Assistant Director of Admissions Operations and CRM Strategy (University)

Overview

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Admissions Operations and CRM Strategy serves as a key leader within Enrollment Management, responsible for the strategic oversight and execution of admissions operations, systems, and data infrastructure. This role ensures the effective use of the university’s CRM and related technologies to support the full student lifecycle from prospect through enrollment.

Working in close partnership with Admissions leadership, Information Technology, and campus stakeholders, the Assistant Director drives process optimization, data integrity, and system innovation. This position functions as the primary CRM strategist and operational architect for Admissions, aligning technology, workflows, and communication strategies to support enrollment growth and student success.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Operations

• Serve as a member of the Admissions leadership team, contributing to strategy, planning, and continuous improvement of enrollment operations
• Provide day-to-day supervision of admissions operations staff, including workload management, performance development, and team culture
• Establish and maintain a service-oriented, solutions-focused operational environment that supports institutional enrollment goals
• Lead the development and ongoing refinement of admissions processes to improve efficiency, scalability, and effectiveness
• Collaborate with Enrollment Management leadership to align operational strategy with institutional priorities
  

CRM Strategy and System Management

• Serve as the functional lead and primary strategist for the Admissions CRM, ensuring it is fully leveraged to support recruitment, communication, and enrollment goals
• Design, implement, and maintain CRM architecture including workflows, communication plans, event management, application processes, and automation
• Translate recruitment and enrollment strategies into scalable CRM solutions, including drip campaigns, segmentation, and lifecycle communications
• Continuously evaluate and optimize CRM usage to improve engagement, conversion, and operational efficiency
• Partner with IT and external vendors to manage system integrations, enhancements, and troubleshooting
  

Data Integrity and Reporting

• Ensure the accuracy, consistency, and integrity of admissions data across all systems
• Develop and maintain reports, dashboards, and queries to support real-time decision-making and long-term planning
• Analyze enrollment funnel data and provide actionable insights to Admissions leadership
• Identify trends, gaps, and opportunities within the recruitment process and recommend data-informed solutions
• Oversee data governance practices within Admissions operations
  

Process Improvement and Innovation

• Lead ongoing assessment of admissions workflows, identifying opportunities for automation, simplification, and improved user experience
• Develop and maintain comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures for all admissions operations functions
• Manage application cycle preparation, including system updates, testing, and launch readiness
• Coordinate cross-functional efforts to streamline processes between Admissions, Financial Aid, Registrar, and Marketing
  

Training and Staff Development

• Serve as the primary trainer and resource for CRM and admissions systems across the Enrollment Management team
• Develop training materials, documentation, and onboarding resources for new and existing staff
• Lead regular training sessions to ensure consistent and effective system usage
• Promote a culture of continuous learning and adaptability related to technology and operations
  

Collaboration and Support

• Work closely with Admissions counselors and leadership to support recruitment initiatives through effective system use and communication strategies
• Partner with Marketing to ensure alignment between CRM communications and broader messaging strategies
• Support admissions events and key enrollment initiatives as needed
• Collaborate with institutional stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of admissions processes across the student experience
  

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree
• Experience working with a CRM in higher education admissions or enrollment management
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex systems, workflows, and data processes
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights
• Experience training and supporting staff in the use of technology systems
  

Preferred

• Master’s degree
• Experience serving as a CRM lead, administrator, or “power user”
• Experience with system implementation, optimization, or major upgrades
• Familiarity with enrollment management systems such as Jenzabar, Banner, or similar platforms
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to execute at a high operational level
• Deep understanding of enrollment funnels, recruitment strategies, and student lifecycle management
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across technical and non-technical audiences
• High attention to detail with a commitment to data accuracy and process consistency
• Problem-solving mindset with a focus on continuous improvement