Agency
North Carolina School of Science , Math
Division
VC for Academic Programs
Job Classification Title
Student Admissions, Assoc Director (NS)
Position Number
65035949
Grade
FLATRATE
About Us
North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) a constituent of the University of North Carolina System, is a world-class public high school with statewide reach empowering academically talented students from every corner of the state to design their own future. We offer our Residential high school program in Durham and Morganton for juniors and seniors, our Online supplementary honors program, and individual virtual daytime Connect courses in partnership with local high schools, all tuition free. Our wide array of summer offerings for rising fifth- through 12th-graders includes free opportunities for in-state students alongside paid options for students from anywhere in the world. Specializing in science, technology, engineering, and math and embracing the fine arts and humanities, NCSSM has become the model for 18 such specialized schools around the globe since its founding in 1980. For more information visit ncssm.edu. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran or national guard. If you are an individual with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process, please contact us at hr@ncssm.edu.
Description of Work
CLASSIFICATION TITLE: Admissions Counselor
WORKING TITLE: Associate Director of Admissions
DEPARTMENT: Office of Admissions
POSITION NUMBER: 65035949
POSITION LOCATION: Morganton Campus
POSTING DATE: October 9, 2026
CLOSING DATE: October 24, 2026
**This position will close at 11:59 p.m. the night before the end date listed.
POSITION TYPE: EPS, 1.0 FTE
HIRING SALARY RANGE: $76,352.00 Hiring salary will be determined based on education, experience, equity, budget, and market considerations.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences
NCSSM and the Office of Admissions foster an environment of collaboration across departments and divisions and support community-engaged service and research.
Description of Duties:
Under the supervision of the Director of Admissions, the Associate Director, NCSSM-Morganton will be responsible for recruiting, identifying, and selecting middle and high school students who are highly talented in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) from across the state of North Carolina.
Additionally, this position will serve as the lead communications coordinator that will play a key role in monitoring the best trends in the Admissions/Enrollment industry to determine necessary adjustments. The individual will serve as the liaison with the NCSSM Communications department in writing, developing, marketing, promoting, and executing all admissions communications for distribution to prospective students, families, and constituents. This position possesses the skills to write, review and analyze all correspondence to ensure accuracy and appropriate language.
Additionally, this position will serve as the liaison for the Financial Assistance Program (FAP) on the NCSSM-Morganton campus, which includes the ability to analyze and assess credentials/documents to make accurate determinations for families participating in the FAP. The Associate Director will also be responsible for the oversight of the Student Ambassador program on the NCSSM-Morganton campus.
Recruitment and Travel
Collaborate with the Associate Director for Recruitment (Durham) to utilize data and other instruments for scheduling and conducting NCSSM admissions presentations in targeted areas focusing on areas where NCSSM presence is needed; research student, alumni, and parent contacts that possibly yield presentations and webinars; coordinate day, evening, and weekend presentations to promote the distinctive programs (Online, Residential, Summer Ventures, NCSSM Connect) offered at NCSSM; ensure that recruitment strategies align with the set goals for the UNC System and NCSSM; and at all times, execute a high level of customer service when communicating with prospective students, families, and constituents.
Communications
The position will collaborate with the Office of Admissions leadership and the NCSSM Communications team to design and market materials and content that highlight the campuses and programs at NCSSM in a positive manner; bring awareness of new developments or trends for recruitment materials, and create and implement a comprehensive communications plan that encompasses specialized messages for targeted prospective applicants, establishes, reviews, and updates, all Admissions correspondences, templates, calendars, and other communications materials, and track inventory of admissions materials
Financial Assistance Program
The individual will assist the Director of Admissions with oversight of the Financial Assistance Program (FAP) by serving as the primary point of contact for students and families on the NCSSM-Morganton campus. The position will guide families through the FAP application process, review and analyze sensitive financial and medical documents, maintain databases to track certification statuses and expirations, monitor expenditures and deposits of each Foundation budget, and work with the NCSSM-Durham FAP officer to enhance processes that support cross campus FAP events are aligned.
Counseling
Advise, support, and provide guidance to prospective families on how to complete and prepare for a competitive application and enrollment process; and work with families that may have extenuating circumstances and special needs throughout the application process, assist non-finalist families with understanding areas of strength and improvement for future college and scholarship opportunities; serve as a resource to families in the state regarding educational enrichment opportunities available.
Application and Events
Contribute to the logistics of all NCSSM-Morganton Admissions events, work with staff members to ensure all logistics (parking, setup, etc.) are executed efficiently and effectively, and assist students and families with providing accurate information about NCSSM-Morganton events. Application Review and Processing Responsible for collecting, reviewing, and evaluating credentials and documents to determine an applicant's admissibility, assisting the Director of Admissions in determining residency eligibility for prospective students using the Residency Determination Services (RDS), and reviewing and confirming congressional districts are accurate.
This position requires 25% of travel within the State of NC.
This position requires a valid driver’s license with no serious driving-related convictions, and the ability to drive for extended periods in various traffic conditions.
Some nights and weekends are required.
Management Preferences
Experience in working with communication plans and a robust communications schedule Ability to present to small and large audiences Interpret and evaluate detailed, sensitive financial information of students and families Flexibility to travel 6 to 8 weeks of the year, work evenings and weekends, and occasional overnight stays
Exhibits strong excellent critical-thinking, written and oral communication skills
Team NCSSM Benefits
NCSSM has been named the #1 Public High School in America for 2025, 2026 and 2027. Join our winning team!
NCSSM offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being, growth, and work-life balance of our employees. Highlights include generous vacation and sick leave; 12 annual holidays; paid parental, family medical, and community service leave; and flexible work schedules where applicable. Leave is earned monthly and pro-rated for part-time employees and those working less than 12 months. Employees also enjoy access to the State Health Plan, multiple retirement options (including TSERS and ORP), supplemental retirement savings plans, tuition waiver benefits across the UNC System, and free access to on-site facilities like a gym, library, and cafeteria. Additional perks include life insurance, disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, and membership eligibility with the State Employees Credit Union. Please visit NCSSM Employee Benefits for more information.
Supplemental and Contact Information:
Please complete your application in full. All required Competencies, Work History, and Credentials must appear on the application in the Education and Work Experience sections of the application to receive consideration during the selection process. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the State Application form in its entirety. “See Attached Resume or an Embedded Text Resume” will be considered incomplete and will not be processed. Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require a motor vehicle check. If the highest degree is from an institution outside of the U.S., final candidates are required to have their degree equivalency verified at www.wes.org or equivalent service. NCSSM participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
Please note: Only one application is accepted per candidate for each specific job posting.
If you have questions, please email careers@ncssm.edu.
Minimum Education and Experience
Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.
Education and Experience:
Graduation from a four-year college or university. 3-5 years experience in higher or secondary education.
EEO Statement
The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
Recruiter:
Tia Saunders
Email:
Careers@NCSSM.EDU