Associate Director of Admission

Associate Director of Admission

Mount Holyoke College is a highly selective gender-diverse women's college. The first of the Seven Sister colleges, we are a noted leader in liberal arts education with a mission grounded in the conviction that women can – and should – make a difference in the world.

Mount Holyoke attracts ambitious and independent-minded students to our inclusive and socially conscious community of 2,200 students, who hail from nearly all 50 states and more than 80 countries. One of the most diverse liberal arts institutions in the U.S., the College combines rigorous, innovative academics with embedded career experiences that prepare students for leadership in their chosen field. Our graduates are consistently recognized for doing groundbreaking work – in all fields, on all continents, and in a vast array of languages.

Receiving over 5,000 applications for first-year, transfer and Frances Perkins Scholar admission, the Office of Admission engages a sophisticated and robust recruitment program to bring in a class of 545 first-year students each cycle. The Office is looking for a talented, dynamic and versatile professional to join its ranks as an Associate Director who will: support projects related to application evaluation and selection of admitted students; serve as an athletics liaison, working with athletics management, coaching staff and athletics fellows on student athlete recruitment; and who will contribute to a variety of recruitment, selection and yield initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Travel & Recruitment

• Travel 6-8 weeks per year (fall and spring) visiting high schools and community-based organizations to deliver key messages about the College in public presentations (information sessions) to diverse audiences; discerning the most appropriate style of communication to effectively deliver messages to each unique audience
• Schedule recruitment appointments in assigned travel territory (including liaison work with schools, counselors, and other educational stakeholders, in addition to prospective students and families)
• Collaborate on program development, organization, and implementation of strategic admission initiatives relating to recruitment and travel
• Represent the college nationally, and if required, internationally, at high schools and other recruitment venues. Staff college fairs, conduct interviews, deliver group information sessions, and represent the college at off-campus events

Athletic Department Liaison

• Partner with the Senior Associate Director of Admission to serve as the liaison between Admission and Athletics; work with coaches and Athletics Director and prospective student athletes and parents
• Serve on Admission Recruitment and Yield Committee
• Represent the Office of Admission at athletic games and competitions
• Assist in planning and execution of campus events for athletic recruits, including riding; speak at athletic recruiting events
• Hire and supervise current student Equestrian Fellows; hold meetings with Fellows and coaches; oversee Fellows' initiatives to recruit prospective riders
• Train current student athletes to serve as effective hosts for the College
• Assist in planning and implementation of new admission training program for coaches
• Participate in impact-athlete decision meetings with coaches
• Conduct athletic pre reads

Reading, Evaluation & Selection

• In collaboration with the Director of Admission, prepare for first year application reading season by updating reader manuals, rating rubric, Slate reports and queries; automated messages to applicants; train readers and implement protocol to assure reading consistency; assign and balance reading loads; monitor reading expectations and goals for all territory management staff members
• In collaboration with the Director of Admission, assist with post-decision processes, waitlist and spring decision management; merit appeals; communication with the campus partners about special circumstances among incoming students; review of incoming student final transcripts
• Act as primary conductor of reading schedule to ensure progress toward application reading goals
• Participate in and lead selection committee meetings when appropriate
• Read and evaluate applications from assigned domestic territories
• Guide and support applicants within assigned territories, including individualized outreach

Supervision

• Supervise, train and mentor staff; Foster a community of solidarity and a professional-growth mindset within the department.
• Contribute to building positive morale in the department and division.

Reporting & Analytics

• Assess effectiveness of all major responsibilities within the annual cycle by using data analytics platforms and information; recommend changes and suggest new approaches in annual report format
• Incorporate feedback assessments for all program responsibilities
• Other duties as assigned

Skills/Knowledge/Certifications

1. Required

• Bachelor's degree. A minimum of 4 years in admission recruitment or events or related experience.
• Understanding of and enthusiasm for the mission of women's colleges.
• Ability to work collegially and effectively with a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, and visitors on a daily basis.
• Superior oral, analytic and written communication skills; effective public speaking; an ability to engage with large audiences of prospective students, families, and college counselors.
• An understanding of the liberal arts and an ability to communicate their value clearly, cogently, and confidently.
• Anticipates and effectively handles change; demonstrates willingness to try new skills and challenging tasks.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to multitask.

2. Preferred

• 5+ years experience working in a selective college/university admission environment.
• Experience with project management.
• Adept at using Microsoft Office and Google products required, experience with Technolutions Slate CRM preferred.
• Knowledge about and passion for women's colleges and gender affirming communities
• Passion for traveling independently and an interest in learning about high school students

Supervision

• Assistant Director of Admissions

Hiring range: $68,272 - $76,806

What We Offer:

• 403(b) Retirement Plan (College contributes 10.5% of salary)
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Disability and Leave Benefits
• Life Insurance (College paid coverage 1x salary)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Benefits (to Mount Holyoke College or others)
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Access to Kendall Sports & Dance Complex

Background Checks:

Mount Holyoke College is committed to providing a safe and secure environment, supported by qualified employees that will allow all of its students, faculty, staff and those associated with them to successfully carry out the mission of the college. As a condition of employment, the College will conduct appropriate background checks for all new hires. Mount Holyoke has designated the Office of Human Resources as the office responsible for ensuring that background checks (CORI, SORI, Credit History, & Driver Credential) are completed and utilized in the hiring process and Five College Office of Compliance and Risk Management as the office responsible for facilitating background checks as articulated in this policy.

Special Instructions for Applicants:

• Apply online; application materials must include:
• A cover letter summarizing interests and qualifications
• A complete resume or curriculum vitae
• For faculty positions, statements on mentoring, teaching, and research will also be required.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.