Associate Director

University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Nebraska

On-site

USD 63,000 - 77,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is seeking an Associate Director for undergraduate admissions. The role involves leading recruitment for first-time freshmen in Nebraska and beyond, overseeing a team, and making strategic decisions based on data. Candidates should possess a bachelor's degree and 4 years of professional experience, along with strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills. The position requires regular travel during recruitment seasons and a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and 4 years of experience in related fields.
Experience in public speaking and delivering presentations.
Experience supervising professional staff.
Proficient in analyzing recruitment data.

Responsibilities

Lead undergraduate admissions recruitment efforts.
Oversee a team of recruitment staff.
Monitor performance and training of staff.
Build relationships with high-school counselors.

Skills

Public speaking

Data analysis

Interpersonal skills

Event planning

Customer relationship management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

Position Information

Working Title: Associate Director

Department: Admissions-0959

Requisition Number: S_260333

Open Until Filled: Yes

Posting Open Date: 05/08/2026

Application Review Date: 05/26/2026

Location: Lincoln, NE

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: 8‑5 unless otherwise required

Compensation: $70,000/yr minimum

Description of Work

The Associate Director leads undergraduate admissions recruitment, focusing on first‑time freshmen in Nebraska and nationwide. The role coordinates high‑school visits, college fairs, and outreach with counselors and educators under the direction of the Executive Director of Admissions. As part of the Admissions Leadership Team, the Associate Director collaborates with peers across the division, uses data to guide recruitment, and leads efforts to achieve enrollment goals.

The Associate Director oversees a team of recruitment staff and directly supervises Assistant Directors, guiding teams to meet enrollment goals and reporting to the Executive Director. Responsibilities include training staff in territory management, monitoring performance, and supporting staff growth; planning and executing yield activities and territory strategies to convert prospects into enrollments; reviewing recruitment data and territory results to make data‑driven adjustments; and creating reports that inform strategy and help meet enrollment targets.

The Associate Director exercises independent judgment in interpreting admissions policies and making recruitment decisions, and oversees functional initiatives aligned with strategic priorities. The position collaborates with units within ASEM and across campus to align recruitment objectives with university initiatives and with Visitor Experience to ensure effective resource allocation for recruitment events. It also builds and maintains relationships with high‑school counselors, community contacts, and key influencers to increase student access and support recruitment efforts. As needed, the role provides leadership support to the broader admissions team and may serve as proxy for the Executive Director.

Regular travel, including evenings and weekends, is required during peak recruitment periods. The position is based in Lincoln, Nebraska.

EOE Statement: As an EO employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation.

Minimum Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 4 years of professional experience in recruitment, enrollment management, admissions, enrollment marketing, or other related fields
Demonstrated experience in public speaking and delivering presentations
Experience supervising professional staff, including responsibility for performance management and team development
Experience using Salesforce or another customer relationship management (CRM) system to inform strategy and track outcomes
Ability to analyze and interpret recruitment or enrollment data to inform strategic decisions
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports and present information to stakeholders
Knowledge of first‑time freshmen and transfer admissions operations and procedures
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with a variety of stakeholders
Event planning and coordination skills
Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision or administrative support
Willingness to travel
Must have a valid driver’s license and meet University driver eligibility requirements

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated leadership of cross‑departmental recruitment initiatives or strategic enrollment projects
Track record of achieving or exceeding enrollment targets at a mid‑ to large‑size public university
Proficiency in territory management and yield strategy within an admissions setting
Skill in organizing or facilitating large‑scale recruitment events or outreach programs
Strong background in training and mentoring professional staff in admissions recruitment
Knowledge of the state of Nebraska and the University of Nebraska‑Lincoln (UNL)
Understanding of the challenges facing underrepresented student populations in higher education
Familiarity with UNL’s high school and college relations operations and procedures
Knowledge of high‑achieving student recruitment strategies
In‑depth knowledge of UNL and its enrollment landscape
Familiarity with UNL’s University Honors Programs