Assistant/Associate Director, Admissions

The Assistant/Associate Director of Admissions serves a dual role in student recruitment alongside managing the department social media and one of three premier scholarship programs. In addition to managing a geographic recruitment territory and counseling prospective students and their families, this role leads the planning and execution of social media strategies that engage prospective students as well as coordinating one of three premier scholarship programs critical to the enrollment success of the University.

By overseeing key recruitment strategies with one of the University’s premier scholarship programs, collaborating with departments across campus as well as internally with the admissions visit team, the Assistant Director ensures a strong pool of right fit students to meet enrollment goals. This position also supports enrollment strategy by leveraging social media to build authentic connections with prospective students, helping them see themselves at Messiah University though compelling storytelling and relational recruitment. This role requires creativity, strong communication skills, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to the University’s mission and student\-centered approach to recruitment

Responsibilities

Key Functions and Responsibilities

Student Recruitment \& Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary contact for prospective students within an assigned geographic territory
• Guide students and families through the admissions process via personal, digital, and live communication
• Represent the University at high schools, college fairs, conventions, and community\-based events
• Develop strong relationships with high school counselors, pastors, community influencers, alumni, and others
• Model Christian hospitality and provide a welcoming experience to all families

Territory Management \& Application Review

• Develop and execute a territory recruitment strategy based on data, trends, and University priorities
• Manage the full admissions funnel—from inquiry to matriculation—for assigned territory
• Review and evaluate applications and submit recommendations based on University guidelines
• Track and communicate with prospective students and families throughout the enrollment process
• Align recruitment activity with broader enrollment goals

Campus Engagement \& Event Coordination

• Lead tours, presentations, and information sessions for prospective students and families
• Support the planning and execution of open houses, visit days, and virtual events
• Collaborate with campus departments to ensure a welcoming and personalized visit experience
• Help families understand financial aid, scholarships and payment plans
• Liaise with Student Financial Services to ensure clarity and responsiveness
• Provide accessible, accurate documentation of all interactions

Financial Aid Communication \& Support

• Help families understand financial aid, scholarships and payment plans
• Liaise with Student Financial Services to ensure clarity and responsiveness
• Provide accessible, accurate documentation of all interactions

CRM \& Administrative Operations

• Utilize Slate CRM to manage communications and recruitment workflows
• Maintain professional, timely, and accurate communication with prospective students and stakeholders
• Participate in projects and committees that support office\-wide and institutional enrollment initiatives
• Uphold University data practices with integrity and accountability

Specialized Responsibilities

Social Media Strategy

• Lead the admission office’s social media presence with a primary focus on Instagram
• Create and curate high\-quality, student\-centered content aligned with the University’s mission and recruitment goals
• Collaborate with Enrollment Technology and Communications to ensure brand consistency and campaign alignment
• Coordinate regularly with the Office of Marketing and Communications to ensure alignment of messaging, visual identity and promotional campaigns
• Provide training and oversight for staff and student social media contributors
• Use analytics and engagement data to guide content development and strategy
• Manage student engagement tools such as ZeeMee by developing interaction strategies and supporting real\-time engagement
• Supervise the management of admissions LiveChat platform, ensuring timely and informative responses to student inquiries

Premier Scholarship Management

• Serve as a liaison to one of the premier scholarship programs to strengthen recruitment strategy and promote participation.
• Collaborate across campus with academic partners to ensure strong communication and best practices.
• Support the planning and execution of any visit experiences related to department or scholarship programming
• Serve as a voting member of the Admissions committee and related scholarship committees

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 3\-5 years of previous college admissions experience.

Preferred:

• Enrolled in or completed a master’s program
• Experience in social media or related marketing

Bilingual proficiency (English/Spanish)

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Skills and Characteristics

Communication \& Relationship\-Building

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to build rapport with prospective students, families, school counselors, pastors, and community leaders
• Skilled in adapting communication for different platforms (in\-person, phone, email, text, live chat)
• Culturally responsive approach to engaging with diverse populations
• Embodies Messiah University’s Christian mission through hospitable, informed, and faith\-integrated communication

Strategic Thinking \& Initiative

• Demonstrated ability to manage a recruitment territory using data\-informed strategies
• Self\-starter with initiative and independence, especially when traveling or working remotely
• Resourceful and adaptable when navigating ambiguity
• Aligns outreach strategies with departmental and university strategic goals

Organization \& Time Management

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• High attention to detail and accuracy in communications, data entry, and follow\-up
• Demonstrates consistent reliability, integrity, and follow\-through in a fast\-paced environment
• Maintains regular, reliable attendance and consistent accountability to assigned responsibilities

Collaboration \& Teamwork

• Contributes to a team\-based, mission\-driven culture
• Willingness to collaborate across departments and support shared goals
• Receptive to feedback and committed to continuous growth and learning
• Reflects the University's shared Christian values in all team and stakeholder relationships

Technology \& Data Management

• Proficient in Office 365, Zoom, and standard communication platforms
• Experience with or willingness to learn Slate CRM
• Ability to manage data effectively and use insights to inform outreach strategies
• Maintains confidentiality and accuracy in all data practices

Familiar with engagement tools such as Instagram, ZeeMee, LiveChat and social media planning software, including metric tracking

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Travel and Schedule Requirements

• Significant travel within assigned recruitment territory
• Valid driver’s license required
• Frequent evening and occasional weekend work
• Recommended: up\-to\-date vaccination against flu and COVID\-19 due to public\-facing responsibilities

Additional Expectations

• Demonstrate integrity, dependability, and professional excellence
• Contribute positively to a team culture that reflects Messiah University’s Christian values
• Maintain reliable attendance and accountability

Christian Mission Commitment

Messiah University is a Christian university rooted in the Anabaptist, Pietist, and Wesleyan traditions. All employees are expected to model the values of our community and integrate Christian faith into their work.

About Us

Messiah University’s commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence draws inspiration from its mission “to educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation in church and society.” The university has pursued this vision through a strategic planning process that encourages diversity through employee and student composition, campus climate, and an educational program that seeks to equip and enable educators and students to embrace diversity. Candidates should clearly articulate why diversity and inclusive excellence matter to them as persons of faith as well as in their profession. Candidates will speak to how as a potential employee, they will contribute to the advancement of this vision through their teaching\-learning, research, institutional service, and public engagement.