Columbus State University (CSU), a member institution of the University System of Georgia, is conducting a national search for the newly created position of Executive Director of Admissions. Columbus State University is located in Columbus, the second largest city in Georgia, and is approximately 90 minutes from Downtown Atlanta. The University enrolls a diverse student body of over 8,300 students distributed among four colleges located on two residential campuses, as well as within an extensive array of on-line degree offerings. The College of Business and the majority of the programs of the College of Letters and Sciences are located on the traditional campus, while the College of the Arts and the majority of the programs of the College of Education and Health Professions are located on the RiverPark Campus located in the vibrant downtown Columbus area. The University offers programs leading to certification and associate, bachelor, and doctoral degrees. Particularly noteworthy:

• CSU is ranked No. 1 best online college in Georgia by Affordable Colleges Online. (2016-2017)
• CSU is designated Military Friendly School by research resource Military Friendly for the fifth consecutive year for embracing military students and providing dedicated resources to ensure their success. (2017)
• CSU ranked No. 33 best online MBA program by U.S. News and World Report (2017)
• CSU officially opened the new $27 million Frank D. Brown Hall, a modern-day, technology-savvy teaching and research building located in downtown Columbus for education programs and the School of Nursing. (2017)

The Position

Columbus State University seeks a dynamic and experienced higher education admissions professional who will build on the momentum and growing recognition of the University. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management, the Executive Director of Admissions provides strategic leadership in the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and strategies designed to attract and enroll prospective students and ensures that all core areas of the recruitment and admission operation are achieving expected levels of performance. The Executive Director of Admissions is responsible for identifying and implementing best practices and processes, implementing an effective strategic communications plan, and identifying and developing a significant presence in major markets in Georgia and beyond. The Executive Director collaborates with University Relations in the yearly development and implementation of a strategic marketing and communications plan for prospective students that include print, email, web-based and social media platforms. This position also includes identifying and deploying strategies to leverage technology and enhancements to the Student Information System (Banner) and CRM (Target X) to continuously improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the admissions and recruitment process. The Executive Director of Admissions is a key member of the Enrollment Management team. Direct reports to the Executive Director include the Director of Graduate and Global Admissions, the Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions Operations, the Assistant Director of (Undergraduate) Recruitment Operations, and the Assistant Director of (Undergraduate) Campus Experience Programs.

Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university is required. A Master’s degree and 10 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education admissions and recruitment are preferred. Demonstrated success in managing staff and college admission and recruitment functions is also required. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to and experience with data-informed decision making, continual assessment of practices and personnel and extensive knowledge of best practices in admissions and recruitment which support enrollment growth as well as a high level of functional/technical proficiency and knowledge. The successful candidate will also have experience leading enrollment growth in quantity and quality as defined by level of academic criteria and preparation possessed by incoming classes of freshman and transfer students. Stellar written, verbal and presentation skills and strong relationship building skills are expected.

Application and Nomination

Review of applications begins March 31, 2017. Columbus State University is partnering with the executive search firm, Williams & Company, on this search. Columbus State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, Committed to Diversity in Hiring. A successful criminal background check will be required as a condition of employment. Interested candidates should apply for this position online by visiting Columbus State University website: https://columbusstate.peopleadmin.com. Confidential inquiries and/or nominations may be directed to Martha Smiles at Williams & Company: Martha@williamscompany.net or (802) 497-0151.