Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions

University of Maryland•College Park, MD

About The Position

The Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions oversees the management of the recruitment, admission, and enrollment processes for all undergraduates (including freshmen, transfers, and international students) at the University of Maryland and the Universities at Shady Grove. Specifically, the Executive Director will serve as an expert and will supervise the management of the strategic planning for prospective student engagement, including student name licensing and research, and coordination with UMD’s Office of Institutional Research and Assessment for the exploration of new geographic markets of interest for undergraduate student recruitment (in light of the College Board’s discontinuation of related services). This will include the identification and usage of appropriate and legally sound tools (internal and external) to identify markets and potential partnerships to advance the university’s national and international presence and the growth and development of appropriate recruitment markets. In addition, the Executive Director oversees the management of freshman and transfer merit scholarship review and award processes; newly enrolling students are awarded over $25 million in merit scholarships annually. The Executive Director oversees the review, admission, and enrollment outcomes for students into all first-year living and learning and special programs, including the Honors College, College Park Scholars, and others. The Executive Director provides oversight to the limited enrollment program process for prospective and current students. The Executive Director will serve as a university expert regarding the laws and accepted practices on issues related to student diversity in recruitment and admissions, and will work to develop and implement appropriate initiatives based on the principles of the university's strategic plan. The Executive Director will develop and lead transition services for students who have demonstrated the ability to overcome significant educational or economic hurdles, including first-generation college students and those from low-income or under-resourced communities. In conjunction with the Associate Director of Assessment and Technology, the Executive Director will identify, develop, and oversee the implementation of the Slate CRM customizations and uses in Undergraduate Admissions to ensure the full and robust utilization of the tool to enhance recruitment, assess and manage recruitment costs, and streamline recruitment processes. In addition to the implementation of the Slate CRM, the Executive Director will also play an integral role in the design, implementation, and maintenance of the Workday Student ERP solution and its integrations to the admission process. The Executive Director is charged with exploring and executing improved operational efficiency and effectiveness, customer satisfaction, effective allocation of fiscal resources, and a collaborative work environment within the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and with other constituencies within Enrollment Management. The Executive Director will also manage a team of professional and support staff. In addition, the Executive Director serves as a liaison with constituents within Enrollment Management, campus constituents, and those external to the university, including the university’s leadership, on critical matters related to undergraduate admission and enrollment, undergraduate student diversity, and the student visit experience. The Executive Director serves in an advisory capacity to the Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management and to UMD campus leaders.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Twelve (12) years of experience in higher education, admissions, or academic affairs.
Six (6) years of experience supervising or managing professional staff.
Knowledge of enrollment strategy across a broad range of market segments.
Knowledge of enrollment strategic plans.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office and Google Workspace products.
Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.
Ability to multitask while demonstrating a commitment to customer service.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred
Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of recruitment, admissions, and enrollment policies, procedures, and best practices.
Strong understanding of enrollment management principles, trends, and challenges impacting undergraduate admissions.
Proven organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and guide teams effectively.
Ability to develop and articulate a strategic vision for the future of undergraduate admissions.
Demonstrated understanding of the needs, expectations, and concerns of both internal and external admissions stakeholders.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and professionally.
Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office and Google Workspace applications.
Ability to interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with institutional policies, procedures, regulations, and applicable laws.
Ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining a strong commitment to customer service and responsiveness.
Extensive experience using SLATE CRM and Workday ERP systems in support of admissions and enrollment operations.
Ability and willingness to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends as required.

Responsibilities

Oversees the management of the recruitment, admission, and enrollment processes for all undergraduates (including freshmen, transfers, and international students) at the University of Maryland and the Universities at Shady Grove.
Supervise the management of the strategic planning for prospective student engagement, including student name licensing and research, and coordination with UMD’s Office of Institutional Research and Assessment for the exploration of new geographic markets of interest for undergraduate student recruitment
Oversees the management of freshman and transfer merit scholarship review and award processes
Oversees the review, admission, and enrollment outcomes for students into all first-year living and learning and special programs, including the Honors College, College Park Scholars, and others.
Provides oversight to the limited enrollment program process for prospective and current students.
Serve as a university expert regarding the laws and accepted practices on issues related to student diversity in recruitment and admissions, and will work to develop and implement appropriate initiatives based on the principles of the university's strategic plan.
Develop and lead transition services for students who have demonstrated the ability to overcome significant educational or economic hurdles, including first-generation college students and those from low-income or under-resourced communities.
Identify, develop, and oversee the implementation of the Slate CRM customizations and uses in Undergraduate Admissions to ensure the full and robust utilization of the tool to enhance recruitment, assess and manage recruitment costs, and streamline recruitment processes.
Play an integral role in the design, implementation, and maintenance of the Workday Student ERP solution and its integrations to the admission process.
Exploring and executing improved operational efficiency and effectiveness, customer satisfaction, effective allocation of fiscal resources, and a collaborative work environment within the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and with other constituencies within Enrollment Management.
Manage a team of professional and support staff.
Serves as a liaison with constituents within Enrollment Management, campus constituents, and those external to the university, including the university’s leadership, on critical matters related to undergraduate admission and enrollment, undergraduate student diversity, and the student visit experience.
Serves in an advisory capacity to the Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management and to UMD campus leaders.