Assistant Director of Admissions, Morris

The Assistant Director of Admissions supports the Director and Associate Director in achieving institutional enrollment goals by leading targeted recruitment initiatives, leading the work of a team of admissions counselors, managing key territories or populations, and contributing to strategic planning, application review, and yield efforts. This position combines leadership, data-driven decision-making, and direct student engagement to recruit and enroll a high-achieving diverse student body while advancing the college's mission and values.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate a team of admission counselors and support staff; provide training, set performance goals, monitor progress, and foster professional development.
• Manage a designated recruitment territory, special population (e.g., out-of-state, underrepresented groups), or functional area (e.g., first-year admissions, events, operations).
• Develop and implement recruitment strategies, travel plans, and outreach programs to meet enrollment targets, including high school visits, college fairs, virtual sessions, and community partnerships.
• Represent the institution at recruitment events, conduct information sessions, lead campus tours, and deliver presentations to prospective students, families, counselors, and stakeholders.
• Oversee or participate in holistic application review, including evaluation of academic records, essays, recommendations, test scores (if applicable), and extracurricular achievements to determine admission eligibility and institutional fit.
• Analyze recruitment and admission data using CRM systems (e.g. Slate) to track progress, identify trends, evaluate effectiveness of strategies, and recommend improvements.
• Collaborate on yield initiatives to convert admitted students to enrolled students through personalized communication, admitted student events, and follow-up campaigns.
• Assist in developing marketing materials, digital campaigns, social media content, and communications strategies to enhance visibility and attract applicants.
• Serve as a key liaison with high school counselors, alumni, community organizations, and internal departments (e.g. financial aid, academic advising, marketing).

• Ensure compliance with institutional policies, data privacy regulations (e.g. FERPA), and ethical admissions standards.

• Contribute to office-wide planning, budgeting for recruitment travel/events, process improvements, and special projects as assigned by the Director.

• Perform other duties to support the admissions and enrollment team.

Working Conditions:

• Full-time position with a flexible schedule requiring significant travel, evening, and weekend commitments during peak periods (fall and spring).
• Hybrid - a combination of in-office work, remote/virtual work, on-campus events, and off-campus travel. The position requires an on-campus presence for a minimum of 6-8 days per month, generally structured as either one full week or two shorter weeks on campus, depending on departmental needs and the event/recruitment calendar.
• When on campus it would be in Morris, MN
• Occasional lifting of recruitment materials and event setup.

This leadership role offers the chance to shape institutional enrollment while directly impacting students' educational journeys.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution plus at least four years of progressively responsible experience in college admission, recruitment, enrollment management, or a closely related field (e.g., student affairs, advising, sales/marketing in education). (Master's degree in higher education, counseling, business, communications, or related field plus at least two years relevant experience preferred).
• Prior supervisory or leadership experience, or demonstrated ability to lead projects and mentor staff.
• Strong knowledge of undergraduate admission processes, recruitment strategies, application evaluation, and enrollment trends.
• Excellent interpersonal, public speaking, and written/verbal communication skills with the ability to engage audiences effectively.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering access, belonging, and student success for individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Proficiency with enrollment management software/CRM systems (e.g., Slate) and Microsoft Office Suite; strong data analysis and reporting skills.
• Valid driver's license and willingness/ability to travel extensively (including evenings, weekends, and overnight stays) during peak recruitment seasons.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supervising admissions counselors or managing a recruitment team/territory.
• Familiarity with financial aid processes, scholarship awarding, transfer credit evaluation, or international admission.
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding enrollment goals.
• Experience with event planning, digital marketing, social media strategy, or virtual recruitment tools.

Pay Range: $52,450 - $58,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota Morris (UMN Morris)

The University of Minnesota Morris (UMN Morris) makes its home on a 121-year-old campus on the western edge of the state and is one of the top public liberal arts colleges in the nation. The small, close-knit campus emphasizes faculty/student collaboration in research, study abroad, and community engaged learning. Deeply rooted in the tall grass prairies of Minnesota, the campus also has advanced sustainable, environmentally friendly initiatives that have grown to levels of national leadership and touch nearly all aspects of campus life.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.