Associate Director of Admission Operations

Position Summary:

The Associate Director of Admission Processing & Evaluation provides leadership for Fort Lewis College’s admission processing operations, application evaluation, and admission policy implementation. This position oversees the daily processing of more than 7,000 undergraduate applications annually and ensures efficient, accurate, and timely admission decisions across all applicant populations. As a member of the admission leadership team, the Associate Director contributes to shaping each incoming class and fosters a professional, student-centered culture grounded in accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.


The Associate Director supervises the admission processing team; develops workflows and systems that support application review and decision rendering; and ensures compliance with institutional, state, and federal admission standards. Working closely with the Director of Admission and the Vice President for Enrollment Management, this role helps operationalize admission policies, maintain data integrity, and continuously improve processing systems that support recruitment and enrollment goals.


You’ll be successful in this role if you’re someone who finds real satisfaction in the detailed, behind-the-scenes work that quietly powers a student’s path to Fort Lewis College. You take pride in accuracy and consistency, and you’re the kind of person who sees an operational gap and instinctively begins shaping a clearer, more efficient process. You enjoy strengthening teams and helping people grow into their confidence and professionalism. You thrive in environments where thoughtful systems, well-documented processes, and steady leadership create smoother experiences for students and staff alike. Most of all, you believe that supporting student success doesn’t always require a spotlight—sometimes it’s the quality of the work no one sees that makes the biggest difference.

Job Description:

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: 

 

Application Processing Operations & Process Management (30%) 

Oversee the development, implementation, and continual improvement of application process and systems to support timely and accurate admission decisions. 

• Manage daily processing workflows for all undergraduate applicant populations, including first-year, transfer, and special populations. 

• Monitor application flow and identify operational bottlenecks or opportunities for process improvement. 

• Partner with the admission team to design, build, and maintain queries and reports that enable timely and accurate communication outreach. 

• Lead coordinated creation, management, and timely delivery of admission decision letters to ensure accuracy, consistency, and alignment with institutional standards. 

• Troubleshoot complex cases, including residency determinations, Native American Tuition Waiver eligibility, ambiguous transcripts, and non-standard academic records. 

• Perform quality control checks to ensure accurate document indexing, coding, data entry, and decision posting. 

• Maintain process documentation, standard operating procedures, and operational calendars. 

• Serve as a primary contact for internal campus partners regarding application processing and admission workflow questions. 
   

Team Supervision, Coaching & Development (30%) 
Provide direct supervision and leadership for the Admission Processing Team, including classified, temporary, and student staff.  

• Hire, train, and supervise processing staff to build a collaborative, outcome-focused team. 

• Manage workload distribution and monitor daily operational needs to ensure efficient processing. 

• Provide ongoing coaching, professional development, and performance feedback. 

• Conduct performance evaluations, including goal setting, mid-year reviews, and final evaluations. 

• Plan and delegate projects and operational tasks while ensuring quality, accuracy, and compliance with institutional and regulatory standards. 

• Foster a positive team culture focused on service, accountability, and cont