The Director of Undergraduate Admissions is a strategic and day-to-day leader for the Admissions department. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Enrollment, this position is responsible for overseeing the university's recruitment and enrollment of the undergraduate student body by collaborating with the enrollment leadership, high schools, community colleges, other feeder institutions, university partners and faculty to advance Widener University’s admissions targets. The Director will play an essential role in the enrollment of the undergraduate student body by developing and overseeing the implementation of planned recruitment initiatives, admissions policies, and data-driven enrollment strategies to attract a talented, diverse incoming undergraduate class.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):
Essential Duties:
- Develop and implement strategies for admissions and recruitment that align with the university’s mission, admissions objectives and values.
- Serve as a primary liaison between admissions and enrollment to ensure strong relationships with high schools, community organizations and external partners to achieve new student enrollment goals.
- Develop and execute strategies to convert incomplete applications into enrolled students.
- Facilitate admission review process, including interview scheduling, interview day coordination, updating review/interview rubrics, and faculty review of applications.
- Supervise admissions staff, providing training and support, and mentoring team members.
- Oversee and coordinate with campus partners to provide admissions process support for all academic programs.
- Assist with the development and management of the admissions budget.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned or directed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.
- Minimum of 5 years of admissions or enrollment experience or a related field within the higher education landscape.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and plan effectively.
- Excellent communication skills to be able to give clear and complete information to the appropriate audience.
- Ability to lead, mentor, and manage an admissions team, fostering a culture of professional development, accountability, and innovation.
- Utilize analytics, market research, and admissions trends to inform recruitment strategies and enhance the student admissions experience.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Experience in contributing to a climate of inclusivity and belonging, working with a varied student body.
Preferred:
- Master’s degree in higher education, business or a related field.
- Familiarity with Slate (technology platform) and Ellucian Colleague.
- Business uses of social media including knowledge of Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and other platforms relative to higher education recruitment.
- Experience working in a tuition-dependent university.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:
- Routinely support events and programming outside normal business hours.
- Available for occasional evening and weekend programs and activities. May include overnight travel.
- Usual office environment, heavy walk-in traffic, high level of interaction with others in person, electronically or via telephone.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy.
Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.
EOE M/F/V/D
