Director of Admissions
Keene State College

At Keene State, our students find a community of ideas, interests, and opportunities that spark curiosity and make learning fun. What our students bring to the table is just as important as what we offer. Our #1 goal is to help students design a future that lights them up. We’re seeking a dynamic, collaborative, student-centered leader to be our next Director of Admissions.

Our next Director will serve as the strategic leader overseeing all aspects of the undergraduate and graduate admissions process at Keene State. This position is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive admissions strategy that aligns with our goals, ensuring the recruitment of talented and diverse students who contribute to the academic and cultural Keene State community. The Director will lead a dynamic team, oversee admissions operations, and work closely with academic departments, faculty, and senior leadership to meet
enrollment targets.

In this role, the Director will drive efforts to enhance recruitment strategies, streamline application processes, and utilize data-driven insights to continuously improve admissions outcomes. The individual will also play a key role in promoting the college’s brand, expanding outreach initiatives, and maintaining strong relationships with high schools, community colleges, and other feeder institutions. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in higher education admissions leadership, a deep understanding of undergraduate and graduate admissions processes, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment.

Key responsibilities include overseeing the development of recruitment plans, managing a dedicated admissions team, shaping data collection and reporting processes, collaborating closely with the marketing team to develop marketing strategies, and representing the institution at key external events and conferences.
The Director will report directly to the Vice President for Enrollment and Student Engagement, ensuring that admissions practices are aligned with the college’s mission and long-term strategic vision.

If you’re a passionate, collaborative, seasoned admissions professional seeking your next career move, we’d welcome the opportunity to learn more about how your skills match our requirements.

Duties/Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategic Planning (30%)

• Develop and implement a comprehensive admissions strategy for both undergraduate and graduate programs that support the college’s long-term goals and enrollment targets.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align admissions strategies with the institution’s mission, vision, and academic priorities.
• Provide visionary leadership to the admissions team, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and inclusion in all recruitment efforts.
• Actively engage with faculty and academic leadership to promote a shared partnership approach in recruitment.
  
  

Recruitment & Outreach (30%)

• Lead recruitment efforts for both undergraduate and graduate students, ensuring diverse, qualified applicants are attracted to the institution through targeted marketing, outreach, and partnerships.
• Develop and manage recruitment strategies to engage high school counselors, community colleges, corporate partners, and other key stakeholders.
• Lead the team that coordinates participation in college fairs, outreach events, and informational sessions to promote the institution and attract prospective students.
  
  

Enrollment Data and Analytics (10%)

• Utilize data-driven insights and industry trends to evaluate and refine recruitment strategies.
• Coordinate closely with Director of Financial Aid to develop financial aid strategy.
• Oversee the development of enrollment data and use admissions metrics including application volumes, conversion rates, yield rates and demographic trends to inform decision-making. This includes regular review of impact of financial aid strategy.
• Provide reports regularly to senior leadership regarding admissions performance and outcomes.
  
  

Team Leadership & Staff Development (10%)

• Manage, mentor and develop a team of admissions professionals, providing ongoing training, feedback and career growth opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment within the admissions office, promoting high levels of team engagement and performance.
• Ensure that staff members are well-equipped to represent the institution in a professional and knowledgeable manner during recruitment activities.
  
  

Compliance & Best Practices (10%)

• Ensure that admissions practices comply with institutional policies, state and federal regulations, and best practices in higher education admissions.
• Stay current on trends in higher education admissions, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes that could impact the recruitment and admissions process.
• Promote and uphold the institution’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the admissions process.
  
  

Budget & Resource Management (5%)

• Develop and manage the admissions office budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources to support recruitment and outreach activities.
• Seek opportunities for cost-effective strategies and resource optimization in the admissions process, while maintaining high levels of quality and service.

System- and State-wide Collaboration & Leadership (5%)

• Actively participate as a member of appropriate college- and system-wide committees such as USNH Admissions Committee, NECHE, and SEM Core Teams 1 and 2.
• Participate externally as a representative on the Admissions Committee of NHCUC, Granite Edvance College Application Steering Committee and NEACAC.
  
  

Required Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience:

• Master’s Degree and 8-12 years of experience
• 6 years supervisory experience in college recruitment and admissions

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Higher Education Admissions Practices: A deep understanding of the admissions process, including the development and execution of recruitment strategies, evaluating applications, understanding state and federal regulations, and student success initiatives.
• Enrollment Management and Data Analysis: Knowledge of enrollment trends, forecasting, and the ability to analyze data related to applications, yield rates, demographics, and other metrics that inform decision-making and planning.
• Financial Aid and Scholarships: An understanding of financial aid policies and how they intersect with admissions, including how to communicate with prospective students and families about scholarships, grants, and financing options.
• State and Federal Education Policies: Knowledge of state-level education policies, federal laws, and accreditation requirements that impact admissions processes, recruitment, and financial aid.
• Marketing and Public Relations: Awareness of how to market the institution and communicate its strengths to potential applicants, including familiarity with digital marketing, branding, and media relations in higher education.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Demonstrated leadership skills
• Ability to identify a need and take initiative to address the need
• Ability to develop strong and collegial relationships across campus
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite
• Ability to work in multiple database systems including an SIS and CRM
• Valid Driver’s License and safe driving record
• Must be available to work non-traditional hours
  
  

Required Applicant Materials:

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Contact Information for 3 Professional References
  
  

Keene State College is located in the scenic Monadnock region of Southwest New Hampshire and is an affiliate of the University System of New Hampshire. Located approximately 2 hours from Boston or Hartford CT, and 4 hours from New York City, the region contains many opportunities to enjoy outdoor recreation, cultural events, and a strong sense of community. To learn more about Keene State College, the University System of New Hampshire, and the Keene community, please
visit: https://www.keene.edu, https://www.usnh.edu/ or https://www.ci.keene.nh.us.

EEO Statement

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.