Director of Admissions and Financial Aid

The Director of Admissions and Financial Aid establishes relationships with prospective students and their families to recruit and enroll students at Carthage College in support of institutional enrollment goals. This position serves as a key partner to new and prospective students and their families, helping them successfully navigate the admissions and financial aid processes from inquiry through enrollment.

The Director provides leadership in recruitment strategy, territory management, and financial aid counseling while representing Carthage College through on-campus and off-campus recruitment activities. This position also supports the development of enrollment strategies, scholarship initiatives, and data-informed recruitment practices that contribute to the College’s overall enrollment success.

Responsibilities

• Establish relationships with prospective students and their families through email, telephone, virtual communication, and in-person meetings during both on-campus visits and off-campus recruitment events.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for prospective students and families, guiding them through the admissions and financial aid processes and clearly communicating next steps toward enrollment.
• Travel throughout assigned recruitment territories to represent Carthage College at high schools, college fairs, community events, and other recruitment venues to generate interest and encourage applications and enrollment.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of assigned territories, including high schools, community partners, and competitor institutions, while identifying opportunities for recruitment growth.
• Meet individually with prospective students and their families during campus visits to discuss academic programs, student life, financial aid options, and the overall Carthage experience.
• Represent the Office of Admissions during on-campus recruitment events such as open houses, scholarship interview days, counselor programs, and admitted student events (which may include weekend work during certain times of the year).
• Provide financial aid counseling to prospective students and their families, including guidance regarding scholarships, financial aid packages, FAFSA completion, and financing options.
• Support scholarship programs and recruitment initiatives designed to attract academically talented and mission-aligned students to Carthage College.
• Review admissions applications and supporting materials, including transcripts and academic credentials, for prospective freshmen and transfer students.
• Work collaboratively with the financial aid team to review financial aid packages and assist families in understanding college costs and available resources.
• Utilize the College’s CRM system (Slate) and other enrollment management tools to track prospective student engagement, manage communications, and analyze recruitment data.
• Collaborate with faculty, athletics, marketing, and campus partners to promote academic programs and strengthen recruitment outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Requires a minimum of one to three years of related experience, such as sales, business, marketing, or admissions recruitment
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to effectively communicate with prospective students and their families, administrators, and faculty members.
• Ability to use a personal computer, web browser, Microsoft Office Suite, and CRM systems such as Slate.
• Knowledge of and ability to operate standard office equipment such as telephones, computers, and related technology.
• Ability to occasionally travel to conduct college recruitment and enrollment activities.

About Carthage

Located on the shore of Lake Michigan in the thriving Chicago-Milwaukee corridor, Carthage College blends the best liberal arts traditions with desirable degree programs, transformative learning opportunities, and personal attention from dedicated faculty and staff. Our beautiful campus, an 80-acre arboretum with stunning lake views, is home to 2,600 undergraduate students and 200 graduate students. Founded in 1847, Carthage is consistently named a Best Midwestern College by The Princeton Review and a Most Innovative School by U.S. News & World Report. All Carthage employees play a vital part in the success of our students, as we work together to create an environment where all can achieve their true potential. Grow with Carthage.

Carthage College is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse community. We welcome applications from a broad spectrum of people, including members of ethnic minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.