Director of Admissions

Job DetailsJob Location: Hattiesburg - Hattiesburg, MS 39401Job Summary

The Director of Admissions provides strategic leadership and daily oversight of admissions operations across applicable university programs, aligning enrollment conversion goals with the institution’s mission and values. This position directs and manages admissions policies, systems, compliance, and daily operations and is responsible for undergraduate admissions processing and for support of graduate admissions functions. The Director oversees the student experience and admissions process from inquiry to enrollment ensuring exceptional customer service and collaborating closely with recruiting, financial aid, marketing, athletics and academic departments to ensure recruited students transfer smoothly into enrollment. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

This job description does not state or imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. The duties and responsibilities listed are essential job functions and exclude functions which are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. 

Specific duties are as follows: 


Assist the university in implementing the Statement of Purpose. 
Assist the university in implementing the long-range institutional and financial plans. 



Provide leadership and accountability for compliant admissions operations, policies, and enrollment goals 
Advise senior leadership through admissions data analysis, trend identification, and operational insights
Lead long-range planning for admissions operations, including staffing models, process improvement, and systems strategy
Coordinate with Recruiting leadership and staff to meet enrollment goals
Supervise the Assistant Director of Admissions and undergraduate admissions staff, ensuring accurate and timely admissions processing
Establish office goals, performance expectations, and accountability measures
Serve as the escalation point for complex admissions cases and student concerns
Lead staff training, professional development, and performance management 
Ensure the integrity, relevance and functionality of the admissions technology systems
Establish best practices for system use, data integrity, documentation, and workflow consistency
Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant admissions reporting, including accreditation, IPEDS, and other state or federal requirements
Oversee the admissions budget and ensure responsible stewardship of departmental resources
Stay current on best practices and emerging trends in admissions and higher education operations
Maintain audit readiness and ensure admissions policies and procedures are accurately documented
All other job-related duties as assigned

QualificationsRequired Qualifications


Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education in business administration, organizational leadership, higher education, or a related field.
A minimum of five years of professional experience in college/university admissions, enrollment operations, or related higher education function
A minimum of two years of demonstrated leadership experience as Assistant or Associate Director of Admissions 
Demonstrated proficiency with CRM and SIS platforms and their use in admissions or enrollment operations



Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across departments and leadership levels 
High emotional intelligence, with the ability to lead teams, navigate complex situations, and exercise sound professional judgment



Must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license and clear driving record
Ability to maintain work schedule in an on-campus setting


Preferred Qualifications


Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field
Two or more years of experience as a Director of Admissions
Working knowledge of admissions operations, compliance requirements, and emerging trends in higher education
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience using data to inform operational decisions and process improvement


Physical Demands


Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting, and to use standard office equipment, including a computer.
Must have vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. 
Must have the ability to sit for extended periods of time. 
Must be able to drive both in and out of state and have the mobility to travel. 
Must have strength and agility to move event equipment which could be up to 25 pounds