Director of University Admissions

Purpose of Position and Scope of Responsibility:

The Director of University Admissions provides leadership and oversight for Bethel University’s Office of Admissions. 

This position leads recruitment, admissions, and campus visit functions for domestic and international first-year, transfer students and dual enrollment students, ensuring a comprehensive and effective admissions strategy that supports the University’s enrollment goals. 

The Director manages the undergraduate admissions counselors and oversees specialized coordinators for Athletics and the Renaissance Performing Arts Program, along with admissions processing, campus visit operations, and the dual enrollment program.

Under the direct supervision of the Vice President for Enrollment & Advancement, the Director works in collaboration with the Vice President on strategic initiatives and serves on the Division’s Senior Staff team. This position requires regular travel for recruitment activities, as well as occasional evening and weekend commitments.

Principal Accountabilities/Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• In collaboration with the Vice President of Enrollment & Advancement, lead the planning, execution, and assessment of recruitment and admissions strategies for traditional undergraduate first-year, transfer, and dual enrollment students.

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development for undergraduate admissions staff members, fostering a culture of guidance and growth.

• Serve as a key advisor to the Vice President for Enrollment & Advancement on undergraduate admissions trends, strategies, and performance.

• Represent the Office of Admissions as part of the Senior Staff team in the Division of Enrollment & Advancement.

Recruitment and Outreach

• Oversee recruitment efforts to attract prospective students through high school visits, college fairs, digital campaigns, and on-campus events.

• Collaborate with Athletics and Renaissance to align recruitment and enrollment goals.

• Strengthen relationships with high school counselors, community partners, and other influencers in the admissions process.

• Ensure consistent communication with prospective students and families through the University CRM system.

Admissions Management

• Direct the admissions process for first-year, transfer, international, and dual enrollment students including application review, admissions decisions, and scholarship awarding.

• Oversee admissions processing operations to ensure timely and accurate handling of applications, transcripts, and supporting documents.

• Ensure compliance with institutional, state, and federal requirements for admissions and reporting.

• Collaborate with Financial Aid to coordinate awarding strategies that support enrollment goals.

• Contribute to professional development planning for Admissions staff. 

Campus Visit and Event Management

• Oversee the planning and execution of on-campus admissions events, daily campus visits, Preview Days, and special visit programs.

• Ensure high-quality experiences for prospective students and families that reflect the University’s mission and culture.

• Evaluate campus visit programs to continuously improve engagement and effectiveness.

Data, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement

• Monitor and analyze admissions data, including application volume, conversion rates, yield, and enrollment outcomes.

• Provide regular reports and analysis in collaboration with the Vice President for Enrollment & Advancement to the University senior leadership team.

• Apply leading indicators to implement strategies based on data insights to drive continuous improvement in recruitment and admissions outcomes.

Collaboration and Institutional Engagement

• Work in close collaboration with the Vice President for Enrollment & Advancement on initiatives that advance recruitment and admissions priorities.

• Work collaboratively with the admissions staff for Bethel's Adult Degree and Graduate Programs on recruitment and admissions strategies to ensure alignment across all academic offerings.

• Partner with University Marketing & Communications to develop effective recruitment materials and campaigns.

• Collaborate with academic administration, faculty, staff, and campus partners to strengthen pathways from inquiry to enrollment.

• Represent Bethel University at internal and external events as needed.

Performs related accountabilities/responsibilities as required or directed.

• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.
   

Physical Requirements:

Work requires the physical demands of standing, bending, lifting, stooping or performing other work requiring light physical exertion (up to 30 pounds) on an occasional basis (up to 15% of time) and frequent walking; or moderate physical exertion (up to 50 pounds) on an intermittent basis (not a routine part of the job).

Environmental Conditions:

Work is performed under basically normal working conditions as in a standard office environment with regular travel for recruitment activities.