Director of Undergraduate Admissions

Reporting to the Vice Provost for Enrollment Management (VPEM), this key leadership position within the enrollment management division will lead and manage the office of undergraduate admissions that includes 25 professional staff and 40 student workers. The director will lead well-planned and analytically supported undergraduate enrollment strategic initiatives with the goal of building the S&T brand as well as growing enrollments and creating a strong and sustainable enrollment future. The director will develop and successfully execute a strategic enrollment management plan that will support the enrollment goals set forth for the office of undergraduate admissions. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Oversee first year recruitment, transfer recruitment, new student orientation and the visit center.
• Provide day-to-day oversight, hire, train and mentor associate/assistant directors, admissions recruiters and student ambassadors, establishing priorities.
• Manage the undergraduate admissions budget (~$2M) including planning and administration.
• Own established targets and develop and implement a robust enrollment plan needed to achieve undergraduate and diversity goals.
• Collaborate with EAB in planning, executing and monitoring an effective recruitment plan, ensuring coordination of EAB’s and S&T’s efforts.
• Develop relationships and communication with department chairs in the academic departments; work collaboratively to drive enrollment goals for each program; serve as the point person to liaise with departments within the academic units as it relates to admissions, enrollment and recruitment.
• Collaborate with the director of graduate and international admissions to support recruitment activities for international undergraduate first year and transfer students.
• Lead effective coordination and execution of all internal and external events such as open houses, college fairs, other recruiting events.
• In coordination with the marketing and communications (M&C) and academic departments, create a robust, targeted communication plan using multi-channel communication with the leads/inquiries and successfully execute it.
• Work with the M&C department, and the system and operations as well as colleges to ensure all marketing collateral/websites are current and relevant.
• Expertise in using data and conducting analysis to enhance/recalibrate recruitment strategies, yield management, forecasting, and increase operational efficiency.
• Work closely with the director of student financial assistance in building competitive scholarship packages to maximize yield.
• Identify new recruitment opportunities in existing and new markets that includes establishing partnerships with high schools, guidance counselors, articulation agreements with community colleges and nurturing these relationships to yield quality students to S&T.
• Ensure prospective students and families have a great visit experience (on-campus or virtual); track all campus visits/events and closely monitor feedback and make changes to ensure a positive campus experience.
• Collaborate with the director of CRM operations to ensure all admissions processes are efficient and admissions/scholarships decisions are released in a timely manner. Ensure the admissions staff are trained and proficient in using Slate CRM to assist them in their recruitment/yield work.
• Ensure that the admissions office adheres to institutional policies and procedures, federal and state regulations and the ethical standards of the NACAC and other professional associations.
• Liaise with the alumni office to leverage alumni for networking and recruiting events.
• Effectively use data to assess strategy and priorities.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements: Master's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in admissions that includes at least 3 years of experience in successfully managing a team of admissions professionals – nurturing, motivating and leading them.

 Demonstrated successful experience in developing, evaluating, and improving recruitment, enrollment, and marketing strategies from a data-driven perspective, including the use of integrated marketing campaigns and social media to improve the recruitment and enrollment of undergraduate students. Ability to use technology effectively to build efficiency in recruitment processes. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Proven success launching successful recruitment campaigns from concept to deployment to results within a given budget. Record of success in meeting enrollment goals. Experience building long term relationships with high schools, community colleges and leveraging community-based organizations in recruitment. Willingness to work non-traditional hours, including early morning, evening and weekends during peak times is necessary and expected. Willingness to travel domestically up to 10% of the year. This position requires a valid driver’s license and a safe driving record.

Other Skills: The individual must have excellent written and oral communication, outreach, public speaking/presentation and networking skills. Stellar managerial and leadership skills. Candidates must demonstrate strong organizational skills. The ability to professionally interact and communicate with internal and external constituents, multitask, attention to detail and work to aggressive deadlines is of great importance. Excellent project and time management skills. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with leadership, faculty and staff.

 Highly skilled in the use of MS Office Suite, CRM (preferably Slate), Student Information systems (preferably PeopleSoft) are required; a motivated and enthusiastic work style.

 The ability to professionally represent the University is of great importance.