Senior Director of Admissions

Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for shaping the future of higher education? Viterbo University is seeking a strategic and visionary Senior Director of Admissions to lead our enrollment efforts and elevate Viterbo's brand, reputation, and student recruitment. As a key member of the leadership team, you will drive the university's enrollment strategy while collaborating with stakeholders across campus to achieve our ambitious goals. Reporting directly to the Vice President for Marketing, Communications, and Enrollment, this full-time, 12-month, exempt position offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of our students and institution. Ready to lead and inspire? Join us and help shape the next generation of leaders!

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Undergraduate Enrollment Leadership

• Develop and implement a data-driven, comprehensive undergraduate enrollment management plan that encompasses strategic recruitment, application processing, financial aid leveraging, and retention initiatives.
• Analyze market trends and competitor strategies to identify opportunities for growth and innovation.

2. Recruitment Management

• Oversee all aspects of the undergraduate admissions cycle, from initial outreach and recruitment to application review, admission decisions, and enrollment confirmation.
• Develop and execute targeted recruitment strategies for diverse student populations.
• Coordinate and manage recruitment territories, setting clear goals and expectations for admissions counselors.

3. Enrollment Marketing & Communications

• Oversee the purchase of targeted lists and collaborate with marketing, communications, and enrollment operations to execute a comprehensive marketing and communication strategy supporting undergraduate recruitment.
• Ensure that the website and recruitment materials are updated, accurate, and aligned with enrollment goals.

4. Team Leadership and Development

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate a team of admissions and enrollment professionals, fostering a collaborative, high-performing, and results-oriented work environment.
• Establish clear performance goals, provide professional development opportunities, and promote staff retention.

5. Collaboration and Partnerships

• Cultivate strong partnerships with academic departments, student services, financial aid, and other key stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and integrated approach to enrollment management.

6. Budget and Resource Management

• Develop and manage the annual admissions and enrollment budget, ensuring the effective and responsible allocation of resources.
• Identify and implement cost-effective strategies to maximize ROI.

7. Data Analysis, Reporting, and Market Trends

• Utilize data analytics to monitor enrollment trends, track recruitment effectiveness, and inform strategic decision-making.
• Prepare regular reports on key metrics for university leadership.
• Monitor local and national admissions trends, market conditions, and the evolving enrollment landscape.

Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor's degree. A master's degree is strongly preferred.

Experience

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in admissions and enrollment management in higher education, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing strategic enrollment plans and achieving enrollment goals.
• Demonstrated success leading admissions and enrollment in higher education

Technical Skills

• Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Slate, Salesforce) and other enrollment management technologies.
• Proficient in generating reports, analyzing data, and utilizing Pivot Tables for data organization and insights.
• Strong understanding of financial aid and scholarship programs.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.

Soft Skills

• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, with a strong aptitude for brand storytelling and public relations.
• Strategic thinker with the capacity to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative leader with excellent organizational, interpersonal, and team-building skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships with prospective students, families, and internal stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

To Apply: Please complete the online employment application form and upload a letter of interest, CV/resume, and three references.

Review of Application: The review of applications will be ongoing until the position is filled.

About the University: Viterbo University is a Catholic, Franciscan, liberal arts institution located in scenic La Crosse, Wisconsin, which has been rated as one of the top places to live in the US. The region features an attractive cost of living, beautiful bluffs and coulees, three major rivers including the Mississippi River, world-class health care and education systems, and easy access to major cities in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement: At Viterbo University, we value our inclusive climate and understand that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. We translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, constituencies, and those who will help us advance our diversity and inclusion initiatives aimed at creating a university that values student, staff, and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.

Viterbo University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, encourages nominations and candidacy of historically underrepresented groups, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Viterbo University is an equal opportunity employer and encourages nominations and candidacy of historically underrepresented groups.