Career Center

Responsibilities

Ranked #4 in the Best Regional West Universities by U.S. News and World Report, Saint Mary's College seeks an experienced and motivated Assistant Vice President of Undergraduate Admissions to lead our dynamic admissions department. The ideal candidate will be passionate about making a positive impact on students' lives and possess a strong understanding of higher education admissions and a deep appreciation for Lasallian education. Reporting to the Vice President for Enrollment Management the AVP will serve in a key leadership position within the Division of Enrollment Management. The ideal candidate will be an experienced manager, mentor, and leader, with a proven track record of building and implementing results-oriented strategic recruitment and yield plans for both first year and transfer domestic enrollments.

As a collaborative leader, the AVP will excel in building and nurturing relationships with the campus community, teachers, guidance counselors, Lasallian high schools, as well as community college partners. Above all, the successful candidate will serve as a trusted guide and advisor to prospective students and their families, helping them navigate the complex landscape of college admissions to find the institution that best fits their needs and goals.

With the launch of our five-year strategic plan, Transformation 2028, Saint Mary's College is committed to continued growth in enrollment, academic excellence, and research. The AVP will play a key role in the implementation of the institution's strategic plan, working closely with colleagues across campus to achieve our shared goals.

Primary Responsibilities 

-Recruit, manage, and lead a diverse team of admissions professionals, providing them with guidance, training, and support to achieve our enrollment objectives.
-Own established targets and develop and implement a comprehensive recruitment and yield plan needed to achieve first year and transfer enrollment and diversity goals.
-Develop and implement policies and procedures related to admissions to ensure a smooth admissions process for prospective students. Review and evaluate admissions criteria, making recommendations where necessary.
-Provide excellent visit experience for prospective students and their families, building a team of enthusiastic student ambassadors that represent SMC’s student body, and building a robust social media presence.
-Collaborate with different stakeholders on-campus to ensure the admissions process is aligned with the institution's overall mission and goals.
-Develop and maintain relationships with high school guidance counselors, Lasallian high schools, community organizations, and other stakeholders to increase visibility and awareness of the institution, in addition to other established partnership opportunities. Align institutions to build student pipelines through these organizations.
-Collaborate with the financial aid director and financial aid consultants to build robust financial aid packages that attract and support students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, in alignment with SMC’s Lasallian mission of providing an affordable education to all students; ensuring student quality and revenue goals are met.
-Collaborate with the executive director for international admissions to ensure consistent messaging to prospective international students, looking for synergies in recruitment tactics etc.
-Manage current vendor partners that support recruitment or yield initiatives, carefully identify and propose new vendors that support such initiatives.
-Collaborate with the academic departments and director of admissions operations in the development and implementation of recruitment and yield communication plans.
-Liaise with the alumni department to leverage alumni for recruitment and yield opportunities.
-Collaborate with the athletics and student life departments in leveraging our D1 and club sports excitement and successes in our recruitment and yield strategies.
-Partner with the MarCom department to build forward looking marketing collateral, campus/student stories and to ensure all admissions websites are current, informative and relevant.
-Analyze enrollment data and trends to inform admissions strategies and initiatives.
-Manage the admissions budget including planning and administration, ensuring ROI in spend for recruitment and yield activities.
-Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Experience and Qualifications

-Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as higher education administration, marketing, or business administration.
-Minimum of 8 years of progressive leadership experience in admissions/higher education, with a proven track record of success in meeting enrollment goals.
-Experience in managing and leading teams of admissions professionals.
-Commitment to diversity and inclusion.
-Excellent communication, public speaking skills, interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
-Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
-Demonstrated ability to work effectively and in highly collaborative manner.
-Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze data and develop evidence-based admissions strategies.
-Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain relationships with external partners, such as high school guidance counselors and community organizations.
-Ability to manage budgets and resources effectively.
-Strong leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team towards achieving common goals.
-Willingness and ability to participate in moderate to extensive travel.
-Willingness to work non-traditional hours, including early morning, evening and weekends, which is necessary and expected.
-Tech savvy - strong proficiency in Technolutions Slate or similar CRM’s.
-Knowledgeable and up-to-date on trends in admissions and higher education.
-Enthusiastic and Cheerful disposition.