Associate Director of Admissions for First Time College Students

Job Description Under the direction of the Executive Director of Enrollment Management, the Associate Director of Recruitment provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for first-year student recruitment initiatives, while serving as the primary Recruitment Coordinator for the Honors College and managing the Gateway Expansion Program. This role encompasses a broad scope of responsibilities, including the expansion of recruitment efforts in St. Louis City and St. Louis County, establishing Direct Admission partnerships with local school districts, and supporting international outreach initiatives. The Associate Director works collaboratively to develop and implement data-driven strategies that align with the University's enrollment objectives and further its mission of attracting a talented student body. Key Responsibilities First-Year Recruitment & Territory Management Develop and execute comprehensive, data-informed recruitment strategies to achieve first-year enrollment targets in assigned territories. Strengthen UMSL's presence in St. Louis City and St. Louis County by cultivating relationships with local high schools, community organizations, and other regional partners. Forge Direct Admission pathways with area school districts, streamlining the enrollment process for qualified students. Lead, mentor, and support a recruitment team, setting clear performance standards and monitoring progress toward defined objectives. Honors College Recruitment Coordination Serve as the dedicated liaison for the Honors College, identifying and recruiting high-achieving students who are well-suited to the College's academic rigor and scholarly community. Collaborate with Honors College faculty and staff to design targeted outreach, ensure smooth admission processes, and optimize yield for admitted honors candidates. Gateway Expansion Program Management & International Support Direct the Gateway Expansion Program to increase out-of-state enrollment, identifying new domestic markets and building sustainable pipelines of non-resident students. Support and contribute to international recruitment initiatives, partnering with designated teams to identify target regions, plan recruitment events, and develop outreach strategies that attract and enroll international students. Prospective Student Engagement & Counseling Establish trust-based relationships with prospective students and their families-local, out-of-state, and international-offering personalized, timely guidance from inquiry through enrollment. Exercise independent judgment in evaluating applicants, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities as well as criteria for the Honors College and Gateway Expansion Program. Presentations & Outreach Represent UMSL at high school visits, college fairs, community events, and virtual sessions, delivering compelling presentations that highlight academic offerings, the Honors College experience, and the advantages of enrolling at UMSL for both local and non-resident students. Approximately 10-12 weeks of travel in the fall and 3-5 weeks in the spring/summer may be required. Application Review & Communication Strategies Review and recommend applicants for admission using established criteria, sound professional judgment, and a comprehensive understanding of UMSL's enrollment goals. Develop and implement multi-channel communication plans, leveraging CRM systems and other tools to deliver personalized and effective outreach to various prospect pools. Financial Aid & Scholarship Guidance Cultivate a thorough knowledge of UMSL's merit scholarships and financial aid policies to accurately advise students and families on funding opportunities. Collaborate with Financial Aid staff to synchronize messaging and enhance the overall enrollment experience. Event Coordination & Enrollment Initiatives Collaborate and support on-campus, virtual, and off-site recruitment events, working with campus partners to highlight UMSL's academic strengths, sense of community, and student support services. Engage in social media and digital outreach strategies to increase UMSL's visibility among targeted local, out-of-state, and international markets. Leadership & Collaboration Serve as a core member of the admission leadership team, working closely with the Director of Admission and other colleagues to advance the University's strategic enrollment priorities. Uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct in all recruitment practices and engagements. Shift 40 hours/week. Monday thru Friday Minimum Qualifications A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 6 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary Preferred Qualifications Experience working in a public research university setting. Familiarity with current enrollment technologies, CRMs, and data analytics tools. In-depth knowledge of student recruitment best practices, including effective outreach in local and non-resident markets as well as international recruitment strategies. Understanding of financial aid, scholarship processes, and direct admission models. Skills and Competencies Strategic Thinking & Adaptability : Ability to refine recruitment plans based on data, market conditions, and institutional priorities. Interpersonal & Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication abilities, with a proven record of connecting effectively with all student and family populations. Leadership & Team Development : Demonstrated ability to inspire, mentor, and lead a high-performing recruitment team. Collaboration & Cross-Functional Coordination : Skilled at forging partnerships with faculty, staff, and external stakeholders to achieve shared enrollment goals. Anticipated Hiring Range $70,512 - $75,000 Grade: GGS-012 University Title: ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR. Sponsorship Information Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas. Benefit Eligibility This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at Equal Employment Opportunity The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To request ADA accommodations, please email the Office of Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of Missouri-Saint Louis