What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dean of Admissions position at Brandeis University?
Brandeis University is seeking a bold and visionary Dean of Admissions to join our leadership team at a pivotal time in higher education. As a globally recognized research university with a deep commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and diversity, we are searching for a dynamic leader who will drive the strategy that shapes our undergraduate community for years to come.
The Opportunity:
In this high-impact role, you will lead the full admissions enterprise—from developing cutting-edge recruitment strategies to fostering relationships that attract, enroll, and retain an outstanding and diverse student body. Reporting directly to the Vice President for Enrollment Management, you will oversee a talented team of professionals and collaborate across the university to ensure an admissions process that reflects Brandeis’ values, elevates the student experience, and meets ambitious enrollment goals.
In this high-impact role, you will lead the full admissions enterprise—from developing cutting-edge recruitment strategies to fostering relationships that attract, enroll, and retain an outstanding and diverse student body. Reporting directly to the Vice President for Enrollment Management, you will oversee a talented team of professionals and collaborate across the university to ensure an admissions process that reflects Brandeis’ values, elevates the student experience, and meets ambitious enrollment goals.
We are looking for an innovative thinker, a data-driven strategist, and an inspiring team leader who is passionate about expanding access to higher education and helping students thrive.
What You will Do:
Set the Vision & Lead Strategically
- Craft and execute a bold, forward-thinking admissions strategy aligned with Brandeis’ academic mission and institutional priorities.
- Harness market insights and global enrollment trends to position Brandeis as a destination of choice for talented students worldwide.
- Leverage advanced analytics and data modeling to inform decision-making and drive enrollment success.
Build & Inspire a High-Performing Team
- Lead and mentor a dedicated team of admissions professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
- Empower your team with clear goals, ongoing development, and an environment where creativity and innovation thrive.
Champion Access & Diversity
- Design recruitment strategies that expand Brandeis’ reach to underrepresented and underserved communities.
- Build and nurture partnerships with high schools, community-based organizations, and international networks to create a robust and inclusive applicant pipeline.
Collaborate Across Campus
- Work closely with Financial Aid, Marketing & Communications, Student Affairs, and faculty leadership to ensure a seamless and student-centered admissions experience.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to university leadership, providing actionable insights through enrollment forecasting and market analysis.
Drive Innovation Through Technology
- Utilize state-of-the-art CRM systems, AI tools, and data visualization platforms to optimize outreach and application processes.
- Champion technology and process improvements that elevate the admissions experience while maintaining Brandeis’ signature personal touch.
What You Bring:
- A Master’s degree and 10 years of progressive experience in higher education admissions, including 5 years in senior leadership roles (e.g., Director, Associate Dean).
- A proven record of designing and executing successful, data-informed enrollment strategies.
- Experience building and leading diverse, collaborative teams that meet ambitious goals.
- Expertise in budget management, forecasting, and resource allocation.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a talent for building lasting relationships across constituencies.
- A spirit of innovation and a readiness to navigate the evolving higher education landscape with creativity and vision.
Why Brandeis?
At Brandeis, we combine rigorous academics with a strong commitment to social justice and community impact. You will join a university where ideas are nurtured, diversity is celebrated, and every student’s success is a shared priority.
At Brandeis, we combine rigorous academics with a strong commitment to social justice and community impact. You will join a university where ideas are nurtured, diversity is celebrated, and every student’s success is a shared priority.
Ready to make your mark?
Apply today to help shape the future of Brandeis and guide the journeys of students who will change the world.
Apply today to help shape the future of Brandeis and guide the journeys of students who will change the world.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, equity and inclusion are important values at Brandeis today and always have been for they are rooted in our founding as an institution. These values serve as a reminder for self-reflection, and a continuous call to grow for us as Brandeisans. Founded as a model institution for ethnic and religious pluralism, Brandeis University welcomes students, faculty, and staff of all nationalities, religions, and orientations. Moreover, social justice is central to the mission of Brandeis, which endeavors to foster a just and inclusive campus culture that embraces the evolving diversity of our larger society. Read more online about our Mission and Diversity Statements at Brandeis Mission and Diversity Statements.
Diversity, equity and inclusion are important values at Brandeis today and always have been for they are rooted in our founding as an institution. These values serve as a reminder for self-reflection, and a continuous call to grow for us as Brandeisans. Founded as a model institution for ethnic and religious pluralism, Brandeis University welcomes students, faculty, and staff of all nationalities, religions, and orientations. Moreover, social justice is central to the mission of Brandeis, which endeavors to foster a just and inclusive campus culture that embraces the evolving diversity of our larger society. Read more online about our Mission and Diversity Statements at Brandeis Mission and Diversity Statements.
If you are interested in a role and have relevant experience but your work history does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we nevertheless encourage you to apply.
Closing Statement
Brandeis University is committed to providing its students, faculty and staff with an environment conducive to learning and working and where all people are treated with respect and dignity. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, caste, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, including transgender identity, religion, disability, age, genetics, active military or veteran status and any other characteristics protected under applicable federal or Massachusetts law.