Director of Admissions, Student Engagement and Marketing, Enrollment Management

$85,000 - $95,000/Yr

University of Cincinnati - Cincinnati, OH

Full-time - Director

Cincinnati, OH

10,001+ employees

Educational Services

About the position

The University of Cincinnati is seeking a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as the Director of Admissions for Student Engagement and Marketing within the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. This role is pivotal in driving innovative marketing and events strategies aimed at increasing student enrollment and enhancing the University's brand reputation. Reporting to the Assistant Vice Provost for Admissions, the Director will play a crucial role in achieving the ambitious goal of expanding enrollment to 60,000 students by 2030. The Director will collaborate closely with central marketing, academic colleges, campus partners, and the admissions leadership team to implement strategies that resonate with prospective students and their families. This position involves managing a team of 11 professionals responsible for daily marketing operations, communications, recruitment and yield events, and the student tour experience. The team handles over 75,000 annual visits, manages communication campaigns for 1.2 million prospective students, and oversees all admissions-related marketing projects. The ideal candidate will be a creative and strategic marketing professional with a strong background in managing multi-channel recruitment efforts and expertise in CRM systems like Slate. Excellent analytical skills are essential for tracking engagement and ROI, ensuring data-driven decisions and continuous improvement in recruitment communications and events. A commitment to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives through targeted marketing efforts is also required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive, multi-channel marketing and communication strategy that aligns with the University's objectives to enhance recruitment outreach, build brand affinity, and support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across all student populations.
• Oversee and optimize the Office of Admissions' digital presence, including website management, social media, and other online platforms, ensuring all content follows SEO best practices and is aligned with current industry trends.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders, including central marketing, admissions staff, academic colleges, and campus partners, to create integrated marketing campaigns and consistent messaging across all UC campuses.
• Monitor and analyze market trends, adjusting strategies as needed to ensure that all marketing initiatives are data-driven, current, and effective in achieving recruitment goals.
• Lead the development of strategic content, storytelling, and messaging for outreach initiatives, leveraging CRM systems and other digital tools to engage prospective students and families effectively.
• Establish and guide cross-functional teams to execute and assess marketing, content, and campaign strategies that advance the University's brand reputation and visibility in target enrollment markets.
• Oversee the implementation of a name-buying strategy to expand the applicant funnel across all prospective student populations.
• Lead the development and enhancement of daily tour and event experiences to improve prospective student engagement and drive enrollment across all student populations.
• Provide strategic oversight of staffing and leadership development within the events team, ensuring high levels of interpersonal communication and collaboration.
• Lead the planning and execution of large-scale recruitment events and yield events, ensuring they align with the University's enrollment goals and provide a memorable experience for prospective students and their families.
• Develop innovative event concepts and experiences that effectively engage diverse student populations, including underrepresented groups, transfer students, and international applicants.
• Lead the hiring, training, development, evaluation, and ongoing supervision of team members, maximizing the potential of each team member through strengths-based development and professional growth initiatives.
• Manage the operating budget for marketing and communication initiatives, demonstrating strategic planning, financial analysis, and business acumen.
• Partner with the Senior Leadership team and administrative departments to meet the marketing and communication needs of the University, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• Seven (7) years of admissions experience.
• Previous supervisory experience.
• Master's degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, Marketing (considered a plus).
• Experience with Slate or other relevant CRM tools; Proficient in query and data management.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in marketing and communications, preferably in higher education or a related sector.
• Proven track record of successfully managing marketing campaigns and leading teams in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong understanding of digital marketing tools and strategies, including SEO, PPC, email marketing, and social media.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives and deliver presentations to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, analyze data, and use insights to drive strategic decision-making.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with Slate or other relevant CRM tools; Proficient in query and data management.
• Previous supervisory experience of professional staff.
• Candidate must be willing and able to work select evenings and weekends (5-10 times per year).

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $85,000- $95,000 dependent on the candidate's experience.
• Comprehensive insurance plans including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts and an award-winning employee wellness program, plus an employee assistance program.
• Financial security via our life and long-term disability insurance, accident and illness insurance, and retirement savings plans.
• Generous paid time off work options including vacation, sick leave, annual holidays, and winter season days in addition to paid parental leave.
• Tuition remission is available for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Enjoy discounts for on and off-campus activities and services.