Director of Admissions

Job Summary

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks a Director of Admissions to join Enrollment Management.

The Director of Admissions is responsible for the oversight and management of all functions of the graduate and undergraduate admissions operation. The Director of Admissions will guide the development, implementation and evaluation of forward-looking recruiting and marketing efforts for undergraduate and graduate degree programs that identify and attract diverse and qualified candidates for admission while meeting institutional enrollment goals. They will combine in-depth knowledge of the structure and capabilities of Admissions software (Slate) and an understanding of daily operations to maximize opportunities and relationships with prospective students, applicants, families, and key influencers. Additionally, the Director will play a central leadership role in the efficient and effective management of admissions operations, research and data in support of the annual recruitment and enrollment goals of the College. They will manage, evaluate and make suggestions concerning the effectiveness of the graduate and undergraduate applicant review process, including working with the Admissions Committee, and serve as an integral member of the admission and financial aid leadership team, providing guidance and insight on issues and opportunities related to admission and enrollment. With a demonstrated record of providing strategic direction and leadership in admissions, the Director will hire, train, develop, manage and evaluate staff, serving as an encouraging manager and mentor to a team of committed and engaged admission professionals.

We seek a culturally competent candidate who will thrive in a campus environment that is committed to advancing the principles of social equity and inclusion, environmental and climate justice, and equal access to resources and opportunities.

Essential Functions:

Oversee and manage the development, implementation, evaluation and modification, as appropriate, of annual and long-term recruitment plans to meet institutional goals for enrollment. Responsible for various recruitment outreach methods including, but not limited to print and electronic publications, travel outreach, social media, electronic communication programs and advertising. Supervise and participate in the individual elements of the recruitment plan; ensure each element is successfully completed and is supportive of overall enrollment goals. Evaluate the success of recruitment outreach methods and make recommendations based on findings.

With an in-depth understanding of RISD's short- and long-term enrollment goals, oversee, manage and analyze available admissions recruitment data from varied sources to determine competitors, identify markets, unveil areas of opportunity, and make recommendations to the VP as to how RISD can best explore and optimize expanded areas of recruitment opportunity. Actively engage with the Senior Analyst in Enrollment Management to determine competitors, identify markets, and unveil areas of opportunity, and to envision and manage related reporting, graphics, and various information extracts and data summaries to make operational decisions.

Serve as the Committee Chair and manage the selection of undergraduate applicants. Set reviewing and selection schedule and manage staff and faculty involvement, including training of new members each year. Work with department heads, as needed, for the transfer applicant review process. Engage with Admissions Operations and Senior Analyst to prepare data and materials for strategic modeling and decision meetings. Guide the development of Committee policies and evaluate their effectiveness in the selection process.

Lead and guide staff in the development and implementation of the most effective admissions practices using the capabilities of Slate and its connection to the institutional ERP.

Direct applicant and admissions research. Design, write and produce reports, graphs, informational extracts, and meaningful data summaries to help make operational decisions and meet responsibilities. Provide analysis, develop plans and make recommendations to Enrollment Management leadership as to how RISD can best explore and optimize these areas of opportunity and implement as approved/appropriate.

Manage the design, planning, implementation and evaluation of effective, relevant cyclical programming designed to recruit applicants and yield admitted applicants to RISD.

Travel and represent RISD at relevant programming including recruitment events, professional organization meetings and conferences. Required Knowledge/Skills/Experience

BFA or BA in visual art or design discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Minimum seven years of progressively responsible experience in an Admissions Office with at least three years' experience in a supervisory or leadership role.

Proven results in and delivering on enrollment goals.

Experience in public speaking and presentation. Significant experience in admissions office procedures and operations. Demonstrated success in developing marketing communication and publication campaigns and materials.

Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Proven history of identifying, recruiting and enrolling students from diverse backgrounds and enhancing diversity at one's institution.

Sense of engagement; honesty, integrity, candor and a strong moral compass; genuine interest in forming a team with staff and colleagues.

Advanced experience with integrated student information systems and forward-looking technologies for recruitment and admissions.

Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational and interpersonal skills, ability to manage conflicting deadlines, attention to detail.

Ability to travel regionally, nationally and internationally on behalf of RISD.

Union:

No

Work Schedule:

35 hours per week; 12 months per year

Employment Status:

Full-time; Exempt; Regular

Grade:

560EX

Work Modality

Hybrid Eligible

Documents Needed to Apply:

Resume (Required)

Cover Letter (Required)

Salary Grade Structure

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please upload all required documents.

The successful candidate will be required to meet our pre-employment background screening requirements.

RISD recognizes diversity and inclusivity as fundamental to its learning community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

For internal use only - Job Family:

Admissions