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Executive Director of Admissions

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Work type: Executive Management
Major Administrative Unit / College: Enrollment And Academic Strat Planning
Department: Office Of Admissions 10051016
Sub Area: FAS- Fac./Acad Staff
Salary: 175000.00-215000.00 Salary Commensurate with Experience
Location: East Lansing
Categories: Administrative/Business/Professional, Education/Training, Advising/Counseling, Executive Management, Full Time (90-100%), Non-Union, Remote-Friendly

Working/Functional Title

Executive Director of Admissions

Position Summary

The Executive Director of Admissions provides strategic, data informed, and operational leadership for the Office of Admissions. In collaboration with Michigan State University’s (MSU) academic, administrative, and Enrollment Services leadership, the Executive Director oversees the full undergraduate admissions process.  

The Executive Director oversees domestic, transfer, international, and digital recruitment efforts, high school and community college relations, campus visit programs, and admissions operations. The role also provides operational oversight of application processing for graduate and professional programs.  

The position is highly collaborative and interacts regularly with senior leaders, faculty, staff, and external partners. It serves as a key contributor to institutional student success initiatives, including the implementation of new student-focused technologies, and a modernized customer relations software and enterprise Student Information System. 

Other: 

  • International and domestic travel is required. 

  • This position is based in East Lansing, Michigan, on the campus of Michigan State University. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Masters

Minimum Requirements

Required Experience:  

  • Master's degree

  • Leading large-scale admissions operations with at least five years of experience in progressive leadership overseeing broad domestic and international recruitment portfolios in a college or university setting.  

  • Supervising teams at the assistant/associate director's level for a minimum of three years. 

  • Demonstrating the ability to achieve enrollment goals through data-informed planning, yield strategies, and measurable outcomes. 

  • Expanding prospective student markets across in-state, out-of-state, transfer, and international segments. 

  • Advancing access and student success with admissions strategy. 

  • Building and managing high performing teams; leading organizational change; and facilitating collaborative decision-making in complex environments. 

  • Executing strategic planning initiatives and drives change leadership aligned to institutional priorities. 

  • Cultivating high engagement, high performing workplace cultures through professional development and talent management. 

  • Maintaining compliance with Federal, State and university regulations related to student recruitment and admissions review process. 

  • Maintaining compliance with NCAA, Big Ten, and university regulations related to student athlete recruitment. 

Desired Qualifications

 Preferred Experience 

  • Applying advanced data analytics and predictive modeling and evidence-based insights to drive recruitment and enrollment decisions. 

  • Utilizing CRM and SIS platforms with a high level of proficiency. 

  • Strengthening an institution’s national reputation through engagement with professional organizations (Big Ten Conference, NACAC, The College Board, and AAU). 

  • Developing and executing multi-year, comprehensive admissions and recruitment strategies that strengthen academic quality and expand students’ access.  

  • Leading recruitment plans for diverse student populations, including first year, transfer, international, and online learners. 

  • Optimizing the prospect of pipeline through search strategies, digital marketing, CRM driven communications, high school/community college partnerships, and campus programming.  

  • Managing personnel, budget, and resources to accomplish enrollment objectives.  

  • Evaluating technological needs, recommending investments that support admissions operations.   

  • Ensuring efficient processing through policy, procedures, and workflow design. 

  • Collaborating effectively with academic and administrative partners including the deans, advising units, department heads, marketing and communication functions, financial aid, registrar, planning and budget, controller, institutional research, IT, international student services office(s), student success units, and others to achieve enrollment goals.  

  • Supporting seamless transition and onboarding including new student orientation, student success and transfer stakeholders. 

  • Providing timely reporting, forecasting, and analysis of enrollment outcomes to senior leadership. 

Required Application Materials

CV, cover letter, and contact information for at least three references. References will only be contacted with the approval of the candidate. 

Special Instructions

Applications should be received no later than February 16th, 2026, and review of applications will continue until the position is filled. 

Review of Applications Begins On

02/16/2026

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Website

https://admissions.msu.edu/

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

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Applications close: Eastern Standard Time

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