Associate Director of Admission for Transfer and Online Enrollment

Location: Hickory, North Carolina

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Admission and Transfer and Online Enrollment is responsible for the implementation of a comprehensive recruitment and enrollment plan for students seeking to transfer to Lenoir-Rhyne from two- and four-year colleges and universities or enroll in online undergraduate and graduate degree programs. As a member of the Department of Admission team, the associate director will provide insight into trends relevant to transfer and online enrollment, working in close collaboration with the Directors of Undergraduate and Graduate Admission. The associate director will conduct market research, analyze data, develop communication and marketing plans, and serve as a liaison to academic and nonacademic departments during the enrollment process. The successful candidate will be highly professional, knowledgeable about the higher education landscape, enthusiastic about the work, demonstrate initiative and creativity and work independently and collaboratively while managing multiple responsibilities.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee the admission process from prospect development through enrollment for students seeking transfer admission or enrollment in undergraduate and graduate online degree programs.
• Develop and manage a multiyear student recruitment strategy that includes prospect development, travel planning, marketing and communications, virtual programming, application review, and enrollment yield.
• Provide oversight and direction in developing articulation agreements and transfer pathways with community colleges, in partnership with Academic Affairs. 
• Review applications and recommend admission decisions.
• Provide exemplary customer service through regular in-person meetings and timely responses to telephone calls, emails and text messages from students, parents, counselors, alumni, and professional partners. 
• Create and cultivate productive relationships with local and professional organizations, high schools, colleges, and universities to generate inquiries, applicants and enrollments via transfer and online programs. 
• Research, identify, schedule and conduct in-person and virtual recruitment visits to high schools, community colleges, college and university fairs, community events, and other events as required.
• Provide support as needed for various student populations, including first-year, early college, dual enrollment, graduate, and non-degree. 
• Build and maintain ongoing contact with prospective students from inquiry to matriculation.
• Support students and families in completing and navigating the financial aid application process.
• Partner with departments and offices throughout campus to ensure a high-quality student experience. 
• Maximize the use of technology, software and other relevant tools to advance and streamline processes. 
• Analyze data and the current recruitment landscape to inform decision-making and evaluate strategies to respond to markets and applicant pools. Ensure objectives and tactics produce desired results. 
• Manage budget resources with respect to university goals and guidelines.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic and attention to detail in a fast-paced, goal-oriented work environment. 
• Remain up to date on trends in enrollment management through conferences, meetings, and publications. 

Required Qualifications 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills across various platforms. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential situations with tact, professionalism and diplomacy while working with individuals across the university.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills with heightened attention to detail.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Slate, PowerCampus and related software.

Education and Experience 

• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred.
• At least three years of admission experience preferred.
• Previous experience with Slate or other student information systems preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.  
• Ability to attend and preside over meetings, events, etc., in person and online.

Work Schedule

• On-campus; Hickory campus.
• Standard office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.
• Extensive regional travel, including occasional overnight stays.

Behavioral Expectations

• Maintain integrity, confidentiality, and ethical standards.
• Maintain a healthy and safe work environment.
• Maintain and contribute to a professional, respectful, courteous, diverse, equitable and inclusive environment.
• Treat other individuals with dignity, respect, and kindness. 
• Adhere to university policies, procedures, standards and values, and comply with federal, state and local laws.

Position requirements in the above mentioned role indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the job competently. Role descriptions are an overview of the duties, responsibilities, and requirements of the position and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of the position. Employees may be required to perform other job-related assignments as requested and acquire new skills and responsibilities. Lenoir-Rhyne University reserves the right to modify, add, remove, or waive the position's responsibilities, duties, and skills required. 

Application Process

While completing the application, candidates will be prompted to submit: 

1. Resume
2. Cover letter
3. Three professional references 

The university’s mission, vision, and values statements may be reviewed using About LR.  

Lenoir-Rhyne University promotes a welcoming campus environment that is integral to the university's commitment to excellence in engagement and education. We are particularly interested in candidates who have demonstrated experience nurturing a welcoming community, working with faculty, staff and/or students from all walks of life and/or incorporating varied perspectives and traditions in their current or previous positions. This commitment is rooted in our Lutheran tradition of fostering wisdom, nurturing vocation and preparing students for lives of purpose while serving the common good. 

About Lenoir-Rhyne University

Lenoir-Rhyne University is a co-educational, private, comprehensive institution founded in 1891, with its traditional campus located in Hickory, North Carolina, a city of more than 40,000. The university has additional graduate centers in Asheville, N.C., and Columbia, S.C. Situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lenoir- Rhyne is less than an hour’s drive from Charlotte, and the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton Metropolitan Statistical Area has a population of about 365,000. The university now offers more than 45 undergraduate and 20 graduate degree programs to approximately 2,400 students. Lenoir-Rhyne University seeks to liberate mind and spirit, clarify personal faith, foster physical wholeness, build community, and promote responsible leadership for service to the world. Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Lenoir-Rhyne is open to people from all religious and non-religious backgrounds.

Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Policy    

Lenoir-Rhyne University is committed to providing a workplace and educational environment, as well as other benefits, programs, and activities that are free from discrimination, harassment and retaliation.

LR is committed to creating a safe campus environment for all members of the LR community, including, but not limited to, those who identify as transgender and gender non-conforming. To that end, LR does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex (including sex stereotypes and sex characteristics), ethnicity, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran or military status or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable law.

To ensure compliance with federal and state civil rights laws and regulations and to affirm its commitment to promoting the goals of fairness and equity in all aspects of the educational program, activity and employment, LR has developed internal policies and procedures that provide a prompt, fair and impartial process for those involved in an allegation of discrimination or harassment, and for allegations of retaliation.

LR values and upholds the equal dignity of all members of its community and strives to balance the rights of the parties in the grievance process during what is often a difficult time for all those involved.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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