Director of Admissions

Summary of Position

Widener University is currently seeking a Director for Admissions in the JD Admissions Office at the Delaware Law School. Reporting to the Assistant Dean for Admissions, the Director should bring experience in meeting enrollment goals, aiding in the development and evaluation of strategic recruitment and enrollment plans, building strong working relationships with faculty, administrators, students, applicants, and pre-law advisors, and use of innovative technologies. 

The Director will work closely with the Assistant Dean for Admissions to actively recruit applicants from a national applicant pool.  The Director will assist in the dissemination of information, recruitment strategy, evaluation, selection and enrollment of first year and transfer students. The Director of Admissions will supervise staff implementing daily application processes.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):

Essential duties:

• Review and render decision recommendations on law school applicant files
• Assist in the development of admissions policies and entering student scholarship strategies
• Supervise all Admissions staff functions related to technology and software systems that support all admissions operations and business processes
• Develop, implement and maintain business processes that supports electronic application, decision and communication processes in Colleague (Student Information) and Unite (Customer Relationship Management) Databases
• Provide training for and supervision of all staff with respect to electronic processes and assist with production and maintenance of procedures manual
• Provide leadership in use and implementation of various virtual platforms to conduct and participate in virtual recruitment events hosted by external entities including colleges and universities, Law School Admissions Council, affinity organizations, etc.
• Oversee the hiring of student ambassadors
• Supervise student ambassadors and student workers
• Create and implement student ambassador and student worker onboarding and training procedures
• Review and analyze yearly applicant pool comparison profiles
• Advisory role in development of prospective student communication plan
• Develop and steward relationships with regional and national undergraduate institution pre-law advisors and career development professionals
• Assist with the implementation of targeted email aspects of office communication plan and integration of same with digital advertising efforts
• Represent Law School at regional and national off campus recruitment events to attract a qualified and diverse applicant pool
• Assist with the planning and hosting of on and off campus recruitment events
• Track success of outreach efforts
• Advisory and editorial role in the production of marketing materials and admissions web content
• Conduct information and counseling sessions with prospective applicants.
• Conduct group presentations
• Conduct and participate in off campus recruitment activities
• Personal communication, correspondence, and follow-up (written, electronic, telephone) with prospective students
• Provide guidance and leadership to admissions professional and clerical staff.
• Additional duties as assigned

The ideal candidate for this position should be able to work independently, multi-task, and problem-solve. They should have strong interpersonal communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing with varied constituent groups, along with excellent presentation skills to small and large groups of internal and external audiences. They should have demonstrated strong leadership skills with an ability to effectively understand, navigate and explain to others various technology-based recruitment and enrollment management tools. The person in this position routinely handles confidential information and contributes to a positive work environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least 3 years of experience in Admissions or related field in higher education
• Willingness to travel
• Valid driver’s license
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, (Word, Excel, Outlook, one Drive, Bookings, etc.)
• Excellent communication skills (i.e. grammar, vocabulary) to be applied to telephone and written communications such as email, letters, and memos
• Superior interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to interact effectively with applicants, parents, students, and all staff in a high-volume office
• Demonstrated ability to multitask with exceptional attention to detail
• Aptitude and willingness to learn new technology systems and system upgrades, including but not limited to Customer Relationship Management and Student Information database systems
• Enthusiastic, organized self-starter capable of working independently and as a part of team supporting creative people and innovative solutions

Preferred:

• Juris Doctor or advanced degree in related field
• 3-5 years' experience in Law School Enrollment Management
• Working knowledge of and prior experience utilizing a Customer Relations Management and Student Information database system

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS: 

• Extensive travel required
• Standing for prolonged periods of time at recruitment events
• Lifting and carrying marketing materials to recruitment events and presentation
• Frequent night, early morning and weekend hours as needed to achieve recruitment goals

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.

Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy. 

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.