"Director of Admissions"

REQ-6560

Job Posting Title:

Director of AdmissionsJob Description:

Overview:

Reporting to the Vice President of Admissions and Marketing, the Director of Admissions is responsible for leading and coordinating the work of the Admissions staff to generate interest in programs and to achieve recruitment and enrollment goals. The Director of Admissions will lead, mentor, develop, and motivate the Admissions team and ensure all admissions activities comply with regulatory guidelines. This position evaluates individual and team performance to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of recruiting highly qualified graduate students with the potential to achieve their career objectives.

Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) was founded in 1997 as the first higher education institution in the United States dedicated exclusively to education and research related to the applied life sciences. KGI offers innovative postgraduate degrees and certificates that integrate life and health sciences, business, pharmacy, engineering, and genetics, focusing on industry projects, hands-on industry experiences, and team collaborations. KGI employs an entrepreneurial approach and industry connections that allow students to become leaders in healthcare and the applied life sciences.

Located in beautiful Claremont, California, KGI is a member of the Claremont Colleges, a consortium of five undergraduate liberal arts colleges, two graduate institutions, and The Claremont Colleges Services, which provides shared institutional support services. Each nationally recognized college has its own campus, students and faculty, and distinctive mission, and each offers top-notch curricula, small classes, distinguished professors, and personalized instruction. The Claremont Colleges consistently place at the top of national college rankings, including Forbes, Money and U.S.  News and World Report, and the Princeton Review.

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor's degree is required, in addition to a minimum of at least five years of college admissions experience (or appropriate related experience) with a record of progressively greater responsibility. A Master's degree is preferred.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:  Individuals must possess knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential function of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions may be performed, with or without, reasonable accommodations, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

Leadership

• Assume a leadership role for admissions in conjunction with the Vice President of Admissions and Marketing and create a working relationship with the Vice President of Academic Affairs, the Dean of the Riggs School of Applied Life Sciences, and the Dean of the School of Pharmacy to support admissions for new, current, and future programs and initiatives.
• Develop and implement applicant engagement strategies to ensure enrollment goals are achieved with qualified admitted students.
• Manage workloads for the Admissions team on a daily basis by monitoring key performance metrics.
• Responsible for planning, assigning and directing work; appraising employee performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; and addressing complaints and resolving problems timely.
• Assist the department with initiatives related to International Student admissions, onboarding, and on-campus programming, including International Student Orientation, CPT/OPT processing, current student workshops, and key metrics (daily, monthly, and historical data). The Director will be a backup as a DSO for our PDSO.
• Develop and oversee the admissions practices for all schools to ensure that all policies and procedures are followed regarding the application and enrollment of prospective students.
• Create and abide by Institute-wide document retention policies.
• Manage the planning of admissions new initiatives, weekly team meetings, Program Director meetings, and yield calls.
• Review data and development of our entering new student class profiles.
• Assist in developing and coordinating the implementation of diversity and inclusion initiatives within the admissions department.

Report on key metrics

• Maintain comprehensive reporting for all programs regarding application progress and prepare frequent reports for KGl's leadership.
• Update and report on dashboard metrics daily. Become proficient at Salesforce, EnrollmentRx, Empower, Workday, PharmCAS, OTCAS, CASPA, and any new application systems.
• Conduct research on admission trends and best practices and consolidate information into suggestions for new programs or other relevant activities and initiatives.
• Monitor departmental operating budget and approve admissions-related expenses.

Oversee Events

• Oversee the success of on-campus and virtual events such as Interview Days, Open House, information sessions, KGI Friday, or Visit Days.
• Oversee yield activities to include an admitted student day to ensure low melt for each program.
• Oversee conversions from the admissions funnel. Work with the team on strategies and incentives to move applicants through the process.

Other

• Collaborate with the Director of Marketing, Director of Outreach, and Director of Financial Aid to provide feedback on the institute's comprehensive strategic recruitment plan and scholarship support, ensuring a healthy pipeline of applications.
• Represent the Institute, particularly the admissions programs, to various constituents, including prospective students, their families, alumni, corporate partners, advisors, current students, and friends.
• Some travel may be required to support admissions initiatives and professional development.
• Other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  Individuals must possess knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential function of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions may be performed, with or without, reasonable accommodations, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• Must have extensive experience in relationship management, either from a fundraising, business development, sales, or marketing background.
• Entrepreneurial energy, self-direction, and an eagerness to generate ideas are essential.
• Excellent project management skills, ability to balance competing priorities, and complex situations.
• Demonstrated track record of meeting sales goals, forecasting, and have a strong work ethic and a winning attitude.
• Proficient with technology. Digitally dexterous with a high level of proficiency in Microsoft Office products (including Excel) and CRM systems. Preferred experience with Salesforce.
• Must have excellent professional rapport, exceptional oral and written communication skills, and a strong customer service orientation.
• Must be deadline-driven, highly organized, and detail-oriented.
• Must be able to work independently, take initiative, and follow through on issues.
• Must be willing to work collaboratively as a member of the Admissions team and to participate enthusiastically in the life of the Institute.
• Experience working with a diverse campus community and possess a commitment to equity and inclusion. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record (as maintained by the DMV) that is acceptable to the institute's insurance carrier.
• Able and willing to work weekend and evening hours, as required for events and programming.

Hours, Classification, and Status:

This is a regular, full-time, benefits-eligible, exempt position.

The regular hours of this position are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours may vary due to the needs of the College or department.

Salary range: $90,000 - $100,000 annualized. The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on various factors, including, but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.   

Special Requirements

Keck Graduate Institute has implemented a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and Influenza Vaccination Program covering all employees and students. Employees must submit proof of vaccination or an Institute-approved exception or deferral to comply with the policy.

Physical and Mental Requirements

Ability to maintain good concentration while dealing with interruptions; attention to details with emphasis on accuracy; capable of giving, receiving, and analyzing information; formulating work plans; and articulating goals and action plans.

Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time. Standing for extended periods of time. Reaching and extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction. Finger dexterity is required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than the whole hand(s) or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard. Communication skills using the spoken word. Ability to see within normal parameters. Ability to hear within normal parameters. Ability to bend and stoop, for example, to file. Ability to move about. Ability to lift and carry short distances up to 20 lbs., for example, to lift or move office supplies, files, books, and packages. Ability to drive locally and travel by airplane nationally. Occasionally, will be required to stand for prolonged periods of time at activities/events on and off-campus. The ability to travel locally and nationally up to 25%. May require overnight stays.

To Apply

A confidential review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made. To be ensured full consideration, please upload a letter of interest, resume, and three professional references. Minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Keck Graduate Institute is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate against qualified employees or applicants based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal law. Equal employment opportunity will be extended to all persons in all terms and conditions of employment. KGI strongly encourages candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.