Director of Admissions

Position Summary:

The Director of Admissions plays a pivotal role in developing and implementing undergraduate recruitment and enrollment strategies for the university, ensuring a diverse and qualified student body. This position oversees all aspects of the admissions process, from outreach and recruitment to application review and enrollment management. The Director works collaboratively with various campus and community partners to achieve institutional enrollment goals while upholding the mission and values of the university.

Adams State University is a state-supported, regional comprehensive university located in the San Luis Valley of Southern Colorado and the city of Alamosa. As the state’s premier Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), over 50 percent of its undergraduate students represent racially diverse backgrounds. A high percentage of undergraduate students are first-generation and Pell eligible. The university offers undergraduate programs in the arts and humanities, physical and natural sciences, mechanical engineering and computer science, social sciences, kinesiology, fine arts, business, and nursing, and specializes in educator preparation in several disciplines. Adams State also offers graduate degrees in cultural resource management, public administration, music education, kinesiology, higher education administration and leadership, history, business (MBA), and educator programs, including counselor education; the university also has a doctoral (PhD) program in counselor education. The university has an active athletic program. The Adams State Grizzlies athletic teams compete under the auspices of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC)

The institution is committed to increasing the diversity of its professional staff and is actively seeking qualified applicants who have experiences, skills, and/or personal attributes that augment the perspectives of our current faculty and staff. We are working to diversify our faculty and staff and especially encourage applications from women, BIPOC, LGBTQ community members, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and other historically-underrepresented populations. We will give particular consideration to qualified applicants with experience in ethnically diverse settings; persons who possess varied language skills, a record of successful experience in engaging diverse communities/student populations; and job seekers who can contribute to equity, diversity, and inclusion through teaching, service, and scholarship. The successful candidate will join a campus that is dedicated to inclusive excellence and acknowledges Adams State’s purpose to foster the educational goals of its students and the well-being of the surrounding community.

About Us- Diversity & Inclusive Excellence

Mission of the Office of Admissions

Our mission is to ensure “Great Stories Begin Here”. The Office of Admissions is committed to fostering access, equity, and educational opportunity for all prospective students. Through personalized guidance, transparent communication, and inclusive practices, we strive to cultivate a welcoming environment where every student feels valued and supported. We are dedicated to upholding the values of integrity, fairness, and respect as we guide students through the admissions process.

By celebrating the cultural richness of Colorado’s San Luis Valley and embracing our rural location, we aim to attract a diverse student body that embraces the unique perspectives and experiences available at Adams State University.

We recognize that women and people of color are often less likely to apply to a position if they don’t match 100% of the job qualifications. Don’t let that be the reason you miss out on this opportunity! We encourage you to apply if you can demonstrate many of these skills and competencies.

Specific Job Duties (Essential Functions and Responsibilities)

1. Strategic Planning and Leadership:

• Develop and implement high school, community college and community organization enrollment plans.

• Provide leadership and direction to the admissions team, fostering a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and excellence.

• Analyze data and market trends to support recruitment and yield rates.

2. Recruitment and Outreach:

• Lead recruitment efforts to attract a diverse student population, with a focus on Hispanic and underrepresented minority groups.

• Establish partnerships with high schools, community colleges, and community organizations to promote the university and increase applicant pool.

• Foster collaborative relationships and coordinate recruitment/outreach events with academic schools and programs.

• Oversee the Assistant Director of Enrollment Communication to ensure effective nurturing and outreach campaigns are developed and implemented.

• Oversee the Assistant Director of Admissions to ensure Admission Counselors are trained, organized in their territories, and effectively generating inquiries/ applications.

3. Application and Enrollment Management:

• Oversee the application review process, ensuring timely and thorough evaluations.

• Develop effective yield strategies to increase conversion rates.

4. Admissions Operations and Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with university policies, state regulations, and federal laws.

• Implement and maintain efficient admissions processes and systems, leveraging technology to enhance workflow and applicant experience.

• Supervise and motivate the admissions team, including two assistant directors, admissions counselors, transfer coordinator, welcome center coordinator, operations staff, and student ambassadors

• Manage admissions operating budgets effectively and responsibly.

5. Community Engagement and Representation:

• Serve as university representative at recruitment events, college fairs, and conferences.

• Build relationships with prospective students, families, and high school counselors to promote the university's programs and opportunities.

• Serve on relevant university and state committees

6. Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Leverage data to assess effectiveness of strategies and identify areas for improvement.

• Prepare reports and presentations on admissions trends, enrollment projections, and outcomes for university leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years of progressive experience in admissions/enrollment Management.

• Understanding of enrollment trends, demographic shifts, and best practices in diversity and inclusion in higher education.

• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and foster a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Assistant Directors of Admissions and others who have not yet been a Director of Admissions in their careers are encouraged to apply if they have:

• Had direct reports.

• Used strategic approaches to achieve success in higher education.

• Performance managed members of their team and coached employees. 

Working Conditions:

This position may require occasional travel, evening, and weekend hours to attend recruitment events and meet with prospective students and families.

Salary and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $85,344-$93,660 commensurate with experience and education. In addition to salary, Adams State University offers a competitive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and retirement savings plans. For detailed benefits information please visit https://www.adams.edu/hr/benefits/.

Relocation expenses may be available for candidates for this role. 

Application Process:

Review of applications will continue until filled. Priority will be given to applications received prior to 2/22/2025.  Interested candidates should submit the following required documents via our Workday employment portal.

Completed applications should include the following:

• A cover letter addressing your experience relevant to the key responsibilities listed above.

• Resume 

For more information contact Mark Buck, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management at mbuck@adams.edu

Disclosures:

In compliance with the Immigration Control Act of 1968 candidates for positions must provide proof of eligibility to work before an offer of employment can be made final.

Adams State University is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its students, faculty, staff and visitors, and to protecting its funds, property and other assets. Well-informed hiring decisions contribute to this effort. Therefore, Adams State University has adopted a policy on background screening for its prospective, continuing, and returning employees as well as students in certain circumstances. Offers of employment will be contingent upon the completion of an acceptable background check. The information received in response to a background check will be treated as confidential to the extent provided for by law.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Part 106 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including in admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and CFR 106 to Adams State University (ASU) may be directed to ASU's Office of Equal Opportunity, Director Ana Guevara, and/or to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the Department of Education. Support resources for sexual misconduct, ASU's  sexual misconduct policies, contact information for the Adams State University's Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX, as well as a detailed  procedure for filing a grievance due to discrimination on the basis of sex may be found online at  https://www.adams.edu/administration/oeo/reporting-sexual-harassment/.  These  procedures also describe the University's response to reports and/or complaints of sex discrimination or sexual harassment.  

Adams State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Applications are sought from all qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex, disability, and, as covered by law, veteran status. In addition, University policies prohibit discrimination on the basis of religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation including transgender status and gender expression, marital status, and parental status.

Adams State University is dedicated to fostering Inclusive Excellence and especially encourages applications from women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ community, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and other historically underrepresented populations. Given the university’s mission and student body composition, the institution is committed to increasing the diversity of its professional staff and is actively seeking qualified applicants who have experiences, skills, and/or personal attributes that augment the perspectives of our current faculty and staff; we will give particular consideration to qualified applicants with experience in ethnically diverse settings or who possess varied language skills and have a record of successful experience in engaging diverse communities and student populations. Additional information about the university and the academic mission may be found at www.adams.edu/academics/

Salary : $85,344 - $93,660