qualified applicant pool.
  • Represent the college at pre-optometry clubs, fairs, group presentations and panels, and virtual recruiting events around the country.
  • Track contact information and communications with prospective students, and meet with them and applicants in person, virtually, by email, and by phone.
  • Conduct scheduled and drop-in college and campus tours, and involve faculty, alumni, and current students in the recruitment process.
  • Work with the student services team to plan the annual admissions visit day program.
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience plus four years of professional work experience, with strong communication, presentation, and facilitation skills and close attention to detail.
  • Master's degree and experience with graduate or professional students or recruiting diverse student populations are preferred.
  • Pay range of $56,300 to $73,000, based on education, experience, internal equity, and budget.
  • Hybrid schedule with three days per week on-site at Fry Hall; the role requires travel as well as evening and weekend hours.

Senior Academic Program Services Specialist 3 - College of Optometry Full Description

Job Title:
Senior Academic Program Services Specialist 3 - College of Optometry
Department:
Optometry | Student Affairs

The Admissions Counselor (Sr. Academic Program Services Specialist 3) for the College of Optometry is a member of the Office of Student Services and reports to the Assistant Dean of Student Services. The Student Services team works collaboratively to create an excellent student experience for Doctor of Optometry (OD) students that facilitates holistic leadership and professional development within all aspects of the student life cycle, from recruitment to graduation and beyond.
This position will focus primarily on the recruitment of prospective students and will serve as an articulate and inspirational spokesperson for the college in a variety of local and national settings.

Responsibilities Include:
Create, plan, and execute an annual outcomes-oriented plan for prospective student recruitment initiatives. Cultivate and maintain strong professional relationships with individuals, external agencies, organizations, and other schools, colleges, or universities to ensure the recruitment of a diverse and highly qualified applicant pool. Participate directly in on- and off-campus recruitment activities; represent the college in a variety of local and national settings including but not limited to pre-optometry clubs around the country, fairs, small and large group presentations or panels, virtual recruiting events, and other events or programs as needed.
Collect contact information and other data from prospective students; track and record contact and communications with prospective students. Develop and implement strategies to involve faculty, alumni, and current students in the recruitment process. Conduct scheduled and drop-in college and campus tours. Meet individually with prospective students and applicants in-person and virtually; communicate with prospective students via e-mail and phone.
Maintain an understanding of current best practices in the field of recruitment. Perform ongoing analysis, evaluation, and continuous improvement of recruitment initiatives.
Works collaboratively with the student services team to plan the annual admissions visit day program.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent years of experience and a minimum of four years of professional work experience.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong Presentation and facilitation skills.
  • Ability to create and execute outcome-oriented plans.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Master’s Degree
  • Experience working directly with graduate or professional students within a higher education setting.
  • Experience serving and/or recruiting diverse student populations.
Additional Information:
This position requires an in-depth understanding of the entire student lifecycle and requires travel, as well as evening and weekend hours.
The College of Optometry employees must be on-site 3 days per week and are able to work remotely 2 days per week.
Salary Range: $56,300 - $73,000
Salary will be based on education, years of experience, internal equity, and budget allowance.

Function: Academic Administration
Sub-function: Academic Program Services
Career Band: Individual Contributor - Specialized
Career Level: S3
Location:
Fry Hall (0059)
Position Type:
Regular
Scheduled Hours:
40
Shift:
First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.
The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.