Olivet College Hiring for Associate Director of Admissions at Olivet, MI Full Time

Olivet College, a liberal arts college in south central Michigan with a long-standing commitment to inclusion and diversity, invites applications for an Associate Director of Admissions. Given the college’s commitment to supporting a diverse and inclusive college community, members of historically underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

About the College: Olivet College was founded in 1844 as a college open to all regardless of race, gender, or ability to pay. The college’s faculty and staff continue its tradition of creating and sustaining a welcoming and inclusive educational environment for students. The college is one of the most diverse private liberal arts institutions in the state of Michigan and actively seeks diversity in its students, faculty, and staff. Students from underrepresented minorities constituted 26% of the fall 2021 student body, with over 17% of the student body identifying as African American. The student body is a mix of urban and rural students from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds, many of whom are first-generation college attendees. The college’s faculty and staff are committed to providing personalized, individualized attention for students who commit themselves to seeking academic and personal success.

Position Summary:

The successful candidate assists the Director with all aspects of the admissions and recruitment process, act as a liaison between the college and prospective students and parents; review prospective student applications; coordinate admissions programs and receptions; and hold a primary recruiting responsibility for an assigned territory.

The successful candidate will also be well-versed in the college admission guidelines, standards, and procedures, and higher education recruitment in genera; able to clearly articulate and train others; possess knowledge of various financial aid programs, including application deadlines and regulations; have the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; be able to plan and implement recruitment events in an organized and efficient manner; and possesses the critical human relations skills used in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with college faculty, staff, administration, students, and members of the community and the public. 

Qualifications: 

Required: Bachelor’s degree with two-year experience in sales, college admissions, marketing, public relations, or related activities; excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills; a proven record of working effectively with diverse populations; highly motivated, attention to detail and the ability to organize effectively; a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel; work nights and weekends as necessary

Preferred: Three years of experience in admissions in liberal arts setting and/or recruiting/sales.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. If hired, a Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, must be completed at the start of employment. (position details follow at the end of this posting)

Starting Date: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled.

Compensation: Salary is commensurate with education and experience. Position includes a generous paid leave and holiday schedule, a comprehensive benefits package and tuition programs.

Application Process: Click on the “Online Application Form” link to be directed to the Career Center. Once at the Career Center, select this title and then the “Apply” icon to complete a profile and upload a cover letter, resume and contact information for three references.

Offer of hire is contingent upon receipt of documents, completion of a background check, and verification of information submitted.

Position Detail

Essential Responsibilities:

• Coordinates and supervises admissions representatives, directing their daily activities in conjunction with the Director of Admissions.
• Responsible for tracking, monitoring, and providing daily performance feedback to admissions representative and assistant director(s).
• Provides performance reports to the Director of Admissions.
• Creates and implements training sessions for the admissions staff as needed.
• Understands and implements Slate, the admissions CRM, daily and ensures that the team is using it appropriately.
• Serves as department liaison and resource to other college departments, faculty and staff, representing the department at numerous meetings and presentations on and off-campus.
• Attends professional development programs and conferences to stay connected to the newest recruiting trends and practice.
• Develops and maintains close working relationships with key secondary school constituents. 
• Travels throughout Michigan representing Olivet College at various recruitment events and presenting enrollment campaigns and scholarship awards throughout the year.
• Understands and accurately communicates with prospective students and parents regarding financial aid application procedures, financial aid eligibility requirements, student budgeting and financial planning for college.
• Meets or exceeds personal and team goals by following and guiding staff using the strategic plan set forth by the Director of Admissions.
• Facilitates and coordinates weekly staff meetings.
• Works directly with the Assistant Director of Admissions regarding team training exercises, new campaigns, goal setting, and general team building activities.
• Manages departmental programs and special projects relating to admissions as assigned.
• Assists with creation and implementation of a strategic recruitment plan.
• Assists with various marketing projects as needed.

• Serves as the international student recruitment coordinator, ensuring all international students are efficiently and effectivley recruited.
• Refines and implements the international student recruitment process by partnering with various departments on campus to ensure the process is successful.

• Serves in absence of the Director of Admissions, assuming all responsibilities and authority as needed.

General Responsibilities:

• Articulates the College’s mission to a variety of publics, acting as a liaison between Olivet College and area college counselors/administrators, students, parents, alumni, corporations and/or governmental agencies; 
• Initiates, plans, and executes special projects in conjunction with the goals and objectives of the department; 
• Receives and evaluates application materials and makes admissions recommendations;
• Develops and implements specific recruitment projects and management tasks as assigned;
• Manages, plans, and coordinates special recruitment events as assigned. 

• Develops and maintains a recruitment territory to engage with students, families, and community members.

• Maintains current knowledge of the Olivet College’s academic, spiritual, recreational, social, extra-curricular, and financial aid programs, and communicates this information to prospective students; 
• Encourages a healthy and productive working relationship with departments across campus. 
• Completes routine reports related to recruitment, projections, conversions, personal schedule, travel, special programs, and/or expense reports; 
• Maintains up to date records on inquiries and applicants via the CRM; 
• Attends Admission team staff meetings and is prepared to report on management tasks that were previously assigned; 
• Maintains a steady flow of communication via email, traditional mail, social media, phone calls and texts with prospective students and applied students to establish a relationship between the student and Olivet College;
• Exercises creativity in planning recruitment events, assigned projects and daily activities;
• Participates on Olivet College committees;
• Works periodic weekends, evenings, and travels locally and out-of-state; 
• Will be cross trained in enrollment processes for other student populations and cover appointments as needed; 

Initiative, Judgment, and Job Complexity 

Position requires a high degree of initiative and independent judgment; discretion is allowed within current policies and procedures, including the ability to recommend improvements to policies and procedures.

Financial Responsibility 

Position includes responsibility for planning the expenditure of College funds, significant expenses while traveling, and responsibility for College equipment and records. Exercise of effective human relations skills is critical to the success of this position. Position is key to maintaining important College relations with College faculty, staff, administration, students, and members of the community and the public. 

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions Working Conditions:

Inside work environment; non-hazardous work (Infrequent exposure to extremes in noise, temperatures, distractions, etc. Little or no exposure to hazards. Generally good working conditions with infrequent exceptions). 

Must be able to drive to off-site recruitment locations.

Light physical exertion. Normally seated, standing, or walking at will. Periodic handling of lightweight parcels or supplies. Use of handcart for transporting admissions materials.