Director of Admissions

Overview

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) is seeking applicants for the position of Director of Admissions as a member of the Admissions Office.  The Director of Admissions’ primary function is to provide overall leadership for student recruitment and selection with responsibility for Academy-wide strategic direction of class composition and Admissions policy. This position is also responsible for Admissions programmatic and budgetary direction. The Director of Admissions reports to and is evaluated by the Chief Student Affairs Officer.

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) is committed to an equitable, diverse and inclusive teaching and learning environment. Through a model of Equity and Excellence, IMSA has committed to advancing equity in STEM education and representation and creating a diverse, inclusive community of global citizens who can realize their full potential, and execute our mission to advance the human condition.

 

This Equity and Excellence work is the intentional integration of Cultural Competence, Diversity, Equity, Equity-Minded Frame, Excellence and Inclusion into every facet of the Academy, with the understanding that it is an active and ongoing process involving structures, processes and people and not an isolated initiative.

 

This position will support IMSA's Diversity work by ensuring the delivery of quality, equitable, and inclusive constituent-centered support while promoting and maintaining an inclusive work environment and culture that embraces the diversity of people and perspectives collaborating at IMSA to ignite and nurture creative, ethical, scientific minds that advance the human condition.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This individual is responsible for but not limited to:

• Direct the admissions process from recruitment to application submission to enrollment, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for prospective students. 
• Set annual application and enrollment goals, in collaboration with the Chief Student Affairs Officer and in accordance with the Academy’s mission to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Lead the development and implementation of data-driven admission strategies, including developing .
• Explore opportunities to expand IMSA’s recruitment strategy beyond Illinois to recruit a small number of out of state applicants based on availability.
• Develop and maintain admissions policies and procedures.
• Coordinate Review Committee and Selection Committee.
• Oversee the planning and execution of campus tours, preview days, and other on-campus engagement events for prospective students.
• Develop plans to engage and retain admitted and wait pool students; collect data from students who decline admission to inform future recruitment and retention efforts.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and supervision of the Admissions Team, including two Admissions Counselors, an Admissions Senior Specialist, and an Administrative Assistant. Coach team members on diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in Admissions.
• Collaborate with the pre-enrollment programs staff to align on strategy and give support in implementation efforts.
• Collaborate with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the Office of Public Affairs to create an inclusive vision and approach to messaging and marketing initiatives.
• Develop and monitor the Admissions Office budget.
• Engage, establish relationships with, and inform prospective parents and students about the Academy and the benefits individually and collectively.
• Create and cultivate intentional relationships with Alumni, community members, organizations, schools, and entities to advance the work of the Academy and to help close the opportunity gap for historically represented communities and provide access to the Academy.
• Build relationships with Illinois middle and high schools, community organizations, and other stakeholders to promote IMSA and recruit prospective students. 
• Represent the Academy at community events, workshops, and college fairs to raise awareness and foster partnerships.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The required skills and experience for this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Master’s Degree and a minimum of five years progressive and successful admission experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience