Job Posting Title:
Executive Director of Admissions and Outreach

Job Description:
Overview:
Reporting to the Vice President of Admissions and Enrollment Management, the Executive Director of Admissions and Outreach will provide leadership, direction, and management oversight to all student-facing admissions, recruitment, and outreach staff at Keck Graduate Institute. As part of the admissions and enrollment management leadership team, the Executive Director will play an integral role in monitoring key metrics and adapting the day-to-day admissions, outreach, and recruitment operations to ensure the growth and sustainability of KGI's diverse and innovative programs. The Executive Director is also responsible for ensuring that the prospective student and applicant experience is positive from inquiry to matriculation.

The Executive Director will have a proven track record of executing effective recruitment strategies, optimizing business practices, and building high-performance teams to achieve enrollment goals.

This position provides direct management oversight to the Director of Admissions and Director of Recruitment and Outreach and is responsible for their teams' training, development, and success.

Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) was founded in 1997 as the first higher education institution in the United States dedicated exclusively to education and research related to the applied life sciences. KGI offers innovative postgraduate degrees and certificates that integrate life and health sciences, business, pharmacy, engineering, and genetics, focusing on industry projects, hands-on industry experiences, and team collaborations. KGI employs an entrepreneurial approach and industry connections that allow students to become leaders in healthcare and the applied life sciences.

Located in beautiful Claremont, California, KGI is a member of the Claremont Colleges, a consortium of five undergraduate liberal arts colleges, two graduate institutions, and The Claremont Colleges Services, which provides shared institutional support services. Each nationally recognized college has its own campus, students and faculty, and distinctive mission, and each offers top-notch curricula, small classes, distinguished professors, and personalized instruction. The Claremont Colleges consistently place at the top of national college rankings, including Forbes, Money and U.S. News and World Report, and the Princeton Review.

Education and Experience:
A Bachelor's degree and minimum of eight (8) years of experience in admissions, recruitment, sales, or enrollment management, with a proven track record of achieving enrollment goals is required. A Master's degree in business, marketing, higher education, or a related field and experience managing large, complex teams is preferred.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities : Individuals must possess knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the essential function of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions may be performed, with or without, reasonable accommodations, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

Operational Management (50%):
Oversee the daily operations of the Admissions and Outreach student-facing teams, ensuring efficient and effective practices.
Align recruitment strategy and admissions practices to ensure achievement of all enrollment goals.
Create and execute a comprehensive strategy for recruiting and engaging prospective students through continual business process improvement.
Ensure the prospect and applicant experience is optimized from initial introduction to KGI through matriculation.
In collaboration with the Vice President, manage the admissions budget, including forecasting, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring financial sustainability.
Develop and implement policies and procedures that ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines and promote best practices in admissions.
Use data-driven approaches to evaluate and improve recruitment tactics, increasing conversion rates and enrollment numbers.

Strategic Leadership (20%):
Develop and execute comprehensive enrollment strategies aligning with the Institute's mission and goals.
Under the guidance of the Vice President of Admissions and Enrollment Management, provide leadership in the strategic planning process for admissions and recruitment, setting clear objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive success.
Identify and pursue new market opportunities and strategic partnerships to enhance domestic and international recruitment efforts.
Collaborate with senior leadership, including the Vice President of Admissions and Enrollment Management, to integrate admissions strategies with broader institutional objectives.

Training and Development (10%):
Lead, mentor, and develop the Admissions and Outreach teams, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.
Ensure the team is equipped with training and resources to engage prospective students and stakeholders effectively.
Plan and implement regular training sessions on admissions best practices, recruitment strategies, and the use of CRM and other technology tools.

Partnerships and Outreach (10%):
Establish and maintain relationships with key external partners, including feeder schools, international partners, community organizations, and industry leaders.
Represent KGI at domestic and international recruitment events, conferences, and other forums to enhance the Institute's visibility and attractiveness.
Collaborate with academic program directors, faculty, and other departments to support recruitment initiatives and student success.

Data Analysis and Reporting (10%):
Monitor and report on key admissions, recruitment, and outreach metrics, providing insights and recommendations to senior leadership.
Utilize CRM systems and other technology tools to optimize recruitment processes and enhance data integrity.
Conduct market research and trend analysis to inform strategic decisions and stay ahead of industry developments.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Individuals must possess knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential function of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions may be performed, with or without, reasonable accommodations, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

Visionary and entrepreneurial mindset, with a proactive approach to identifying and capitalizing on opportunities in higher education and overcoming challenges in the higher education market.
Proven experience in recruiting, enrollment management, and admissions within a higher education setting, preference for experience in Graduate Education.
Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a high-performing team.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build relationships with students, faculty, staff and external partners.
Demonstrated success working with individuals and groups with diverse backgrounds and cultures, including a strong equity and customer service orientation.
Excellent planning, organizational, and budgeting skills.
Forward-thinking, solution-oriented, and entrepreneurial mindset.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively, exercising sound judgment in sensitive situations.
Proficiency in using technology to enhance productivity.
Excellent presentation skills for large and small audiences.
Available for and weekends, as event schedules may require.
Ability to travel up to 50% regionally and occasionally out-of-state.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record (as maintained by the DMV) that is acceptable to the Institute's insurance carrier
Ability to lift 20 pounds/participate in light set-up for recruitment and on-campus events.

Hours, Classification, and Status:
This is a regular, full-time, benefits-eligible, exempt position.

The regular hours of this position are Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Hours may vary due to the needs of the College or department.

Salary range: $110,000 -$125,000 annualized. The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.

Special Requirements:
Keck Graduate Institute has implemented a SARS-Co V-2 (COVID-19) and Influenza Vaccination Program covering all employees and students. Employees must submit proof of vaccination, an Institute-approved exception, or deferral to comply with the policy.

Physical and Mental Requirements:
Ability to maintain good concentration level while dealing with interruptions; attention to details with emphasis on accuracy; capable of giving, receiving, and analyzing information, formulating work plans, and articulating goals and action plans. Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time. Standing for extended periods of time. Reaching and extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction. Finger dexterity is required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than the whole hand(s), or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard. Communication skills using the spoken word. Ability to see within normal parameters. Ability to hear within normal parameters. Ability to bend and stoop, for example, to file. Ability to move about. Ability to lift and carry short distances up to 20 lbs., for example, to lift or move office supplies, files, books, and packages. Ability to drive locally. Occasionally, will be required to stand for prolonged periods of time at activities/events on and off-campus.

To Apply:
A confidential review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made. To be ensured full consideration, please upload a letter of interest, resume, and three professional references. Minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy:
Keck Graduate Institute is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate against qualified employees or applicants based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal law. Equal employment opportunity will be extended to all persons in all terms and conditions of employment. KGI strongly encourages candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.