Kenyon College invites applications and nominations for a Director of Admissions. The Director of Admissions reports to the Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid and is responsible for strategic recruitment planning, outreach activity, staff supervision and office management, and the development and execution of an integrated enrollment marketing plan to enroll an exceptionally talented and diverse student body.
The College: Founded in 1824, Kenyon College is the oldest private college in Ohio and is located on a beautiful hilltop campus in the village of Gambier, just 50 miles northeast of Columbus, the state’s capital and largest city. Kenyon enrolls 1650 talented students representing every state and 27 nations. Kenyon’s admissions environment is very selective; on average, about 30 percent of applicants are admitted. Over its 184-year history, the College has developed a distinctive identity and has achieved a special place among institutions of higher education. From its physical setting in the charming hilltop village of Gambier to the creativity of its campus culture, Kenyon embodies a strong, vital sense of community. Whether reflected in the intimacy of the academic environment or practiced in the collaborative partnerships between faculty and students, the oft quoted phrase “learning in the company of friends” is an accurate portrayal of the Kenyon experience. Nearly unlimited access to first-class faculty in a vibrant living and learning village is the College’s competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Kenyon is fiscally stable with more than 35 years of balanced budgets and is in the midst of a $230-million campaign. For more information about the College, visit www.kenyon.edu.
Preferred Background and Personal Qualities: The Director of Admissions must believe in and be able articulate the values and benefit of a liberal arts education. He or she must also have at least eight years experience in increasing responsible positions in admissions; a proven track record in the recruitment and retention of underrepresented students; an understanding of a selective recruiting environment; an instinct for continuous organizational improvement; an ability to develop and implement marketing strategies; exemplary relationship-building skills; excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills; attention to detail and proven ability to organize and follow through on projects; the ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities; demonstrated capacity for collaboration across campus; competency in data analysis; and familiarity with current technologies and trends. Personal qualities that will be a good match for this position include: a collaborative personality, flexibility, a sense of humor, and creativity; a willingness to consider new ideas; and the ability to lead, inspire and motivate others to achieve goals. A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.
Responsibilities Include:
- Manage the professional recruiting staff, including hiring, supervising, training, evaluating, retaining, and serving as a professional mentor.
- Work with the professional recruiting staff to develop territory management strategies and plan annual domestic and international travel.
- In conjunction with the Associate Dean of Admissions, manage the candidate selection process, including application review, committee and wait list activities.
- Collaborate with the Director of Multicultural Recruitment and the Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid to develop plans and strategies for recruiting and retaining underrepresented students.
- Collaborate with staff to ensure exceptional on-campus visit programs for candidates and their families.
- Work with the Alumni Recruitment Director to maximize the effectiveness of alumni volunteers.
- Review and assess all print and electronic communications.
- Monitor and manage the annual travel budget.
- Serve as an admissions officer with all the responsibilities that entails, including representing Kenyon College both on and off campus, interviewing, conducting information sessions, and evaluating applications.
- Work closely with the director of athletics and coordinate successful recruitment strategies with the coaches of the College’s 22 athletic teams.
- Serve on selected standing and ad hoc committees.
- Be available to work in the evenings and on weekends.
To Apply: Review of resumes will begin in January and will continue until the position is filled. Anticipated start date is July 1, 2009. Lahti Search Consultants is assisting Kenyon College with this search. All inquiries, nominations and conversations about this opportunity will remain confidential. For more information, please contact either Terry Lahti (terry@lahtisearch.com) or Sandy Ware (sandraware@earthlink.net). If you wish to apply, please send a resume and cover letter by email to:
Sandy Ware
Lahti Search Consultants
4360 France Avenue S.
Minneapolis, MN 55410
sandraware@earthlink.net
www.lahtisearch.com
Kenyon College is an equal opportunity employer. It is the College’s policy to evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, ancestry, disability, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, political belief or activity, or status as a veteran. Kenyon welcomes diversity and encourages the applications of women and minority candidates.