Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions

Augsburg University has maintained a strong academic reputation defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies since 1869. A welcoming campus in the heart of Minneapolis, Augsburg offers undergraduate and graduate degrees to nearly 3,200 diverse students. Augsburg’s mission is to educate students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders. The Augsburg experience is supported by an engaged community that is committed to intentional diversity in its life and work. An Augsburg education is defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies, guided by the faith and values of the Lutheran church, and shaped by its urban and global settings. Augsburg invites individuals who share our mission and commitment to intentional diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging to join our community.  In particular, Augsburg invites BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, women, veterans and those from underrepresented or marginalized backgrounds are encouraged to apply.  Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) at Augsburg University  The Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) division includes four uniquely equipped teams: Undergraduate Admissions, Graduate Admissions, SEM Operations, and Financial Aid. The SEM division’s vision is to be a belonging organization that builds deeper relationships, changes systems, and dismantles the access barriers in higher education enrollment management. Our SEM mission is to meet every student where they are with authentic presence, outreach, and engagement. Our nationally recognized Augsburg Applies to You platform supports this mission through direct admissions, success coaching, and academic belonging. We exist to deliver enrollment results, innovation, service, and the essential infrastructure to attract, meet the needs of, and enroll future graduates. We are a key partner in driving sustainable enrollment growth at Augsburg towards the goal of becoming a medium sized university with 5,000 Auggies by 2030. Summary of Position  The Associate Director of Admissions is a key leadership role responsible for driving sustainable growth in recruitment and admission activities. This position oversees the University' undergraduate recruitment and admissions process and provides strategic direction while also focusing on individualized recruitment and relationship management efforts with prospective students. The Associate Director works with first year and transfer student populations, contributing to their success and ensuring a seamless admissions process. Primary Responsibilities 60% of time spent on direct student/guidance counselor engagement as well as partnership engagement: Cultivate and maintain relationships with division and campus partners.  Maintain differentiated ongoing contact and communication with key high school staff as well as advising staff at community college partners.  Oversee the student admissions process for all first year and transfer students.   Collaborate with admissions and operations teams to establish recruitment and event planning including travel planning and budgeting.   Provide data reporting and analysis to inform strategy and assess team performance and effectiveness. Provide opportunities to meet with students individually to discuss their professional and educational goals while providing information about the student’s program of interest and application/admissions process.   Coordinate with operations/events to plan and deliver successful recruitment and anti-melt events throughout the year.   Conduct recruitment, yield, and anti-melt activities throughout the entire enrollment cycle. In partnership with the Director, work collaboratively with cross-campus constituents, such as faculty, cross-functional teams, key committees, and other administrative or academic departments, to devise and implement effective integrated enrollment efforts. Assist with regular staff meetings and collaborate with other Associate Directors to further develop our Belonging Organizational Structure. 40% of time spent on administrative tasks: Serve as an inclusive thought leader and strategic partner to aid in the design, planning, execution, and launch of continuous efforts to maintain and build upon Augsburg’s competitiveness within primary and secondary market segments. Manages a team of direct reports, providing skill/knowledge training, guidance and support on the team’s work capacities as well as individual belonging and growth. Assist with application review management, effectiveness and final admission decisions. Collaborate with the Operations Team to execute engaging communication flow through all stages of the admissions funnel and for special event promotion.  Contribute to key strategies, such as Augsburg Applies to YOU with a focus on removing barriers to access for graduate education.  Compile key admissions data reports, analyze trends and outcomes, and recommend actions. Collaborate with the Director to identify and implement innovative methods of engaging with prospective students.   Design, manage, and monitor tailored engagement approaches based on student backgrounds and goals. Identify new opportunities to increase interest and enhance yield of admitted applicants. Support professional development efforts.  Perform other duties and projects as assigned. Work Environment and Physical Demands Flexible schedule including evening and weekend hours Typical work environment is an office.  Working at a desk for long periods of time.    Regular phone, computer keyboard, mouse and monitor use.  Repetitive arm and hand motions. Medium physical work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Including carrying boxes, pushing carts, and moving inventory on shelves. Travel at variou