Associate Director of Admissions - Charlotte/Mecklenburg Regional

Primary Purpose
The is a 10 month month exempt (EHRA) position who assists  in the recruitment of Appalachian State University’s future undergraduate students in the Charlotte/Mecklenburg, NC and surrounding counties. This position, which works remotely from Charlotte/Mecklenburg is responsible for planning and assessing strategic recruitment and yield activities by exercising and continually developing a strong understanding of general market characteristics and trends as well as those specific to Appalachian. The Associate Director counsels prospective students and their families in their college search process and their transition from high schools, 2-year institutions or other 4-year institutions to Appalachian State by providing information and assistance about the admissions and financial aid process, academic programs, campus visitation, and housing. This position also builds relationships with and serves as a primary contact for high school and independent counselors as well 2-year college advisors. The Associate Director is an essential part of a constructive and collaborative recruitment team that shares the responsibility for meeting the University’s strategic enrollment goals and enrolling students that echo Appalachian’s strategic plan. Admissions at Appalachian is particularly seeking candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and have a demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for students from populations underrepresented at Appalachian State. 

Services Provided
The Associate Director completes the primary responsibilities above by:

• serving as a territory manager by planning, executing and assessing all recruitment operations (on and off campus) necessary to meet recruitment and enrollment goals
• assisting with planning and/or implementation of general on and off-campus recruitment and yield events throughout the cycle
• traveling extensively to high schools and attend college fairs, college nights, receptions, and other programs in this region to recruit prospective students
• developing and strengthening ties with high school counselors, independent counselors, community college counselors, alumni and other key influencers in the recruitment process
• conducting extensive outreach and relationship and conversation-building activities (via in-person communication, phone, e-mail, written correspondence, and social media) with prospective students and their families throughout the recruitment funnel
• submitting territory management reports of recruitment and prospective student activity to the Senior Associate Director throughout the recruitment cycle
• reviewing and assessing student applications and supplemental materials and providing admission decision recommendations for applicants
• collaborating with specific campus constituents necessary to assist prospective students in enrolling at Appalachian State 

Minimum Qualifications

• bachelor’s degree in student counseling, communications, education, business or public relations, marketing, or other related field from a regionally accredited institution
• three years of experience in college recruitment or related experiences in counseling, sales, marketing, public relations, communications, or education
• experience completing market research
• experience and ability to operate independently, exercising independent judgment and discretion with little or no guidance, and to be able to make decisions on behalf of the Admissions Office and the university that are appropriate, timely, and defensible
• ability to work as a member of a team with a flexible attitude
• willingness to work select evenings and weekends
• strong oral presentation and written communication skills
• highly organized
• successful completion of background investigation prior to employment
• valid driver’s license and ability to rent vehicle; ability to lift and move 40 pounds

Preferred Qualifications

• master’s degree in student counseling, communications, education, business or public relations, marketing, or other related field from a regionally accredited institution
• five years of experience in college recruitment or related experiences in counseling, sales, marketing, public relations, communications, or education
• demonstrated success in working with diverse students and/or a greater consciousness of diversity
• experience in college recruitment or related experiences in counseling, sales, marketing, public relations, communications, or education
• effective, empathetic, and engaging communicator
• experience as a Student Ambassador, Resident Assistant, Orientation Leader or similar student role
• appreciation of the administrative structure and chain of responsibilities within a university
• thorough knowledge of a student centered/customer service oriented philosophy
• ability to motivate others, strong commitment to quality service
• strong computing skills and efficiency utilizing computing applications on various systems and programs (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite, Banner, Google Apps, spreadsheets, etc.)
• experience using various social media platforms
• highly motivated to share a love of Appalachian
• sense of humor 

About Appalachian State University

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Appalachian State University offers a challenging academic environment, energetic campus life and breathtaking location. Appalachian combines the best attributes of a small liberal arts college with those of a large research university. Known for its value and affordability, Appalachian enrolls about 17,000 students and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors. Small classes and close interactions between faculty and students create a strong sense of community, which has become an Appalachian hallmark. Appalachian, located in Boone, N.C., is one of 16 universities in the University of North Carolina system.The Office of Admissions is in the division of Enrollment Management. The mission of the Office of Admissions is to coordinate the recruitment and selection of undergraduate students. It is committed to maintaining and improving the current quality of new students and to sustaining the desired number of new students each year. The office provides information that will help make prospective students and their support groups aware of Appalachian and its offerings.

Application Procedure

Only electronic applications will be accepted. The review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Please submit a cover letter, resume and contact information of 3 professional references in pdf format in the online application portal http://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/15574  

Appalachian State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The University does not discriminate in access to its educational programs and activities, or with respect to hiring or the terms and conditions of employment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or sexual orientation. Individuals with disabilities may request accommodations in the application process by contacting the search committee chair, Kendal McDevitt at mcdevittkb@appstate.edu. 

Any offer of employment to a successful candidate will be conditioned upon the University’s receipt of a satisfactory criminal background report.