Job Overview

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Cincinnati is seeking a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as the Director of Admissions for Student Engagement and Marketing. Reporting to the Assistant Vice Provost for Admissions, the Director will drive innovative marketing and events strategies to increase student enrollment and enhance the University's brand reputation. This role is essential to achieving the University’s goal of expanding enrollment to 60,000 students by 2030.

The Director will work closely with central marketing, academic colleges, campus partners, and the admissions leadership team to implement strategies that resonate with prospective students and families. They will manage a team of 11 professionals responsible for daily marketing operations, communications, recruitment and yield events, and the student tour experience. This team handles over 75,000 annual visits, manages Slate communication campaigns for 1.2 million prospective students, and oversees all admissions-related marketing projects.

We are looking for a creative and strategic marketing professional who is both innovative and collaborative, with a strong background in managing multi-channel recruitment efforts and expertise in CRM systems like Slate. The ideal candidate will possess excellent analytical skills to track engagement and ROI, ensuring data-driven decisions and continuous improvement in recruitment communications and events. This position also requires a commitment to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives through targeted marketing efforts.

Essential Functions

Marketing and Communication Strategies
⦁    Develop and implement a comprehensive, multi-channel marketing and communication strategy that aligns with the University’s objectives to enhance recruitment outreach, build brand affinity, and support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across all student populations, including first-year, transfer, graduate, and international markets.
⦁    Oversee and optimize the Office of Admissions’ digital presence, including website management, social media, and other online platforms, ensuring all content follows SEO best practices and is aligned with current industry trends.
⦁    Collaborate with key stakeholders, including central marketing, admissions staff, academic colleges, and campus partners, to create integrated marketing campaigns and consistent messaging across all UC campuses.
⦁    Monitor and analyze market trends, adjusting strategies as needed to ensure that all marketing initiatives are data-driven, current, and effective in achieving recruitment goals.
⦁    Lead the development of strategic content, storytelling, and messaging for outreach initiatives, leveraging CRM systems and other digital tools to engage prospective students and families effectively.
⦁    Establish and guide cross-functional teams to execute and assess marketing, content, and campaign strategies that advance the University’s brand reputation and visibility in target enrollment markets.
⦁    Oversee the implementation of a name-buying strategy to expand the applicant funnel across all prospective student populations.

Events Management
⦁    Lead the development and enhancement of daily tour and event experiences to improve prospective student engagement and drive enrollment across all student populations, including undergraduate, graduate, and transfer students.
⦁    Provide strategic oversight of staffing and leadership development within the events team, ensuring high levels of interpersonal communication and collaboration.
⦁    Lead the planning and execution of large-scale recruitment events and yield events, ensuring they align with the University's enrollment goals and provide a memorable experience for prospective students and their families.
⦁    Develop innovative event concepts and experiences that effectively engage diverse student populations, including underrepresented groups, transfer students, and international applicants.
⦁    Lead the hiring, training, development, evaluation, and ongoing supervision of team members, maximizing the potential of each team member through strengths-based development and professional growth initiatives.

Budget Administration
⦁    Manage the operating budget for marketing and communication initiatives, demonstrating strategic planning, financial analysis, and business acumen.
⦁    Partner with the Senior Leadership team and administrative departments to meet the marketing and communication needs of the University, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.

Required Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Required Experience

• Seven (7) years of admissions experience.
• Previous supervisory experience.

Additional Qualifications Considered

• Master's degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, Marketing
• Experience with Slate or other relevant CRM tools; Proficient in query and data management
• Previous supervisory experience of professional staff
• Candidate must be willing and able to work select evenings and weekends (5-10 times per year)
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in marketing and communications, preferably in higher education or a related sector.
• Proven track record of successfully managing marketing campaigns and leading teams in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong understanding of digital marketing tools and strategies, including SEO, PPC, email marketing, and social media.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives and deliver presentations to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, analyze data, and use insights to drive strategic decision-making.
• Familiarity with CRM systems and marketing automation tools, preferably Slate.

Application Process Information

• A resume 
• A cover letter (explaining your interest in the position) 
• List of three (3) professional references. 

Physical Requirements/Work Environment