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University Development Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Now is the time to bring your leadership expertise to Grand Canyon Education, where you'll play a critical role in leading a team of University Development Counselors responsible for guiding ...

Now is the time to bring your leadership expertise to Grand Canyon Education, where you'll play a critical role in leading a team of University Development Counselors responsible for guiding ...

Now is the time to bring your leadership expertise to Grand Canyon Education, where you'll play a critical role in leading a team of University Development Counselors responsible for guiding ...

Now is the time to bring your leadership expertise to Grand Canyon Education, where you'll play a critical role in leading a team of University Development Counselors responsible for guiding ...

Now is the time to bring your leadership expertise to Grand Canyon Education, where you'll play a critical role in leading a team of University Development Counselors responsible for guiding ...

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University Development Counselor information

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$37.5K

$61.6K

$100.5K

How much do university development counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for university development counselor in the United States is $61,585.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,000.00 and $73,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paid counselling job?

Among counseling roles, clinical psychologists and psychiatry professionals tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually, especially with advanced degrees and licensure. University development counselors typically earn lower salaries compared to these specialized mental health professionals, with compensation varying based on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between University Development Counselor vs University Admissions Counselor?

AspectUniversity Development CounselorUniversity Admissions Counselor
Primary RoleFocuses on student retention, academic advising, and personal development supportHandles student recruitment, application processing, and enrollment
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree, counseling certification may be preferredUsually requires a bachelor's degree, experience in admissions is beneficial
Work EnvironmentCampus offices, student support centersAdmissions offices, college fairs, outreach events
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, higher education institutionsUniversities, colleges, higher education institutions

While both roles are vital in higher education, a University Development Counselor primarily supports student success and retention, whereas a University Admissions Counselor focuses on recruiting and enrolling new students. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a University Development Counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a University Development Counselor, you need a bachelor's degree in a related field, experience in student recruitment or admissions, and strong persuasive communication skills. Familiarity with CRM systems, enrollment management software, and data analysis tools is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to build relationships are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies are important because they enable counselors to effectively engage prospective students, support enrollment goals, and represent the university positively.

What does a university counselor do?

A university development counselor typically assists students with academic planning, career guidance, and personal support. They may also help students navigate university resources, develop skills, and address challenges to promote student success and well-being.

What field of counseling makes the most money?

In counseling, clinical psychologists and psychiatrists tend to earn the highest salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually, especially with advanced degrees and licensure. While school and career counselors typically earn less, specialized fields like neuropsychology or forensic psychology can also be highly lucrative for those with advanced training and certifications.

What is a university development counselor?

A university development counselor is a professional who works to build relationships with alumni, donors, and community partners to secure funding and support for the university. They often organize fundraising campaigns, manage donor databases, and communicate the institution's needs and goals. Strong communication, relationship-building skills, and knowledge of fundraising strategies are essential for this role.

What are the primary challenges University Development Counselors face when cultivating relationships with potential donors?

University Development Counselors often encounter challenges such as building trust with prospective donors, effectively communicating the university's mission and funding needs, and balancing multiple fundraising campaigns simultaneously. They must tailor their outreach strategies to diverse donor interests and ensure consistent follow-up without being intrusive. Success in this role requires strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and persistence to foster long-term relationships that support the university's growth.
More about University Development Counselor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of University Development Counselor jobs? The most popular types of University Development Counselor jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for University Development Counselor jobs? The top employers for University Development Counselor jobs are:
What job categories do people searching University Development Counselor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for University Development Counselor jobs are:
Infographic showing various University Development Counselor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,585 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

University Development Manager

Gcu

Green Bay, WI โ€ข Remote

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Who You Are

You're an accomplished leader who is passionate about the power of education and developing high-performing teams. With 5+ years of success in business development, consultative sales, account management, or higher education outreach-including experience leading and coaching teams-you have a proven track record of driving results through others.

You excel at building strategy, fostering partnerships, developing talent, and creating a culture of accountability. You are motivated by helping your team achieve ambitious goals while supporting prospective students on their educational journey.

Now is the time to bring your leadership expertise to Grand Canyon Education, where you'll play a critical role in leading a team of University Development Counselors responsible for guiding prospective Grand Canyon University students from inquiry through enrollment and early student success. As a University Development Manager, you will drive territory growth, mentor team members, and ensure operational excellence across your region.

As a University Development Manager, a Typical Week Might Include the Following:

1. Territory Leadership and Strategic Execution

Lead the development and execution of territory strategies designed to increase awareness, engagement, and inquiry generation for Grand Canyon University's online academic programs. Analyze market trends, evaluate performance metrics, identify growth opportunities, and implement action plans that drive sustainable enrollment results. Oversee territory event planning and partnership development while ensuring team resources are aligned to achieve organizational objectives.

2. Team Leadership, Coaching, and Performance Management

Recruit, develop, coach, and lead a team of University Development Counselors to achieve individual and team performance goals. Conduct regular performance reviews, provide ongoing coaching and mentorship, and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Support professional development initiatives while ensuring the team delivers an exceptional prospective student experience.

3. Relationship and Partnership Management

Serve as the senior representative for your territory, cultivating and strengthening relationships with community organizations, employers, educational institutions, healthcare systems and other strategic partners. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to enhance territory effectiveness and ensure alignment with broader enrollment and organizational goals.

4. Operational Excellence and Results Delivery

Monitor territory performance through reporting, forecasting, and data analysis. Leverage insights to optimize team activities, improve conversion outcomes and drive operational efficiencies. Ensure compliance with university and regulatory standards while maintaining a high level of service and engagement throughout the student enrollment process.

5. Leadership in a Remote Environment

Lead a geographically dispersed team while balancing strategic planning, employee development, and business growth. Create an environment that encourages innovation, accountability and strong communication while successfully managing priorities across a dynamic territory.

The Role Might Be Right for You If You Have:

  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • 5+ years of experience in business development, consultative sales, account management, enrollment management, or a related field.
  • Previous people leadership experience with demonstrated success coaching, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams.
  • Strong strategic planning and territory management skills with the ability to align resources and initiatives to organizational objectives.
  • Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
  • Proven ability to analyze performance metrics, make data-driven decisions, and execute improvement strategies.
  • Outstanding organizational and time management skills, including managing multiple priorities within a fast-paced environment.
  • High emotional intelligence with the ability to lead diverse teams and foster productive partnerships.
  • Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel extensively throughout the assigned territory.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, CRM platforms, and reporting tools.

Bonus Points If You Have:

  • Higher education enrollment, admissions, or university outreach leadership experience.
  • Experience leading remote or geographically dispersed teams.
  • Experience managing partnerships, territory planning, and business development strategies.
  • CRM and enrollment management platform experience.
  • Master's degree preferred.

#INDLOPESUP