Admissions Events Manager

CCS•Detroit, MI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Admissions Events Manager plans, administers, and manages the logistics, budgets, and staffing for College for Creative Studies admissions and recruitment events, both on and off campus. The role is the primary operational lead for campus visit experiences and major Admissions initiatives, coordinating event details such as staffing, space reservations, equipment rentals, catering, campus access, signage, guest experience, and post-event reporting. The manager also directs the MI Thumb and SE MI Scholastic Art & Writing Awards program and related activities from December through March. Working with campus staff, faculty, contractors, and external organizations, the manager ensures events reflect the College’s art and design brand, support enrollment goals, and provide an exceptional, inclusive experience for prospective students, families, educators, and influencers. The position supervises Admissions Events staff and student ambassadors, coordinates recruitment staffing, supports event communications and registration in partnership with the Assistant Director, and tracks event outcomes to inform future recruitment strategy. The position reports to the Assistant Director of Admissions Marketing, Communications and Events and is a full-time, exempt role in Enrollment Services.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in event management, hospitality, communications, higher education, or a related field, or at least 3 years of relevant professional experience in event planning, program execution, or higher education recruitment.
Demonstrated experience in staff or small-team management, budget administration, purchasing or purchase orders, vendor management, report development, and expense tracking.
Strong proficiency with office productivity software, including Microsoft and Google Suite, and Zoom or other scheduling software.
Excellent public speaking, organizational, interpersonal, project management, and written communication skills.
Ability to foster intercultural competence and create an inclusive, welcoming environment for diverse prospective students and families.
Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including frequent evenings and weekends during peak recruitment seasons.

Nice To Haves

Prior event management experience within an art and design college or higher education enrollment setting.
Experience with basic photo-editing software such as Adobe Photoshop or Canva for event signage.
Direct experience managing large-scale events, including National Portfolio Days or open houses.
Hands-on experience with higher education CRMs such as TargetX/Salesforce for registration and attendee management.

Responsibilities

Plan, administer, and manage logistics and budgets for on- and off-campus recruitment events, including admitted student events, open houses, portfolio days, college fairs, educator receptions, tours, information sessions, workshops, signature initiatives, Scholastic Art & Writing Awards activities, and virtual events.
Oversee catering, equipment rentals, directional signage, and audio/visual needs; maintain and track event equipment and supply inventory.
Manage RSVPs, purchase orders, receipt of goods, catering, invoice payments, and event budgets in accordance with departmental financial guidelines.
Maintain the College’s good standing with professional associations and organizations required for recruitment and event participation.
Supervise, mentor, and evaluate Admissions Events staff, event-day staff, and the Student Ambassador team; manage and approve timesheets, travel requests, and expense reports.
Coordinate admissions counselors, faculty, student ambassadors, and alumni representatives for on- and off-site recruitment and portfolio events.
Collaborate with academic departments, faculty, Student Affairs, Financial Aid, and campus facilities to arrange participation, space, and scheduling.
Partner with the Assistant Director on event promotional messaging, email workflows, registration setups, and SMS campaigns, following institutional brand guidelines and CRM best practices.
Track attendee conversion rates, process post-event check-ins, compile survey feedback, and submit event ROI reports.
Direct implementation of the MI Thumb and SE MI Scholastic Art & Writing Awards program and related activities.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Assistant Director.