Associate Director of Admissions Processing and Policy

Position Title:

Associate Director of Admissions Processing and Policy

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and 7 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience developing admissions process for multiple student types in a complex university setting
Knowledge of Workday Student or similar SIS, with experience in system configuration, process improvement, and data-driven decision-making
Knowledge of industry challenges and best practices in testing, transcript evaluation, transfer credit evaluation and admissions
Participation in national-level professional organizations
Experience collaborating with internal and external stakeholders
Experience interpreting, developing, and executing policies at a university-wide level, including governance processes and collaboration with faculty and administrators
Experience overseeing admissions operations for multiple student segments in a central university admissions office

Job Description:

The Associate Director of Admissions Processing and Policy is responsible for leading the Office of Admissions to implement and maintain processing and policy. This role involves setting team functional directives, ensuring alignment with the subdivision’s strategic plan, and overseeing admissions policies and procedures. The Associate Director of Admissions Processing and Policy will build effective teams, manage staffing plans, and collaborate with campus and subdivision leadership to develop and track policies and implement university procedures.

What You’ll Do 

• Lead Admissions Processing: Oversee and streamline the processing of more than 35,000 applications annually for all undergraduate and graduate applicants, both domestic and international, ensuring accurate and efficient document management, evaluation, and decision processing. 

• Shape Admissions Policy: Develop and implement policies that align with academic expectations, Board of Regent directives, and Iowa Code. 

• Collaborate: Participate in university, Regent, Big XII, and national-level meetings and committees to better align admissions process and policy with enrollment objectives, academic success, and the changing landscape of testing and university admissions best practices. 

• Enhance Student Access: Engage with high schools, community colleges, and government entities to strengthen enrollment pipelines, maintain accurate coursework data, and transparently communicate admissions policy and process. 

• Leverage Technology: Develop and maintain the highest level of Workday Student expertise, leveraging this developing system to optimize automation and efficiency in all aspects of the admissions process. 

• Mentor & Develop Staff: Foster a high-performing hybrid team through coaching, performance management, outcomes tracking, and strategic staffing. 

The ideal candidate will have at least seven years of executive-level experience, providing strategic leadership and advising the Executive Director. They will be a key decision-maker, shaping policies and procedures that impact student admissions and enrollment.

As the primary Workday Student expert, they will collaborate with Admissions Systems and the Office of Student Information to optimize the student information system for enrollment goals. They will oversee applicant data management, academic evaluation, and communication while ensuring compliance and efficiency.

This leader will drive strategic enrollment initiatives, enhance customer service, and implement innovative solutions. They will collaborate with faculty, oversee NCAA compliance, and lead a high-performing team to streamline admissions operations and support institutional priorities.

Example of Duties
• Oversees and directs the day-to-day operations of one or more major functions of the Admissions Office.
• Works with campus partners to develop, recommend and implement admission policies and procedures, recruitment/communication plans, and enrollment goals.
• Provides input and recommendations to strategic direction and effectiveness.
• Works with internal and external partners to develop and administer admissions programs.
• Reviews and develops budgets and make recommendations on program spending.
• Monitors revenue and expenditures and participate in strategic financial planning.

Level Guidelines
• Provides input into annual departmental objectives and action plans
• Accountable for achievement of key annual objectives for a department
• May provide input into institution policy within area of functional expertise
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