Position Summary
The admission counseling staff identifies, evaluates, and cultivates prospective students for the University of Denver. This includes extensive travel in the fall and some travel in the spring to recruit in an assigned territory, including visiting high schools, community colleges, and attending college fairs. You will evaluate applications for admission, meet with students individually and present to groups of high school and transfer students. A critical part of this communication includes informing prospective students about academic programs and financial considerations at DU.
Assistant and Associate Directors review applications and determine whether an applicant is academically prepared to succeed at DU (based on assessment of the students’ curriculum, grades, test scores, essay, recommendations, activities, etc.) in a culturally sensitive and informed manner. Along with the entire Enrollment Division, Assistant and Associate Directors share responsibility to attract excellent students by being sensitive to, and understanding, the diverse academic, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds of students. The position will assist in the development, implementation, and coordination of the recruitment efforts to build and attract a diverse student population.
In addition to the recruiting duties listed above, the Assistant or Associate Director of Admission will serve on specific committees or projects as needed within the division and act as a leader within this group, providing expertise on processes and procedures. This may include communication planning, campus visit programming, virtual recruitment and marketing, credential evaluation, application review task forces, data analysis, and the supervision of student employees.
Essential Functions
Assistant and Associate Directors allot their work time as follows:
- 40% Territory Management/Counseling Duties
- 50-60% Team Responsibility
- 0-10% Supervision
- Knowledge of DU: Have extensive knowledge of, and remain current on, the University of Denver’s academic and degree programs, clubs and organizations, extracurricular and support programs and other key campus characteristics.
- Territory Management: Counselors must creatively develop unique and innovative strategies on a yearly basis to maximize potential in each territory. Manage a territory by evaluating and implementing the best course of action to connect with students (what to do, where to recruit, methods to be used, etc.) in a way that's unique to that territory.
- Relationship Management: Maintain consistent contact with constituents throughout the process, including students, parents, guidance counselors, advisors, and community-based organizations, as well as DU campus partners.
- Read Applications: Review applications from students who have applied from their assigned territories and be responsible for assessing the "match" of a student and determining whether an applicant is academically prepared to succeed at DU (based on assessment of the student's curriculum, grades, test scores, essay, recommendations, activities, etc.).
- Enthusiastic DU Representative: Participate in daily visit programs and special day-long visit programs throughout the year - presenting information sessions, conducting individual appointments, and leading or being a member of panel discussions.
Assistant and Associate Directors have extensive knowledge, expertise or skillsets in a particular area on the team (usually 3-5 years of experience in this area, or 2-3 years experience and a related master’s or doctorate degree). They create, plan, and implement large or multiple programs, projects or systems, possibly with the assistance of other team members which may include student employee(s).
Responsibilities specific to the assigned team of Transfer Recruitment include:
- Coordinate with other teams within the division, offices across campus, and outside partnerships, institutions, and organizations, to bring forth and discuss the needs of transfer students.
- Coordinate with transfer team members the various aspects of transfer and first year admission; strategic initiatives as well as most efficient workflow.
- Develop and maintain knowledge of transferability of credits to be able to discuss options with prospective students and advisors.
The Assistant or Associate Director may supervise an undergraduate intern and/or transfer ambassadors or volunteers.
The Associate Director level will take on a greater role in the supervision of the Transfer Ambassador Program and will be the liaison to specific external lead generation programs.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Communicate your message effectively with excellent written, verbal and speaking skills to connect with diverse audiences.
- Present information in an easy-to-understand, engaging and professional manner that conveys your message with clarity and skill.
- Possess a commitment to diversity, inclusion and equity that illustrates an ability to work with all intersectional identities while appreciating cultural differences; develop a trusting and affirming rapport with individuals from varying racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Respond promptly and in a compelling manner to inquiries from students, parents, advisors, other departments, and team members, putting their needs before other daily tasks.
- Be prepared to counsel students through the process of transferring beyond applying. Serve students in the best way possible by presenting options and insight.
- Demonstrate your understanding of the value of a DU education, curricula offered at DU and basic student needs to hone your skills as an effective recruiter.
- Ability to multitask
- Demonstrate your relationship management skills to better contribute, collaborate, think critically, act independently and be accountable to your teams and constituents.
- Use your advanced skills to take on elevated issues with prospective students and their families right away; facilitate conversation and collaboration with other departments using your superb communication skills.
- Ability to work evenings & weekends, travel in and out-of-state, and develop relationships as needed during heavy recruitment seasons.
Required Qualifications
Assistant Director –
- Bachelor’s degree
- Two-three years’ experience working or volunteering in fields related to admission, international education, recruiting, college access, or advising, ideally in a higher education setting (may include student employment). Some of this experience may be gained from a Master’s/Doctorate degree in higher education.
- Proven success with analyzing college records.
- Valid Driver’s License
Associate Director –
- Bachelor’s degree
- Three to five years’ of experience or two-three years experience and a related Master’s/Doctorate degree in work or volunteering related to admission, international education, recruiting, college access, or advising, ideally in a higher education setting (may include student employment).
- Proven success with analyzing college records.
- Valid Driver’s License
- Three or more years of experience in Higher Education.
Preferred Qualifications
- Recruitment, transfer credit or advising experience
- Staff Management Experience
- Experience with staff or budget management
- Proficiency or fluency in a second language, preference in Spanish
- Experience and success working with traditionally underrepresented populations through the college access and/or admission process
- Experience with content creation across various platforms and strategic communication planning
Working Environment
- Standard office environment.
- Unexpected interruptions occur often, and stress level is moderate to high.
- Noise level is quiet to moderate.
Physical Activities
- Ability to sit in front of a computer for an extended period.
- Occasionally required to move about the office/campus with the capability of transporting objects up to 20 lbs.
Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
In accordance with the University’s flexible work policy, this position is eligible to be considered for partial remote work. Further details regarding this plan will be determined with the hiring manager and are dependent on the division and team specific needs.
Application Deadline
For best consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) September 27, 2023.
Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.
Salary Grade Number:
Assistant Director - The salary grade for the position is 8.
Associate Director - The salary grade for the position is 9.
Salary Range:
Assistant Director - The salary range for this position is $52,000 - $60,000.
Associate Director - The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $65,000.
The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.
Benefits:
The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.
Please include the following documents with your application:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. The University of Denver prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age (40 years and over in the employment context), religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, veterans status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the university's educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended in 2008; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For the university's complete Non-Discrimination Statement, please see non‑discrimination‑statement.
All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.