Purpose of Role
The Director of Admissions oversees the Admissions operations of the University and provides strategic leadership and management for all aspects of a comprehensive admissions program to ensure the achievement of the enrollment goals in a manner consistent with the University's mission and strategic plan.
General Job Brief
The Director of Admissions will partner with the Exec VP & COO, the President, his Cabinet and other key campus stakeholders. The Contractor will help to implement a financial aid leveraging model that will enable the University to use resources effectively and responsibly while enrolling a strong, qualified, and diverse student body. The Contractor will be expected to implement strategies and plans for conducting the major recruitment components of Arizona Christian University’s Strategic Plan, including the recruitment of international students, and work collaboratively with the Exec VP & COO in matters of retention and persistence.
As a key leader of the Admissions team, this role will manage recruitment operations, coach and motivate Admissions Counselors, implement data-informed strategies, and build relationships that lead to long-term enrollment growth and mission alignment.
This role also requires a comprehensive understanding of and commitment to the unique Christian mission and vision of ACU to Transform Culture with Truth, and the ability to advance that mission and vision through the performance of its duties, including person-to-person mentorship and discipleship.
Leadership
- Provide visionary leadership for the attraction of students, their academic program, and student life opportunities.
- Develop and articulate strategic plans for all divisions of responsibility.
- Provide leadership in the development of online degree programs.
- Develop and maintain relationships between the university and its internal and external constituencies.
- Serves on behalf of the university in the direction of the Exec VP & COO
- Advises the Exec VP & COO on all matters concerning the university including planning, policy, and enrollment.
Duties
- Design, implement, maintain, and communicate an annual comprehensive student recruitment plan.
- Assist the Enrollment Teams in the development and implementation of strategies and plans for conducting the retention and persistence components of the Arizona Christian University Strategic Plan.
- Commit to the student-centered mission and vision of the institution.
- Work closely with the Exec VP & COO, the President, Board of Trustees, and Cabinet to provide overall leadership and direction on enrollment matters.
- Oversee daily operations to ensure appropriate staffing of positions and staff development; encourage and support opportunities for professional growth for all staff members; foster a work environment with respect, collaboration, and excellence.
- Develop annual budget requests for the enrollment enterprise of the University.
- Provide comprehensive enrollment reports, foster a data-driven culture, utilize a variety of reporting tools, and collaborate with Institutional Research, Institutional Effectiveness, and Information Technology staff to ensure consistent data reporting.
- Representing the University on enrollment-related matters to parents, community members, and other constituents.
Responsibilities
- Enrollment Growth: Develop and implement aggressive strategies to meet or exceed enrollment growth targets. Continuously assess and refine these strategies to adapt to changing market trends and achieve desired outcomes.
- Team Leadership and Management: Hire, train, and manage a team of recruiters and support staff. Provide leadership and direction to ensure the team is initiative-taking and effective in meeting enrollment goals.
- Enrollment Marketing and Lead Generation: Oversee the development and execution of strategic marketing plans to generate leads and increase prospective student engagement. Utilize digital marketing, social media, and traditional marketing channels to maximize reach and impact.
- Data Analysis and Decision Making: Utilize data analytics to track and evaluate the effectiveness of recruitment and marketing strategies. Make data-driven decisions to optimize enrollment processes and improve conversion rates from inquiry to enrollment.
- Training and Motivation: Develop comprehensive training programs for recruiters and admissions staff to enhance their skills and knowledge. Create a motivating work environment that encourages team members to achieve excellence in their roles.
- Collaboration and Communication: Work closely with academic departments, marketing, student services, and other key stakeholders to ensure a cohesive and collaborative approach to enrollment management. Communicate effectively with all levels of the university to keep stakeholders informed of enrollment strategies and progress.
- Market Research and Trends: Stay informed about higher education trends, market demands, and competitive landscape. Use this knowledge to inform strategic planning and positioning of the university in the marketplace.
- Support: the mission and vision of Arizona Christian University and its Statement of Faith Core Commitments.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of Admissions Counselors.
- Set and monitor individual and team goals aligned with university enrollment targets.
- Cultivate a culture of accountability, mission focus, and excellence within the recruitment team.
- Ultimately responsible for non-athletic campus recruitment.
- Strategic Recruitment
- Develop and execute annual student recruitment plans in partnership with the EVP & COO.
- Use CRM and data analytics to inform territory management, recruitment campaigns, and outreach priorities.
- Identify and engage new student pipelines (e.g., Website, PPC, Christian high schools, homeschool networks, church partnerships, youth ministries, etc.).
- Relationship Building
- Serve as a key ambassador of ACU's mission and values to prospective students, families, school counselors, pastors, and community leaders.
- Oversee recruitment travel and attendance at college fairs, conferences, and school visits across targeted territories.
- Collaborate with marketing and academic departments to ensure accurate, engaging, and relevant messaging.
- Operational Excellence
- Ensure timely, effective communication with prospective students through all stages of the admissions funnel.
- Monitor conversion rates and make tactical adjustments to improve outcomes at every stage—from inquiry to matriculation.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of higher education trends, best practices, and competitor analysis.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
- Commitment to the University’s faith statement, mission, and purposes; and an active Christian faith.
- Comfort and familiarity with the practice of praying with and for others, including students, faculty, and fellow University staff.
- The ability to meaningfully support and encourage students, faculty, and staff from a biblical worldview perspective, using relevant and applicable references from the Old and New Testaments and orthodox Christian writings.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a supportive and mission-driven team.
- Opportunity to make a real impact on the lives of students.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Grow with a fast-expanding university that values your experience and passion.
If you have a heart for service and want to be part of a growing university that is changing lives, apply today!
Fair Labor Standards Act: This position is considered to be Full-time, Exempt for overtime pay provisions as provided by the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and any applicable state laws.
