Director of Undergraduate Admissions & Advising

Cornell University•Ithaca, MI

3d•$88,865 - $108,613•Hybrid

About The Position

Cornell University seeks a collaborative, student-centered leader to direct undergraduate admissions and advising for the Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy. The Director shapes and advances the School’s admissions and advising strategy, strengthens recruitment and engagement, and supports an exceptional undergraduate experience from admission through graduation. The role provides strategic leadership and oversight for recruitment, admissions, and academic advising, developing approaches that advance enrollment priorities and student success. The Director works with Cornell’s University Admissions/Enrollment Division and admissions leaders across colleges and schools to advance university-wide goals while representing the Brooks School’s distinct priorities. The Director leads the Undergraduate Admissions and Advising team in developing and executing first-year and transfer recruitment and yield strategies, engaging prospective students and families, and guiding applicants through admissions. The Director also oversees undergraduate advising and student support, including academic advising, orientation, student programming, and initiatives that promote engagement, belonging, and academic success. As a partner in student services leadership, the Director collaborates with colleagues in academic advising, registrar services, career management, and graduate programs to improve the student experience and outcomes. The role also leads responses to complex student matters and supports students of concern in coordination with faculty, academic leadership, and campus colleagues. The position is based in Ithaca, New York, and follows a hybrid campus-to-home arrangement that may change. The work schedule is 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend hours for departmental events and some recruitment-season travel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and at least 5–7 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination.
Experience working with undergraduate students.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including writing across multiple platforms and giving presentations.
Ability to communicate effectively with prospective applicants, faculty, alumni, administration, and a broad range of stakeholders.
Aptitude with communications technology, including CRM systems, social media, and virtual presentation software.
Strong Excel, word-processing, and database skills.
Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Sound judgment, confidentiality, and discretion.
Experience collaborating and working on a team.
Strong interpersonal skills and service orientation.
High energy, initiative, enthusiasm, and ability to work independently.
Excellent organizational skills, including planning and scheduling, managing multiple tasks, and meeting time constraints.
Ability to travel occasionally.
Cover letter and resume required; the cover letter should describe interest in the position and explain how experience and professional goals align with the role.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or equivalent.
Supervisory experience.
Familiarity with evolving trends in higher education and admissions.
Experience crafting messaging and content for external audiences.
Experience presenting to groups.
Experience in marketing and communications or university admissions.
Experience with CRM and application management systems, such as CollegeNet or Salesforce.
Experience supervising administrative or transaction-oriented staff and/or student employees.
Advising or counseling experience.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and oversight for undergraduate admissions, recruitment, and academic advising.
Develop and implement initiatives that advance enrollment priorities and support undergraduate academic success and experience.
Represent Brooks School priorities while working with Cornell’s University Admissions/Enrollment Division and admissions leaders across colleges and schools on university-wide enrollment goals.
Lead the Undergraduate Admissions and Advising team in planning and executing first-year and transfer recruitment and yield strategies.
Engage prospective students and their families and guide them through the admissions process.
Oversee undergraduate advising and student support, including academic advising, orientation, student programming, and initiatives supporting engagement, belonging, and academic success.
Collaborate with academic advising, registrar services, career management, and graduate programs to enhance the student experience and strengthen outcomes.
Provide leadership in addressing complex student matters and supporting students of concern in coordination with faculty, academic leadership, and campus colleagues.
Lead and develop a high-performing team and build collaborative relationships across the academic environment.
Travel occasionally, including during the recruitment season, and work occasional weekends to support departmental events.