Director of Admissions

Candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application; UNC cannot provide H-1B sponsorship at this time.

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 01/19/2026.

Position Summary:

The Director of Admissions is responsible for providing strategic leadership and management for the Office of Admissions. The position will develop, implement, monitor and adjust all resources, activities and responsibilities related to recruitment and admissions. The position will report to the Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management and will lead the development and administration of all existing and new admission practices, policies and procedures, which support overall campus enrollment goals.

Working toward institutional enrollment goals this position will develop and implement a recruitment plan to generate academically talented and diverse applicants that will convert to enrolled and retained students through to graduation. The Director provides innovative, strategic leadership by recruiting and enrolling a diverse, academically talented class of students by demonstrating experience with current best practices including integrated marketing and branding, communications, and operations. This position is responsible for the analysis of information and data necessary to create and communicate strategic university-wide admissions and recruiting plans and goals.

The Director of Admissions is a member of the Enrollment Management Leadership team and is expected to work collaboratively and strategically within and outside of Enrollment Management to meet the enrollment goals of the university. 

Job Duties:

1. The Director has overall administrative responsibility for areas within the Admissions Office. The Director is responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating programs to support recruitment, selection, and communication activities related to admissions. (45%)

• Provide leadership and direction for the Office of Admissions in areas of fiscal responsibility, efficient and effective recruitment practices, and a clear and consistent onboarding experience for prospective and admitted students. 
• Develop and maintain strong working partnerships with campus partners to collaboratively identify challenges and implement solutions that enhance enrollment efforts for undergraduate first-year, transfer, and undergraduate students.
• Identify and recommend improvements to departmental structure in an effort to streamline processes while reinvesting in new and emerging initiatives and needs.
• Define and monitor metrics for measurement of all admissions activities and functions to report on ROI and effectiveness of resource allocation.
• Provide ongoing assessment of campus visit and event functions to determine effectiveness of daily tours, large event days, outreach efforts, and orientation programming.
• Evaluate and direct recruitment activity and enrollment within existing territories, focus on customer service, develop relationships with prospective students and their support resources along with guidance counselors and other key constituents, and understand and respond to prospective student needs. 

2. Coordinate all aspects of the Office of Admissions in marketing, recruitment, and systems including the development and implementation of a comprehensive admission strategy that attracts, recruits, admits, and enrolls academically talented and diverse undergraduate students. (35%)

• Create and lead recruitment activities that target the objectives and strategies of Undergraduate Admissions, Outreach and Recruitment (including territory management), colleges, and campus departments.
• Collaboratively develop strategies to meet institutional enrollment goals by actively participating in college and university enrollment planning and management processes.
• Review and approve the marketing and communication plan to support the recruitment plan, travel activities, and visitor experience.
• Ensure the effectiveness of all programs and events conducted by the admissions office, including programming for prospective students, admitted students, transfer students, high school counselors and community college advisors, and other external partners.
• Develop and present new recruitment strategies and programs that will advance the recruitment, operations, and visit experience goals of the office and the University. 
• Participate in the development of recruiting, communications, and marketing strategies; review and revise domestic undergraduate admissions application and decisions processes; and collaborate with colleges regarding their processes related to recruitment and admissions.

3. Responsible for leveraging effective use and strategy of the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. (15%)

• Leverage expertise in student information and admissions systems (e.g., Slate, Banner) to streamline workflows, ensure timely admissions decisions, and produce accurate reporting and metrics that support data-informed enrollment strategies. 
• Support ongoing training of recruitment staff to increase and improve utilization of technical tools to full capability.
• Work collaboratively to ensure adequate resources and support are allocated to the CRM. 

4. Provide general oversight and direction regarding the department's budget and fiscal responsibilities. (5%)

• Provide leadership and decision-making authority on effective use of institutional resources to meet enrollment goals.
• Work with the Enrollment budget manager on preparing, monitoring, and evaluating annual budget.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree in business administration, education, or related field. Bachelor's degree accepted with 5 years of leadership within Admissions or Recruitment will be accepted in lieu of a Master's degree.

Candidates must have a minimum of 5-7 years of undergraduate admissions experience with progressively increasing responsibility to include three (3) years experience in direct supervision of full-time staff. 

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated experience with recruitment and marketing strategies.
Working knowledge of Banner as well as Slate Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. 
Excellent organizational, analytical, and administrative skills are essential along with the ability to effectively communicate to various constituencies. 
Demonstrated ability to work across institutional departments, success in prior positions, and strong supervisory and staff development skills.
Proven commitment to diversity. 
Strong understanding of current issues in the profession is highly desirable. 

Benefits:
Benefits available include health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, as well as a selection of several defined contribution retirement plans for all full-time positions. Employees at UNC receive sick leave, and other leave options may be available based on position. Full-time employees are eligible to receive tuition waiver benefits, as well as dependents and spouses of UNC Employees who are employed at 0.5 FTE or above are eligible for undergraduate dependent tuition grants of up to 50%. These tuition grants will cover in-state tuition charges. Further requirements may exist. Other benefits may be available based on position.

About UNC
The University of Northern Colorado is a public doctoral/research institution located in Greeley, Colorado. UNC’s commitment to education began in 1889 and continues to be a transformational force for our students. Recognized as a top university for social mobility, UNC is proud to be a Hispanic Serving Institution and to serve more than 44%  of our undergraduates who are the first in their family to attend college.  UNC is also committed to providing our faculty and staff with the support they need to succeed as professionals, educators, and in life. Please visit UNC’s Career Hub,to learn more about UNC’s strategic plan, school programs, and employee benefits. Go Bears!

EEO Statement
The University of Northern Colorado offers an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the UNC community. In accordance with federal and state law, UNC prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. UNC also prohibits discrimination based on gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure UNC’s compliance with this policy.

ADA Accommodations
The University of Northern Colorado is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to 970-351-2718 or human.resources@unco.edu. 

Background Check
Satisfactory completion of a background check, educational check, and authorization to work in the United States is required after a conditional offer of employment has been made. The successful candidate must submit original transcripts within one (1) month of hire.

This position is contingent on funding from the Colorado State Legislature, approval by the Board of Trustees, and subject to the policies and regulations of the University of Northern Colorado.

Clery Act
In compliance with the Clery Act, the most recent University of Northern Colorado Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online. A paper copy can be requested at the UNC Police Department. This report contains crime statistics and policy statements related to safety, conduct processes and Title IX investigations.