AA/EEO Statement:

Appalachian State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The University does not discriminate in access to its educational programs and activities, or with respect to hiring or the terms and conditions of employment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or sexual orientation.

Background Check Statement:

Any offer of employment to a successful candidate will be conditioned upon the University's receipt of a satisfactory criminal background report.

Eligibility for Employment:

Proper documentation of identity and eligibility for employment will be required before the hiring process can be completed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Formal education equivalent of a Bachelor's degree with a major in college student personnel, public administration, general business or related field.
• Significant experience in student admissions, student recruitment or related area in a post-secondary institution.
• Proven knowledge of and experience in leadership, mentorship, staff development, and program development.
• Experience with techniques and procedures used in program development (e.g. planning, coordinating, administrating, data analysis).
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with best practices for recruitment of diverse/underrepresented students.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of a student centered/customer service-oriented philosophy.
• Demonstrated ability to use a computerized student information and reporting system.
• Excellent interpersonal, speaking, and writing skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Other job related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements.

License/Certifications Required:

Valid driver's license and ability to rent vehicle.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

This twelve-month exempt (EHRA) position is responsible for improving Appalachian State's ability to meet new student enrollment goals of students of historically diverse and marginalized populations. This position is specifically responsible for leading the planning, coordination, execution, and assessment of all plans to meet undergraduate recruitment and enrollment goals for diverse students, in direct support of the university's strategic plan and enrollment management goals, using best practices for recruitment of high-achieving diverse students. This includes working with current students/groups at Appalachian to garner additional recruitment assistance including but not limited to service opportunities, media/content, and networking opportunities in existing and new markets. In short, the Senior Associate Director of Diversity Initiatives is tasked to build bridges between prospective students and current University constituents (students, faculty, staff, and programming) to deepen the contextual understanding of the environment that Appalachian State offers to underrepresented students. This position typically supervises or co-supervises other team members involved in building such bridges.

This position is also responsible for recruitment planning and activities for achieving desired enrollment goals within assigned geographic areas. This position will act as one of the primary contacts for high schools and regional community colleges for Appalachian, will assist prospective students and families in their transition from high schools, 2-year institutions, or other 4-year institutions by providing information and assistance on the admissions and financial aid process, academic programs, campus visitation, and housing.

Appalachian State University is committed to developing and allocating resources to the fundamental task of creating a diverse campus culture. We value diversity as the expression of human similarities and differences, as well as the importance of a living and learning environment conducive to knowledge, respect, acceptance, understanding and global awareness.

Leading Recruitment Initiatives for Diverse Students (65%)

• Identifying key markets for diverse students.
• Developing and implementing specific recruitment strategies and communication plans targeting diverse students.
• Developing/implementing/improving current and new on and off-campus events and programs that specifically or better cater to the specific needs of diverse prospective student populations.
• Initiating tailored mechanisms and strategies for tracking and communicating with these students throughout the admissions cycle until enrollment.
• Supervising, planning, and directing the activities for staff/recruiters who share responsibility for the recruitment of diverse students in addition to their geographic areas of responsibility.
• Assessing effectiveness of implemented strategies and redesigning efforts as necessary.
• Reporting on the effectiveness of current strategies and requesting additional resources as necessary.
• Coordinating with campus constituents (faculty, staff, students, etc.) to garner additional recruitment.
• Assistance including but not limited to service opportunities, media (for publications, pictures, video, etc.), and networking opportunities in existing and new markets.
• Developing and implementing strategic partnerships with other CBOs, NPOs, and other institutions to improve college access to Appalachian State for diverse student populations.
• Co-advise the Chancellor's Student Advisory Board for Diversity Recruitment and Retention (CSAB).

Student Recruitment (15%)

• Planning and executing all recruiting operations necessary to meet recruitment and enrollment goals within assigned geographic areas.
• Traveling to recruit students at day, evening, and some weekend functions in high schools and community colleges.
• Conducting presentations which include information on academic programs, costs, housing, financial aid, scholarships, application processes and visitation programs.
• Establishing key relationships, building such relationships, and communicating extensively with prospective students and key influencers (parents, counselors, etc.) throughout the recruitment funnel as appropriate.
• Conducting extensive outreach (by phone, e-mail, written correspondence, and social media) to prospective students throughout the recruitment funnel to foster relations and to assist students and parents in any way possible.
• Meeting with prospective students and families as necessary to answer questions and discuss admissions requirements, college costs, financial aid and scholarships, residency, housing, academics, student life, and any other areas of interest to and relevant to the visiting student and family.
• Communicating extensively and building relationships with prospective students and key influences (parents, counselors, etc.) throughout the recruitment funnel as appropriate.
• Conducting presentations which include information on academic programs, costs, housing, financial aid, scholarships, and application processes and help with office coverage as necessary.

Assistance with Applicant Decisions (5%)

• Developing and maintaining a clear understanding of admission standards, college placement tests, admission restrictions, and exceptions.
• Reviewing files and providing admission recommendations.

Perform Other Duties as Assigned (15%)

• Performing other related duties as assigned by director.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Earned Master's degree.
• Experience with establishing and building connections with community-based organizations.
• Experience advising students with respect to university programming or student leadership.

Type of Position: Full Time Position

Work Schedule/Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. (night and weekend travel during fall and spring travel seasons)

Department: Admissions - 240300