Director of Admissions

Eastern Michigan University; Ypsilanti (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Eastern Michigan University is seeking a Director of Admissions to lead undergraduate and international admissions, orientation, and onboarding programs on Main Campus in Ypsilanti.

The role requires extensive leadership in enrollment management, use of data to drive recruitment, and collaboration with alumni, donors, faculty, and external vendors to meet enrollment goals while upholding the university’s mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in college admissions.
• Leadership experience in admissions or enrollment management.
• Strong understanding of admissions processes and enrollment trends.
• Proficiency with data analysis and CRM systems (Slate preferred).
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive enrollment strategies to attract diverse students.
• Provide leadership and strategic direction to the admissions team.
• Use data analysis to inform decisions and adjust recruitment tactics.
• Prepare reports and analyses of admissions initiatives.
• Lead and develop a high-performing admissions team.
• Set performance goals and conduct regular evaluations.
• Oversee the admissions process from inquiry to enrollment, ensuring a smooth experience.
• Collaborate with marketing, financial aid, housing, and advising to improve student experience.
• Represent the university at events and internal/external meetings.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Data analysis

Communication

Stakeholder management

Team coaching

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Slate CRM

Job description

Title: Dir Admissions

Employee Classification: AP - Administrative Professional

Pay Grade: AP09

Division: Enrollment Management

Subdivision: Adm Internal Oper

Department: Enrollment Management

Campus Location: Main Campus

General Summary

The Director of Admissions will play a critical role in overseeing the recruitment team and providing strategic direction for undergraduate and international admissions as well as orientation and onboarding programs. This role will also serve as a liaison with key stakeholders, including alumni, donors, faculty, staff, high school representatives, community college representatives, community based organizations and third-party vendors to ensure the university's admissions goals align with the institution's mission and values.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive enrollment strategies, aligning with the university's mission, to attract and enroll a diverse student population.
• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to the admissions team, ensuring the achievement of enrollment goals.
• Utilize data analysis to inform decision making, identify trends, develop effective recruitment and admissions strategies, measure performance against established goals, and rapidly adjust tactics when results are not meeting expectations.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and analyses of admissions and recruitment initiatives.
• Lead and supervise a team of admissions professionals, providing guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
• Set performance goals and expectations, conduct regular performance evaluations, and provide constructive feedback to enhance team performance.
• Coordinate and delegate responsibilities to ensure efficient workflow within the admissions department.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the team.
• Oversee the admissions process, from initial inquiry to orientation and enrollment, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience for prospective students.
• Evaluate and enhance admissions and onboarding policies, procedures, and practices to optimize efficiency and effectiveness.
• Stay updated on the latest industry trends, best practices, and legal requirements related to admissions and enrollment.
• Collaborate with other departments, such as marketing, financial aid, housing, dining and academic advising, to streamline processes and improve the overall student experience.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including alumni, donors, faculty, staff, high school representatives, community college representatives, community based organizations and third-party vendors to support enrollment initiatives.
• Collaborate with faculty and academic departments to develop recruitment and onboarding strategies and initiatives that align with their program objectives.
• Serve as a university representative at various events, both on and off-campus, to promote Eastern Michigan University and its admissions process.
• Act as primary representative for the Vice President of Enrollment at internal and external meetings as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree is required.
• A minimum of five years of progressive experience in college admissions is required.
• Proven experience in a leadership role within admissions, enrollment management, or a related field is required.
• Strong understanding of admissions processes, enrollment trends, and best practices in higher education.
• Proficiency in utilizing data analysis and CRM systems (preferably Slate) to inform decision making and drive recruitment strategies.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a team, fostering collaboration, appreciation, and a positive work culture.
• Knowledge of legal and ethical standards in higher education admissions including NCAA, Mid-American Conference, EMU policies, rules, regulations, and operational procedures.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing needs and priorities within the enrollment landscape.

Preferred Qualifications

• A master's degree is preferred.

Appointment Percentage: 100%