Posting Summary

Working Title
Assistant Director of Admissions and Communications

Type of Position
Staff - Full Time

Department
Enrollment Management

Appointment Length
July - June (12 mo)

Benefits Eligible?
Yes

F.T.E.
1.00

Description of Job Duties and Responsibilities

The Assistant Director of Admissions and Communication plays a key role in advancing Fairmont State University’s recruitment and admissions initiatives. This position oversees a team that may include several full-time staff members. The Assistant Director will provide direct management, guidance, and support to ensure effective recruitment and student outreach. Additionally, as the SLATE Captain for the Admissions department, the Assistant Director is responsible for maximizing the functionality of the SLATE CRM to improve communication, data accuracy, and engagement strategies.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership and Supervision 20%

• Directly manage and support a team of Admissions Counselors, providing guidance on recruitment strategies, student engagement, and performance goals.
• Conduct regular team meetings, set performance objectives, and deliver professional development to foster a high-performing, collaborative recruitment team.
• Monitor recruitment targets and assist in strategizing to meet enrollment goals through effective counselor outreach and engagement efforts.

SLATE System Management (SLATE Captain) 30%

• Serve as the SLATE Captain for the Admissions department, overseeing the CRM’s usage and optimizing its functionality to support recruitment and communication goals.
• Coordinate with IT, Enrollment Services, and the Admissions team to implement updates, troubleshoot issues, and manage user access within SLATE.
• Provide training and ongoing support to the Admissions team on SLATE features and best practices for efficient data tracking and communication with prospective students.

Communication Strategy Development 40%

• Develop, implement, and continuously evaluate a comprehensive admissions communication strategy designed to engage prospective students and their families throughout the recruitment and enrollment funnel. Utilize SLATE and other communication platforms to deliver timely, personalized, and data-informed outreach that supports institutional enrollment goals.
• Lead the planning, execution, and assessment of admissions communication campaigns, including email, text messaging, print, digital, and event-related communications. Monitor communication performance metrics and prospective student engagement data to identify opportunities for optimization and improved conversion rates.
• Collaborate closely with the Marketing and Communications team to ensure consistent messaging, branding, and strategic alignment across all admissions and recruitment materials. Serve as the primary liaison between Admissions and Marketing & Communications on recruitment-focused communication initiatives.
• Utilize data analytics, CRM reporting, and enrollment trends to inform communication strategies, audience segmentation, message development, and campaign effectiveness. Regularly assess communication outcomes and recommend enhancements to improve inquiry generation, application completion, yield, and enrollment performance.
• Support the development of annual communication plans, recruitment marketing strategies, and enrollment campaigns aligned with divisional and institutional priorities.

Collaboration and Cross-Departmental Engagement 10%

• Work closely with departments across campus to align admissions messaging with university-wide goals and events.
• Serve as a liaison between Admissions and other student services to ensure a seamless and supportive experience for prospective students.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Track and report on Admissions team performance, counselor activities, and CRM effectiveness in driving student engagement.
• Use SLATE and other data resources to identify trends, support recruitment strategies, and make data-informed decisions.

Minimum Required Education

Bachelor’s Degree Required, Master’s Preferred

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, marketing, communications, or a related field.
• Experience in admissions, recruitment, or a related field, with a proven record of leadership and team management.
• Familiarity with SLATE or similar CRM systems, with the ability to oversee CRM operations and train team members.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with experience developing and implementing outreach strategies.
• Strong public speaking skills and ability to engage large and small groups in a variety of settings.
• Strong analytical, problem solving, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure, especially during peak time or intense situations.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, multicultural, customer service-oriented environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and multiple deadlines.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time, including some evenings and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related student services or education field preferred.
• Experience teaching in a high school setting or working as a high school administrator preferred.
• Knowledge of FERPA, higher education, enrollment management, admissions strategies, and experience with diverse student populations.