Director of Admissions - Valdosta State University

Valdosta State University (VSU) is seeking an innovative, dynamic, and data-driven leader to serve as our next Director of Admissions. This is a transformational opportunity to join a vibrant university of 10,000 students with bold ambitions to grow enrollment through the implementation of a comprehensive Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) plan.

Located in South Georgia, VSU is a regional public university known for its welcoming campus culture, strong academic programs, and commitment to student success. We are looking for a strategic thinker with a passion for student recruitment and a drive to succeed¿someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, embraces change, and leads with vision and integrity.

The Director of Admissions will play a key role in shaping the future of undergraduate enrollment at VSU, overseeing the recruitment and admission of a diverse population of students including traditional first-year students, transfers, non-traditional learners, fully online students, and dual enrollment participants. As a test-optional institution, VSU offers streamlined admission for students who meet academic GPA requirements and provides in-state tuition to students from contiguous states, making college more accessible to a broader range of learners.

The successful candidate will bring creativity, leadership, and enthusiasm to an admissions team poised for growth and innovation. If you are excited about the opportunity to make a lasting impact at a student-centered institution with strong community ties and a clear vision for the future¿VSU invites you to apply.

This position provides direction and management oversight to one or more departments or units. Plan, direct, and coordinate operational activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead with Vision and Purpose - Provide strategic leadership in shaping and implementing a comprehensive recruitment plan that aligns with university enrollment goals, fostering innovation and creativity in all aspects of the admissions process.
• Coach and Develop Talent ¿ Supervise, mentor, and train a diverse team of admissions professionals by setting clear expectations, supporting professional development, conducting performance evaluations, and fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Drive Data-Informed Decision Making - Utilize data analytics and enrollment trends to assess the effectiveness of recruitment strategies, campus visit programs, virtual events, and yield initiatives, adjusting tactics to optimize performance and achieve enrollment targets.
• Enhance Recruitment and Outreach Strategies - Oversee the implementation of recruitment efforts for first-year, transfer, online, dual enrollment, and special student populations, ensuring equitable access and a differentiated experience for all prospective students and their families.
• Collaborate Across Campus - Build strong, intentional partnerships with academic departments, athletics, financial aid, marketing, student services, and other internal stakeholders to support student enrollment and success.
• Ensure Operational Excellence - Maintain a high standard of operational integrity in all admissions processes, including application review, communication flow, and compliance with state, University System of Georgia, and institutional policies.
• Model Student-Centered Excellence - Set and enforce a culture of exceptional Student-Centered excellence in all communications and interactions with prospective students, parents, school counselors, and community partners.
• Promote Innovation and Continuous Improvement - Encourage a mindset of ongoing improvement through the adoption of new technologies, strategic initiatives, and best practices in recruitment and enrollment management.
• Foster Accountability and Transparency - Establish clear goals and expectations for the admissions team, regularly monitor progress, communicate outcomes with transparency, and hold staff accountable for achieving individual and departmental objectives.
• Manage Resources Effectively - Oversee budgetary responsibilities for recruitment and admissions initiatives, ensuring efficient use of resources to maximize impact while supporting staff and program needs.

Required Qualifications

Required Experience
Bachelor's degree in a specified field and five (5) years of related work experience in a related field is required.  Terminal degree and/or professional licensure, certification, and/or designation may be required in some areas.