Senior Associate Director of Admissions

Date: June 13, 2025
Title:  Senior Associate Director of Admissions

Description:  The role of Senior Associate Director of Admissions, is a pivotal leadership position for an experienced admissions professional who thrives in dynamic, student-first environments.  Reporting to a highly dynamic and forward-thinking Director of Enrollment Management, the Senior Associate Director serves as the operational leader of the domestic recruitment team. This role blends strategic oversight with hands-on execution, ensuring that enrollment targets are met through data-driven planning, team mentorship, and an unwavering focus on service excellence.

This position offers a unique opportunity to join a transformative enrollment team during a period of innovation and momentum. The Senior Associate Director will not only contribute to Hartwick's growth and mission, but also help shape a culture that values creativity, responsiveness, and a deep commitment to the student experience.

Responsibilities:
Leadership & Team Management

• Provide day-to-day leadership for the domestic undergraduate admissions team, including supervision, coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Serve as a mentor and role model, instilling best practices in relationship development, territory management, customer service, and strategic follow-up.
• In partnership with the Director of Enrollment Management, ensure that all team goals align with broader institutional strategies and revenue targets.
• Comply with all applicable College, Federal, State, local, and associational laws, rules and regulations.
• Maintain positive professional relationships with internal and external constituents.
• As a representative of the College, comport oneself in a professional manner at all times, both on and off campus.

Territory Recruitment & Strategic Planning

• Lead a defined recruitment territory and execute an advanced, metrics-driven strategy that includes travel, outreach, and follow-up through all stages of the admissions funnel.
• Analyze data to inform recruitment and yield tactics, collaborating with marketing, financial aid, and academic affairs to ensure cohesive, student-centered messaging.
• Maintain and grow relationships with key influencers including school counselors, CBOs, independent consultants, and alumni.

Communication & Student Engagement

• Design and implement high-impact communications that guide prospective students and families from inquiry through enrollment.
• Lead campus visits, interviews, and virtual events; represent Hartwick at regional and national conferences as needed.
• Identify opportunities for service enhancements and advocate for communication approaches that center on student wellness, clarity, and connection.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as a key liaison to campus partners including Athletics, Residential Life, Belonging, Financial Aid, and Career Development.
• Champion student-first policies and ensure alignment between recruitment efforts and Hartwick's position as the Life Balance College.
• Help lead special projects, task forces, and campus committees as assigned by the Director of Enrollment Management.

Event & Program Oversight

• Plan and implement high-visibility recruitment events such as Accepted Student Days, Open Houses, and school counselor programs.
• Innovate ways to reach students and families through both digital and on-the-ground engagement strategies.
• Participate in significant College events including but not limited to Wick Week, True Blue Weekend, and Commencement Weekend.

Qualifications:  Minimum requirements for this position are a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university; Master’s degree preferred.  Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible admissions or enrollment experience with a proven record of results.

• Demonstrated success managing professional staff, driving complex recruitment strategies, and contributing to institutional growth.
• Strong understanding of data analysis, CRM systems (e.g., Slate, Colleague), and modern admissions marketing techniques.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage a wide variety of audiences.
• Availability for travel, evenings, and weekends as required by the recruitment calendar.
• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.

Salary Range: $75,000 – $85,000

An independent, residential liberal arts college enrolling approximately 1,200 full-time undergraduates, Hartwick embraces the teacher-scholar model, with teaching excellence as the first prio