Admissions and Recruiting Manager

State of Oklahoma • Pryor, AR

6d • $5,167 - $62,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Lead a data driven recruiting and admissions process that uses performance trends and applicant metrics to guide decisions to improve recruitment, and registration outcomes for the Thunderbird Challenge Program. The Admissions and Recruiting Manager, under the supervision of the Deputy Director, is responsible for leading the admissions and recruiting functions of the Thunderbird Challenge Program, Oklahoma’s National Guard Youth Challenge Program. The position uses recruiting and admissions data to guide strategy, manage performance, maintain a strong pool of qualified applicants, and ensure established recruiting, selection, and registration goals are met. This position is well suited for someone with experience in sales, recruiting, admissions, marketing, business development, customer relations, or a similar field. The ideal candidate is comfortable working toward measurable goals, analyzing performance, building relationships, leading a team, and helping connect at risk youth with an opportunity to make a positive change in their lives.

Requirements

• 4-6 years experience in administration or mid-to senior level leadership or supervisory experience required.
• 3-4 years working with youth.
• A valid driver license

Nice To Haves

• BA/BS a plus but not required.
• Experience in sales, recruiting, admissions, marketing, business development, customer relations, or a related field is highly desirable.
• Qualified candidates should be motivated, goal oriented leaders with strong communication, relationship building, organizational, analytical, and problem solving skills.
• The Director of Admissions must be able to lead and develop staff, manage a pipeline of prospective applicants, and effectively analyze recruiting and admissions data.
• The position requires the ability to interpret performance measures, identify trends and gaps, evaluate recruiting effectiveness, and use that information to make sound decisions and improve recruiting and registration results.
• The position requires the ability to communicate effectively and build positive relationships with at risk youth, parents and guardians, schools, community organizations, public and private agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Successful performance requires initiative, accountability, teamwork, adaptability, sound judgment, and a consistent focus on meeting established program goals.
• The position requires some statewide travel, public presentations, participation in recruiting and community events, and occasional duties outside normal business hours.

Responsibilities

• Leads recruiting efforts to ensure a sufficient pool of qualified applicants is maintained for each class.
• Develops and maintains relationships with schools, alternative education programs, workforce organizations, juvenile justice organizations, social service agencies, tribal organizations, community organizations, public and private agencies, military and National Guard organizations, and other referral sources.
• Conducts public presentations and represents the Thunderbird Challenge Program at recruiting and community events throughout the state as needed.
• Oversees the admissions process from initial applicant contact through application, eligibility review, interview, selection, and registration.
• Ensures applicants meet National Guard Youth Challenge Program eligibility criteria in accordance with applicable CNGBM requirements and internal program guidelines.
• Ensures recruiting and admissions records are accurate, complete, current, and maintained in accordance with established requirements.
• Tracks, analyzes, and uses recruiting and admissions data to guide decisions and improve results.
• Monitors applicant progress, recruiting sources, conversion rates, registration projections, and other key performance measures to identify trends, recognize potential shortfalls, evaluate recruiting effectiveness, and adjust strategies as needed.
• Serves as the primary program point of contact for the digital marketing contractor.
• Communicates recruiting needs, coordinates campaign efforts, reviews performance and deliverables, and provides input on recruiting related messaging and advertising.
• Coordinates updates to admissions related website information, including application acceptance periods, available class openings, and class start dates.
• Supervise, direct, coach, and evaluate the performance of five Admissions Counselors.
• Establish recruiting assignments, territories, schedules, performance expectations, and accountability standards.
• Monitor employee performance, applicant caseloads, follow up efforts, and admissions outcomes.
• Provide guidance, feedback, training, and corrective direction as needed.
• Use recruiting and admissions performance data to identify individual and department trends, address performance gaps, and determine where additional focus or adjustments are needed.
• Coordinate with other program departments and external partners on recruiting initiatives, admissions processes, community engagement, and program improvement efforts.
• Ensure department operations comply with applicable National Guard Youth Challenge Program requirements, the Master Youth Programs Cooperative Agreement, Oklahoma Military Department guidance, and established Thunderbird Challenge Program policies and procedures.
• Perform additional duties as required.
• Manage applicant flow from initial contact through registration and ensure timely follow up throughout the process.
• Monitor and analyze recruiting and admissions performance, identify trends and potential shortfalls, and adjust strategies to improve applicant conversion and registration results.
• Maintain accurate recruiting and admissions records and prepare performance reports for program leadership.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with referral sources, community partners, and other organizations that support recruiting efforts.
• Participate in statewide recruiting activities, public presentations, and community events.
• Coordinate recruiting related digital marketing activities and admissions related website updates

Benefits

• A percentage of matching contributions to employees’ retirement plans
• 11 holidays
• A minimum of 15 days of annual and sick leave per year
• A comprehensive benefits package, including a benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree