Assistant Director of Admissions | Penn State School of International Affairs

Penn State University•University Park, IL

1d•$54,060 - $78,444•Hybrid

About The Position

The Penn State School of International Affairs (SIA) is seeking an Assistant Director of Admissions to support graduate student recruitment, admissions operations, prospective student engagement, and the School’s customer relationship management (CRM) system. SIA offers graduate degrees, certificates, Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate opportunities, and joint degree programs. The Assistant Director will contribute across the graduate enrollment cycle, from initial outreach through application, admission, and enrollment. This is a hybrid position, with the flexibility to work remotely up to 1–2 days per week, consistent with School and University policies and operational needs. The role requires operating a motor vehicle; a valid driver’s license and successful motor vehicle records check are required, in addition to standard background checks. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States; Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment visa. The salary range, including all possible grades, is $54,060–$78,444. Full-time employees receive a benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid holidays, vacation and sick time, and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 3 or more years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience in admissions, enrollment management, student services, higher education, recruitment, or a related field.
Experience with a CRM or enrollment management system.
Strong comfort working with data, reports, systems, and technology, with excellent attention to detail.
Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills, and outstanding written and oral communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, high-volume, deadline-driven environment.
Proactive, self-directed work style and ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
Valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check.
Authorization to work in the United States; Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of staff employment visas.
Successful completion of required background checks.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Technolutions Slate is strongly preferred.
Experience with recruitment communications, outreach or admissions marketing, email campaigns, or social media.
Experience recruiting graduate and/or international students.

Responsibilities

Serve as a primary point of contact and user for Slate, supporting day-to-day admissions CRM operations, including queries, reports, forms, communications, events, portals, and related processes.
Develop, maintain, and analyze admissions and recruitment reports and data to support enrollment planning, outreach strategies, and decision-making.
Build and execute targeted email communications and campaigns in Slate for prospects, applicants, admitted students, and other audiences throughout the enrollment cycle.
Support graduate recruitment by developing social media ad campaigns, digital marketing, and online outreach efforts.
Meet with and counsel prospective students about SIA programs, admissions requirements, the application process, and the graduate student experience.
Respond to admissions inquiries in a timely, professional, and student-centered manner throughout the recruitment and admissions cycle.
Review graduate admissions applications and make recommendations on applicant files in accordance with School and University guidelines.
Coordinate and participate in virtual and in-person information sessions, webinars, workshops, recruitment programs, and admitted-student and yield events.
Support prospect and inquiry data management, including importing and maintaining recruitment lists and helping ensure CRM data accuracy and integrity.
Collaborate with School leadership and colleagues in marketing, academic advising, student services, and other University offices to support recruitment and enrollment goals.
Track recruitment and admissions activity and help assess the effectiveness of outreach campaigns, events, and enrollment strategies.
Occasionally travel to graduate recruitment fairs, conferences, and other admissions-related events on behalf of the School.
Assist with other admissions and enrollment initiatives as needed throughout the recruitment cycle.