Assistant Dean, Enrollment Strategy & Admissions

Southern Methodist University Meadows School of the Arts; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SMU Meadows School of the Arts is seeking an Assistant Dean for Recruiting & Admissions to lead vision and execution of undergraduate and graduate recruitment and admissions. The role involves data-driven strategy, budgeting, and collaboration with Dean, faculty, and university partners.

You will oversee discipline-specific requirements, manage a high-performing team, and drive national visibility and enrollment growth.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required.
• Six years of progressively responsible experience in higher education admissions, recruitment, or enrollment management, including arts/admissions environments.
• Four years of leadership experience, supervising staff and managing complex teams.
• Experience with specialized admissions processes (arts preferred) beyond general admissions.
• Experience managing budgets or financial aid leveraging to support enrollment goals.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication, and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with admissions CRM systems (e.g., Slate) and data analysis tools; advanced Excel/Office skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide vision, leadership, and accountability for recruitment and admissions outcomes across all undergraduate and graduate Meadows programs.
• Design and implement a data-driven recruitment and admissions strategy, including application generation, yield optimization, and financial aid leveraging.
• Direct and oversee all Meadows admissions processes, ensuring efficiency and alignment with policies, including discipline-specific requirements like auditions and portfolios.
• Lead collaboration with division chairs, program directors, and faculty to align recruitment with enrollment goals.
• Leverage data, analytics, and market intelligence to guide strategy and improve competitive positioning.
• Lead and develop a high-performing recruitment and admissions team with clear goals and development opportunities.
• Oversee recruitment communications, events, and outreach, representing Meadows at institutional and national levels.
• Collaborate with university partners to ensure smooth processes and maximize ROI; travel and occasional evenings/weekends are required.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Verbal communication

Written communication

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Strategic leadership

Data analysis

Collaboration

Education

Master's degree

Arts/Performing or Visual Arts, Communications or Education degree preferred

Tools

Slate CRM

Excel

Word

Outlook

Job description

SMU Meadows School of the Arts is seeking an Assistant Dean for Recruiting & Admissions to lead vision and execution of undergraduate and graduate recruitment and admissions. The role involves data-driven strategy, budgeting, and collaboration with Dean, faculty, and university partners.

You will oversee discipline-specific requirements, manage a high-performing team, and drive national visibility and enrollment growth.