Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions & STARS Program Director

University of California; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits eligible

Job summary

Caltech is seeking an Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions & STARS Program Director to lead data‑driven recruitment and collaboration across the Undergraduate Admissions Office. The role focuses on strategic direction, staff supervision, and program leadership for the STARS College Network to recruit and enroll students from rural and small-town backgrounds.

The position requires strong leadership, experience in selective admissions, and a track record of building partnerships with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a data‑oriented field, selective college admissions or higher education.
• A valid driver’s license is required or equivalent means of reliable transportation to off-site meetings and events.
• Master’s degree is preferred.
• Experience working with underserved students in higher education or related settings.
• Proficiency with CRM systems, particularly Technolutions Slate.

Responsibilities

• Lead across two primary areas: strategic direction and day‑to‑day operations of the Access, Analytics, and Recruitment team, including supervision and mentorship of staff.
• Serve as Program Director for the STARS College Network, leading rural and small-town student recruitment efforts.
• Oversee STARS programming, budget, planning, and assessment; evaluate outcomes and recommend improvements.
• Read and evaluate applications and participate in committee deliberations; support yield efforts and communications with prospective students and families.

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Technolutions Slate

Job description

Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions & STARS Program Director Job Category Fulltime Regular ExemptOvertimeEligible Exempt Benefits Eligible Benefit Based

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

The Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions & STARS Program Director is a key member of the Access, Analytics, and Recruitment team within Caltech’s Undergraduate Admissions Office. Reporting directly to the Senior Associate Director, this role serves as a strategic partner in advancing the Institute’s recruitment, access, and enrollment goals.

This position provides leadership across two primary areas: (1) supporting the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the Access, Analytics, and Recruitment team, including supervision and mentorship of staff, and (2) serving as the Program Director for the STARS College Network program, leading Caltech’s efforts to recruit, support, and enroll talented students from rural and small-town backgrounds.

The Associate Director plays a critical role in shaping data-informed recruitment strategies, guiding team initiatives, and ensuring alignment with institutional priorities. As a senior member of the team, this individual contributes to staff training, and cross-functional collaboration, while also serving as an Admissions Officer responsible for territory management, application review, and student engagement.

Leadership & Team Management

• Serve as a strategic partner and primary support to the Senior Associate Director in advancing team priorities and initiatives.
• Provide direct supervision, mentorship, and professional development for two Senior Assistant Directors, ensuring strong project execution and staff growth.
• Guide and support team members in developing, implementing, and assessing recruitment and access initiatives.
• Help set team priorities, workflows, and performance expectations in alignment with office and institutional goals.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team environment.

STARS Program Leadership (Primary Functional Area)

• Serve as Caltech’s Program Director and primary liaison to the STARS College Network and associated partners.
• Lead the strategy, development, and execution of all rural and small-town student recruitment initiatives.
• Manage and oversee all STARS-related programming, including outreach, engagement, yield efforts, and partnership development.
• Conducts analysis on effectiveness of territorial outreach programs, reports outcomes, and makes recommendations on strategies.
• Plans and executes domestic campaigns targeting rural and small-town high school students, parents, and counselors.
• Develop and maintain relationships with high schools, community-based organizations, and national partners supporting rural college access.
• Represent Caltech in STARS network meetings, working groups, and national collaborations.
• Oversee program budget, planning, and assessment; evaluate outcomes and recommend improvements.

Admissions Officer Responsibilities

• Manage a designated recruitment territory, including travel, high school visits, and relationship-building with counselors and CBOs.
• Represent Caltech through information sessions, events, and communications with prospective students and families.
• Read and evaluate applications within a highly selective admissions process and participate fully in committee deliberations.
• Support yield efforts, including outreach to admitted students and programming.
• Support special projects and initiatives as assigned by senior leadership.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience of experience working a data-oriented field, selective college admissions or higher education.
• A valid driver’s license is required or equivalent means of reliable transportation to off-site meetings and events.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree is preferred.
• Experience working with underserved students in an institution of higher education, high school setting, or community-based organization.
• Proficiency in using CRM systems, particularly Technolutions Slate.

Required Documents

• Resume.
• CL.

Hiring Range

$80,000 - $96,200 Per Year
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks .

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.

If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at [e-mail] .

Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of a job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at [e-mail] .