The Senior Associate Director of Admissions supports the overall leadership of the Office of Admissions by advancing strategic recruitment efforts and contributing to office‑wide initiatives that drive undergraduate enrollment at Illinois Wesleyan University. This role plays an active part in implementing data‑informed strategies, mentoring staff, and ensuring consistent, equity‑minded recruitment practices across all territories and populations.
In addition, the Senior Associate Director leads the university’s athletics recruitment strategy, partnering with coaches and campus colleagues to attract, engage, and enroll student‑athletes who contribute to both the academic and co‑curricular vitality of the institution. The position guides targeted communication, application review, and pre‑read processes for prospective student‑athletes, aligning these efforts with institutional goals and admissions standards.
This is a full-time position; While intended to be on-campus, remote work opportunities within the Chicagoland area may be considered. Generous benefits include health, retirement, considerable time off and access to multiple tuition programs for self and dependents.
Responsibilities:
- Senior Admissions Leadership and Office Strategy; provide leadership within the Office of Admissions and recruitment strategy, staff development, and cross-campus partnerships that advance enrollment goals; contribute to goal-setting, policy discussions, and continuous improvement of recruitment practices; mentor and advise admissions staff on territory management travel planning; relationship development with high schools, independent counselors, and community based organizations; effective use of data and CRM tools
- Athletic Recruitment Strategy; lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of recruitment strategies for student-athletes in alignment with institutional enrollment and roster goals; serve as the primary strategic partner to coaches and Athletics leadership to collectively set annual recruiting priorities, territory plans, and sport-specific goals; build strong relationships with prospective students, families and key influencers; maintain regular communication with prospects and coaches; represent the University at on- and off- site recruitment opportunities
- Application Review and Admissions Decisions; evaluate applications for admissions and scholarship consideration; conduct holistic file review; participate in committee discussions and recommendations; maintain consistency and adherence to policies and criteria; manage the pre-read process for prospective student-athletes
- Athletic Visit Design and Oversight; provide direction for athletics-focused visit experiences that support yield and coach engagement; athletics data, CRM strategy and communications
- Cross-Departmental Relationships and Staff Training; liaise with Athletics, Admissions and cross-train staff on policy, process, and best practices; collaboration and special projects
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Ten years of progressive admissions experience; knowledge of student recruitment strategies and the fundamentals of athletic recruitment in higher education
- Understanding of key NCAA and Division III guidelines, student-athlete eligibility, experience using admissions and/or athletic CRM systems, along with strong communication skills
- Occasional travel and some evening/weekend work required
- Valid Driver’s License and reliable personal transportation required
- Physical requirements: stand and walk; twist; lift, carry, push, and pull objects that weigh up to 25 pounds
Salary: $70,000-$80,000, based on experience
Location: On-campus preferred (Bloomington, IL); Remote work residing in the Chicagoland area may be considered