Assistant Director of Admissions (Chicago-based)

The Assistant Director of Admissions advances Illinois Wesleyan’s enrollment goals by leading recruitment and outreach efforts in a designated territory, leveraging regional expertise to cultivate relationships with students, families, school counselors, and local partners. This role evaluates applicant files, provides informal mentorship and guidance to newer colleagues, guides outreach and messaging strategies, and collaborates broadly across campus to enhance the prospective student experience, decision‑making, and strategic projects. Full‑time position based in the Chicagoland area. Generous benefits include health, retirement, considerable time off and access to multiple tuition programs for self and dependents. Responsibilities Recruitment and Territory Management: manage an assigned territory to recruit prospective students and support them through the admissions process; represent IWU at school visits, college fairs, and on‑campus events; build relationships with prospective students, parents, and key partners; use data and market analysis to make territory strategy recommendations; provide guidance to Admissions Counselors on effective outreach and messaging. Application Review and Admissions Decisions: evaluate applicant files and contribute to admissions decisions in alignment with institutional goals; review academic credentials, extracurricular involvement, and personal statements; apply admissions criteria consistently to ensure fair decision making; participate in committee discussions and consensus-building; document recommendations and rationales in the application system. Specialized Recruitment Areas (Chicago Regional Representative): coordinate assigned specialized recruitment initiatives to support institutional enrollment goals; lead the strategic recruitment plan for a distinct geographic region, bringing deep insight into regional trends, schools and prospective student interests; cultivate relationships with local counselors, community partners, and organizations to maximize regional impact; analyze and respond to unique market dynamics, making data‑driven recommendations tailored to that territory; serve as the institution’s primary resource for all matters related to recruitment, outreach and yield in that area. Collaboration and Special Projects: support office‑wide initiatives through cross‑campus collaboration and leadership on projects that advance institutional objectives; attend admissions staff and enrollment division meetings; contribute to data analysis and reporting on recruitment outcomes; assist with strategic enrollment projects as assigned by supervisor or senior leadership; represent the Office of Admissions on committees and working groups; campus visit and event support. Requirements Bachelor’s degree required. Three years’ of progressive admissions enrollment experience. Understanding of higher education policies, CRM systems and effective communication practices to support prospective student engagement and staff training. Travel approximately 30% of the time, including overnight, weeknight, and weekend travel during the recruitment season. Valid driver's license and reliable personal transportation required. Preference for fluency in Spanish. Physical requirements: stand and walk; twist; lift, carry, push, and pull objects that weigh up to 25 pounds. Location: Chicagoland area. Salary: $48k-$60k, based on experience. The final candidate will pass a pre‑employment background investigation. Illinois Wesleyan University is committed to recruiting, supporting, and fostering a community that values a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds among our outstanding faculty, staff, and students. We seek candidates who have a demonstrated commitment to contributing to and enhancing our community in these areas. Illinois Wesleyan University is an EEO Employer. Illinois Wesleyan University’s sexual misconduct policy may be accessed at Illinois Wesleyan University is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to promoting excellence through a variety of viewpoints. #J-18808-Ljbffr Illinois Wesleyan University