Career Center

The Office of Admissions Receptionist provides high level forward-facing customer service as the first face, or voice, of the University. The receptionist plays a vital role in helping prospective students, families and counselors familiarize themselves with W&L by: greeting daily visitors; taking calls; responding to emails; and helping visitors navigate the W&L campus and undergraduate admission. Reporting to the Associate Director of Admissions, the receptionist provides key administrative and technological support, especially relating to campus visit operations.

The department of Admission and Financial Aid is committed to the development of an inclusive environment, and we strive to advance diverse perspectives and approaches in sharing the mission of Washington and Lee University with prospective students, families, and important constituents. Our division actively promotes a dynamic and inclusive environment that allows students and employees of multiple backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives to learn, work, and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to that environment and exhibit potential for excellence in their areas of expertise.

Essential Functions:

• Provides a welcoming, sincere and informed first impression of W&L and Undergraduate Admissions to thousands of prospective students, their parents, school counselors, alumni, university colleagues and tourists. Accommodates visit requests which involve careful behind the scenes planning and coordination for a wide variety of requests including interviews, class visits, tours, group information sessions and school group visits.

• Develops and maintains a working knowledge of admissions technologies, i.e. Technolutions' Slate CRM to perform necessary data entry, tracking of communication with prospects and applicants, scheduling, and interactions; Microsoft Teams to engage with project management; and other technologies that the office utilizes to perform job duties.

• Seated in the entry to Gilliam House, the receptionist coordinates the central admissions office calendar and reconciles 22 staff members' calendars and office events to ensure office coverage, manage competing campus events, identify room availability via 25 Live and anticipate upcoming needs or conflicts. 

• Participates as a member of the campus visit team in support of special events. Reserves rooms, assists with various event set-ups, participates with event check-in and support, and guest meet-and-greet.

• Maintains visit appointment schedules of all admissions officers, regularly prioritizing and arranging meetings, interviews, group information sessions, school groups, and counselor visits.

• Participates as a member of the operations team in support of all office functions, primarily staffing the reception desk, scheduling campus tours, group information sessions, and interviews. Answers admissions phone line and responds to admissions email account as needed. Provides consistent, high-quality, first-line customer service.

• Serves as an advocate and ambassador for the department, remaining well-integrated within the broader activities of the division and developing a solid grasp of the division's roles within the University mission and structure.

• Helps to monitor and coordinate the activities of work study students, summer interns, and University Ambassadors.

• Other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm.

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma plus three years of administrative support experience, or a combination of education and experience from which comparable skills are acquired. Associate’s degree preferred.

Must be proficient in typing and word processing, and know how to use Microsoft Office software extensively, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and how to maneuver the internet. Excellent proofreading, grammar and spelling skills.

Must be detail-oriented, have the ability to multi-task, possess strong organizational skills, and able to follow through on work tasks even with multiple interruptions throughout the day. Must be a self-starter and have the ability to work independently, as well as to communicate and interact effectively in a professional, confidential, and courteous manner with faculty, staff and students.

Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information and proven superior judgement. The ability manage multiple projects, priorities and deadlines, despite interruptions. Previous experience in an academic setting preferred.

Application Instructions:

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.  Resume and cover letter are required. Upload both required documents to the Resume/CV upload section of the application. You will be asked to provide names and contact information for three professional references.

External Applicants: Application instructions for external applicants are located on the jobs.wlu.edu or here.

Current W&L Employees: Apply from your existing Workday account. Instructions are located at jobs.wlu.edu or here.

Physical Requirements:

• Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with whole hand or arm as in handling.

• Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.

• Repetitive motions: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.

Working Conditions: The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Types of Work: Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Position Type: Non-Exempt, Full Time, Benefit Eligible

The university requires employees to become fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and new employees must provide proof of at least their first shot prior to the first day of employment. Boosters are required. Individuals may seek a medical or a religious exemption to the vaccination requirement.