Executive Director of Admissions

Internal•Bellingham, WA

About The Position

As part of the Division of Academic Affairs and reporting to the Vice Provost for Enrollment Management, the Executive Director of Admissions leads a team of about 30 permanent staff and a large team of student staff and is charged with developing and executing Western Washington University’s admissions and recruitment strategies. This role demands strong leadership, exceptional communication skills, technological fluency, a deep dedication to excellence in higher education, and a commitment to student success and development. The Executive Director is an integral part of the Enrollment Management Unit and a critical player in developing enrollment strategies for the university. In addition to leading the admissions team and being an effective manager, this leader will foster meaningful relationships across campus and in the community, always with a student-centered approach. The Executive Director will lead recruitment efforts in alignment with the university’s vision and strategic plan, working in partnership with campus stakeholders to attract and enroll a diverse and talented undergraduate student body—including first-year, transfer, international, visiting/non-matriculating, returning, and dual enrolled—for the Bellingham campus and other WWU locations. In addition to leading an efficient and effective admissions and recruitment operation, the Executive Director will be a collaborative leader and a diplomatic communicator who excels at bringing stakeholders together to support effective and data-driven decision-making in the search, outreach, recruitment, and yield of new students.

Requirements

Master’s degree
Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in college recruitment and admissions
Minimum of 5 years’ experience supervising professional staff in higher education admissions

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated knowledge of the admission process, including recruitment/yield, application review, application processing, and applicant communication strategies
Knowledge of higher education recruitment landscape
Fluency in best practices for college recruitment
Demonstrated leadership supporting diversity and multiculturalism and sensitivity to academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of applicants
Excellent communication skills
Understanding of innovative technology and media in recruitment and admissions processes, including knowledge and effective integration of CRM, student information systems such as BANNER, Parchment, etc.
Demonstrated budget management experience
Demonstrated understanding of the role of scholarships and other financial aid in achieving enrollment goals
Demonstrated ability to establish collegial relationships with students, family members, faculty, administrators, staff and the community
Experience analyzing and interpreting data to support decision making for building recruitment strategies
Strong record of successful team-building and management of staff

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Recruitment: Develop and implement a comprehensive and data-informed recruitment strategy including segmented recruitment plans, utilizing market data and enrollment trends to target prospective students effectively.
Admissions Process Oversight: Manage the day-to-day operations of the admissions office, including application processing, review, and the final decision-making process.
Team Leadership and Management: Build and lead a high-performing admissions team, cultivating a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous professional growth.
Outreach and Events: Oversee the planning and coordination of on-campus recruitment events, including campus tours, information sessions, group events, fall preview events, and admitted student days. Also, guide the work of coordinating participation in events such as college fairs, high school visits, receptions and all outreach and events that promote the institution to prospective students and their families.
Marketing and Communication: Collaborate with University Marketing to develop and distribute effective promotional materials and communication strategies across various channels (print, web, email, text, social media).
Data Analysis and Reporting: Collect, analyze, and interpret enrollment data to evaluate the effectiveness of recruitment strategies, identify trends, and provide regular reports to senior leadership.
Operational Excellence & Technological Fluency: Leverage deep expertise in Slate CRM and a strong understanding of the enrollment management lifecycle to enhance systems and processes. Collaborate with IT, institutional research, and administrative units to optimize outcomes.
Collaboration and Liaison: Work closely with other university departments, including Financial Aid, Academic Advising, Orientation & Transition, University Residences, the Registrar’s Office, academic units, and Athletics, to ensure a seamless and supportive experience for new students.
Policy and Compliance: Provide recommendations and guidance in the development of state and university policy. Develop, implement, and enforce admissions policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations as well as institutional rules and policies.
Budget Management: Plan, develop, and control the departmental budget, ensuring effective utilization of financial resources.
Leadership of Recruitment and Admissions- 40%
Management of Staff – 15%
Represent the Team and the University—20%
Reporting and Data Analysis - 15%
Compliance, Policy, and Budget- 10%