Director of Admissions and Communications

JOB DESCRIPTION

SKILLS REQUIRED:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills and commitment to/engagement with prospective students and applicants
Strong data management and analysis skills
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
Sound decision-making and strong problem-solving abilities
Understanding of Catholic culture and Catholic higher education
Understanding of Dominican spirituality and mission within the Church
Ability to prioritize one's own work, and to be adaptable and flexible
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to work collaboratively and tactfully with a wide range of both internal and external groups
Experience in technologies and programs, especially in Microsoft, Adobe Creative Suite
Ability to travel as necessary for work (i.e., campus visits and conferences)
Knowledge of video and photo editing preferred
Some experience with graphic design preferred

DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS - PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Student Recruitment Strategy

o In conjunction with administrative staff, faculty and Western Dominican Province (and other relevant constituents), Director will develop an annual recruiting and marketing plan, in accordance with the institutional Desired Ends Map.
o Develops a marketing strategy that considers demographics research, market drivers, and enrollment trends. Conceives, develops and oversees innovative marketing programs related to recruitment that drive market awareness (industry buzz/voice) and demand for the school's programs and offerings.

Recruitment Marketing
o Directs all student recruiting and marketing activities, including marketing communications, public relations, admission events, market research and analysis, and maintenance of the prospective student and lead database(s)
o Directs and develops the recruitment materials to promote the School and its educational programs, including program brochures, application forms, advertisements, recruiting displays, posters, videos for prospective students and website recruitment & admissions information in collaboration with WDP Advancement.
o In conjunction with President Academic Dean and Faculty, the Director is responsible for identifying the key extra-curricular activities, public events and academic offerings that can be promoted and expanded, ensuring that DSPT is optimally interfacing with the public.
o Administers Admissions web pages, implementing changes that reflect admissions policies, procedures and guidelines; regular auditing of web pages for consistency and accuracy
Admissions
o Regularly updates the Director of Academic Affairs on the status of current applications for admissions
o In coordination with the Academic Dean, convenes and reviews completed applications for admission on a bi-monthly basis
o Notifies Scholarship Committee of the decisions of the Admissions Committee for further evaluation for scholarship awards
o Sends notification of acceptance or rejection to applicants for admission, and, if applicable any scholarship that has been awarded
Enrollment Marketing Data Analysis
o Tracks enrollment management best practices and benchmarks locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. Exercises flexibility and creative thinking in outlining strategy based on sound data.
o Utilizes proficiency in SEO and social media marketing principles to increase measurable engagement and lead creation through website content, social media promotion and targeted advertisement campaigns.

Department Management
o Supervises student workers in their day-to-day work of receiving, tracking and communicating with incoming leads in DSPT's software system
o Develops and improves lead flow, communication plans and sequences, data consistency, and admissions reporting
o Works to improve and optimize all facets of the prospective student lifecycle, from inquiry to application; coordinating with the Registrar and Student Services Director, creates a seamless pipeline through to admission, enrollment, and student retention through to graduation

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS - PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Website Development & Management
o Identifies ways to continually improve the website and manages third party web design firm to implement changes in collaboration with WDP Advancement
o Oversees day-to-day updates, creation of surveys, new page design and troubleshooting for staff
o Identifies ways to improve Search Engine Optimization
o Works with WDP Advancement and our website servicer to produce quarterly website metrics

Social Media
o Identifies and posts relevant content in line with the mission of our school for use in social media
o Manages posting to Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other social media channels

Video Production
o Coordinates video shoots with faculty, alumni and students
o Oversees video editing

Photography
o Oversees photography - shooting and cataloging photographs for promotion of the school
o Preparing photos for placement on the website, in video and printed collateral.

Department Management
o Manages the hiring, training, supervising and evaluating of administrative and/or student personnel to support the Director of Communications
o Develops and administers the department's budget.
O Attends weekly check-ins and monthly meetings with WDP Advancement to coordinate efforts
O Serves as a liaison between WDP Advancement and DSPT in regard to Communications and Advancement, ensuring that all needs are communicated well in advance

Support Development
o Works closely with the Western Dominican Province Advancement Team to support the messaging and branding with regard to donor specific collateral, support direct mail fundraising efforts, issue monthly electronic newsletter, update website information and donor videos.