Director of Admissions

DescriptionGeneral Job Brief The Director of Admissions will provide strong, hands-on leadership to the admissions team, directly managing and motivating a team of Admissions Counselors to achieve aggressive enrollment goals across multiple programs. This role is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities of the admissions team, holding counselors accountable for individual and collective performance metrics, and driving consistent progress through coaching, pipeline management, and data-informed strategies. The Director will lead recruitment efforts for these primary enrollment pipelines: Increasing traditional undergraduate enrollment with a targeted focus on growing new academic programs Growing online undergraduate enrollment Successfully scaling three new graduate programs (M.A. in Education, M.A. in Christian Leadership, and MSMFT) The Director will leverage new academic initiatives-including Speech & Debate, Entrepreneurship, and Honors College programs-as key recruitment differentiators to attract mission-fit, academically ambitious students. As the primary leader of the admissions operation, the Director will design and execute annual recruitment plans, implement effective financial aid leveraging strategies, utilize CRM and data analytics to monitor funnel performance and counselor productivity, and build a high-performing, mission-aligned team that advances Arizona Christian University's commitment to Transform Culture with Truth through person-to-person mentorship, discipleship, and enrollment growth. This role requires a proven track record in team management, a deep understanding of both online and traditional student recruitment, and an unwavering commitment to ACU's unique Christian mission and vision. This role also requires a comprehensive understanding of and commitment to the unique Christian mission and vision of ACU to Transform Culture with Truth, and the ability to advance that mission and vision through the performance of its duties, including person-to-person mentorship and discipleship. Leadership Lead the admissions team with vision and energy, driving the attraction and enrollment of mission-fit students across online undergraduate, traditional undergraduate, and new graduate programs. Develop and execute clear, actionable strategic recruitment plans that support institutional enrollment goals, net tuition revenue targets, and the university's mission to Transform Culture with Truth. Oversee the management of discount rates and scholarship awarding strategies to balance enrollment growth with net revenue objectives, ensuring responsible and data-informed use of financial aid resources. Provide direct leadership in growing online degree programs, ensuring effective recruitment strategies and strong pipeline development for current and future online offerings. Champion the expansion of new academic programs as powerful recruitment tools to attract high-achieving undergraduate students. Build and maintain effective working relationships with key campus partners (academic leadership, marketing, student life, financial aid, and retention teams) to create cohesive, student-centered enrollment experiences. Foster a high-performance culture within the admissions office through coaching, accountability, and ongoing professional development of the team. Key Duties • Design, implement, monitor, and clearly communicate an annual comprehensive recruitment plan with specific enrollment and net revenue targets for online undergraduate, traditional undergraduate, and the three new graduate programs. • Manage the full student recruitment lifecycle, including lead generation, application processing, file review, decision release, yield activities, and deposit conversion. • Oversee the awarding of scholarships and institutional aid packages to optimize enrollment while meeting net tuition revenue goals through effective discount rate management. • Use CRM systems and data analytics to track admissions funnel performance, counselor productivity, and conversion rates; provide regular performance reports and implement timely adjustments to meet or exceed goals. • Directly supervise and coach a team of Admissions Counselors, conducting regular pipeline reviews, setting individual goals, and holding staff accountable for results. • Collaborate with academic leadership, marketing, financial aid, and student life teams to align recruitment messaging and activities with new academic programs and the university's mission. • Support retention and persistence efforts by partnering with enrollment and academic teams to ensure a smooth transition from recruitment to student success. • Actively advance Arizona Christian University's mission to Transform Culture with Truth through mission-aligned recruitment practices, student mentorship, and team discipleship. Other Duties and Responsibilities Commitment to the University's faith statement, mission, and purposes; and an active Christian faith. Comfort and familiarity with the practice of praying with and for others, including students, faculty, and fellow University staff. The ability to meaningfully support and encourage students, faculty, and staff from a biblical worldview perspective, using relevant and applicable references from the Old and New Testaments and orthodox Christian writings. Demonstrated alignment with and enthusiastic support for the Christian Mission and Core Commitments of the University, including signing the University's Statement of Faith and Core Commitments annually. QualificationsEducation and Experience The Director of Admissions must possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree (master's preferred) from an accredited University or College and significant, progressive leadership experience in the field of enrollment management and admissions programs. Demonstrated experience with financial aid leveraging and strategic planning. The Director of Admissions must have strong leadership qualities; the ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with colleagues throughout the campus community; outstanding communication skills, and a willingness to involve members of the extended campus community in recruitment and enrollment-related activities; the ability to learn, use, implement, evaluate and recommend current and future technologies in the enrollment management area; have strong administrative, financial management/budgeting, planning and problem-solving skills; and strong working knowledge of current higher education and enrollment issues in the State of Arizona, nationally, and internationally. Knowledge and Expertise Current student recruitment strategies and techniques, including those involving Web-based applications and delivery. Current best practices in admissions operations, programs, and services. Current State, National, and international admissions trends, issues, and strategies. Branding and marketing strategies and techniques, specifically as applicable to student recruitment; and Higher education curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular objectives and programming at the University Why Join Us? Be part of a supportive and mission-driven team. Opportunity to make a real impact on the lives of students. Competitive salary and benefits package. Grow with a fast-expanding university that values your experience and passion. If you have a heart for service and want to be part of a growing university that is changing lives, apply today! Fair Labor Standards Act: This position is considered to be Full-time, Exempt for overtime pay provisions as provided by the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and any applicable state laws.

Created: 2026-03-10