Director of Undergraduate Admissions & Advising

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Cornell University’s Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy seeks a collaborative, student-centered leader to direct undergraduate admissions, recruitment, and academic advising. The Director will shape and advance the School’s undergraduate admissions and advising strategy, support enrollment priorities, and promote student success from admission through graduation. The role works closely with University Admissions/Enrollment and admissions leaders across Cornell’s colleges and schools, representing the Brooks School’s priorities while contributing to university-wide enrollment goals. The Director leads the Undergraduate Admissions and Advising team in developing and carrying out first-year and transfer recruitment and yield strategies, engaging prospective students and their families, and guiding applicants through the admissions process. The Director also oversees undergraduate advising and student support, including academic advising, orientation, student programming, and initiatives that strengthen 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 enhance student experiences and outcomes. The role also helps address complex student matters and support students of concern through coordinated work with faculty, academic leadership, and campus colleagues. This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week Contract College position based in Ithaca, New York. The hybrid arrangement is four days on campus and one day remote during the academic year, and three days on campus and two days remote during summer and academic breaks; the arrangement may change. Work hours are 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend hours for departmental events. Occasional travel is required during the recruitment season. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and at least 5–7 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination.
Experience working with undergraduate students.
Strong college admissions experience, including recruitment and understanding of the prospective student lifecycle.
Experience providing academic advising and support to current students.
Excellent written communication across multiple platforms and strong speaking and presentation skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with prospective applicants, faculty, alumni, administrators, and other stakeholders.
Aptitude for 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, and enthusiasm; ability to work independently.
Excellent organizational skills, including planning and managing multiple tasks and deadlines according to schedules and calendars.
Ability to travel occasionally.

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 approaches that advance the School’s enrollment priorities and support undergraduate academic success and experience.
Represent the Brooks School and collaborate with University Admissions/Enrollment and admissions leaders across Cornell 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 provide guidance throughout the admissions process.
Oversee undergraduate academic advising, orientation, student programming, and initiatives supporting engagement, belonging, and academic success.
Collaborate with colleagues in academic advising, registrar services, career management, and graduate programs to enhance student experiences and outcomes.
Help address complex student matters and support students of concern in coordination with faculty, academic leadership, and campus colleagues.
Develop and implement strategic initiatives, lead and develop high-performing teams, and build collaborative relationships across the academic environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive health care options.
Generous retirement contributions.
Access to wellness programs.
Employee discounts with local and national retail brands.
Health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation, and 13 holidays, including a winter break from December 25 through January 1.
Two additional floating holidays.
Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program.
Tuition aid for external education.
Cornell Children’s Tuition Assistance Program.
Hybrid work arrangement, subject to change.