Director of Admissions

Primary functions and purpose of this position

The Director of Admissions leads and manages a comprehensive admissions and recruitment strategy for the college. Reporting to the President, the Director is responsible for planning, implementing, and assessing student recruitment; application processing; and onboarding strategies in alignment with the institution's strategic and enrollment plans. The Director manages all aspects of the Admissions Office, including the budget, staff supervision, system management, process development, strategic partnerships, data-driven decision-making, and ensuring a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that is student-focused and customer service-oriented. The Director is also responsible for the development and maintenance of technology solutions and associated workflows, overseeing various college admissions tools, including admissions-related functions of a CRM and Student Information System. This role requires up to 15% local and regional travel as well as occasional weekend commitments.

Major Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the Admissions team and daily operations
• Develop and execute data-driven strategic recruitment and admissions plans
• Prepare budgets and monitor industry trends
• Oversee application processing, evaluation, and decision-making, and ensure compliance with policies
• Implement and improve admissions processes and technology
• In conjunction with the marketing team, implement technological solutions by utilizing the CRM and student information systems to enhance operations and support strategic enrollment goals
• Develop, document, and continuously improve admissions-related policies, processes, and workflows
• Make sure the Admissions team thoroughly understands our programs and interacts with faculty and students to ensure we are providing accurate and up-to-date information for recruitment and enrollment purposes
• Coordinate recruitment events and partnerships
• Collaborate with Marketing and other departments
• Manage communications with prospective students
• Ensure smooth student transitions and perform other assigned duties

Essential KSOC’s (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics)

• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to represent the school with professionalism and knowledge
• Aptitude for creating and delivering engaging presentations
• Capable of communicating effectively with students, staff, and other stakeholders
• Ability to understand the needs, drive, and interests of different types of learners
• Ability to work in and lead in a team environment
• Highly organized with attention to detail and follow-through

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively increasing professional experience that includes college admissions
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a professional supervisory capacity;
• Demonstrated understanding of student regulations and policies in the higher education environment;
• Demonstrated experience working with Student Information and CRM systems to include managing drip campaigns and automated workflows
• HubSpot experience not required but preferred

Other Expectations

• Each employee at IYRS is expected to demonstrate the following in the regular performance of his or her job duties:
• Participating in requisite safety training for staff and students
• Commitment to the vision, mission, and values of IYRS
• Adherence to IYRS’s Code of Conduct
• A positive attitude and willingness to contribute productively to the success of the team and the organization
• An understanding of and commitment to the IYRS’s core competencies of accountability, collaboration, communication, institutional values, and service
• Active participation in efforts geared toward directing and improving the overall operations of IYRS, such as strategic planning, organizational development, and performance improvement
• Commitment to acting as an advocate and ambassador for IYRS
• Sense of ownership and pride in personal performance
• Adherence to all existing IYRS policies and procedures

About IYRS

Founded in 1993, IYRS’ three-acre, waterfront campus sits in the heart of Newport, RI. The school offers training in four skilled-trades curricula: Boatbuilding & Restoration, Marine Systems, Composites Technology, and Digital Modeling & Fabrication. With over 500 industry hiring partners, IYRS’s retention rates, graduation rates, and employment rates lead the career school sector. IYRS is the only private, non-profit, career school in Rhode Island recognized by the Department of Education.

Literally located in the crosshairs of the Blue Economy and Ocean Tech Hub growth sectors, the IYRS School of Technology & Trades is uniquely positioned as a solution set for the region’s innovation and growth. These initiatives leverage RI’s coastal resources and maritime industries to drive economic growth and innovation for the state and region while answering commercial demand for digital and physical testing and manufacturing environments for rapid prototype testing. In addition, Rhode Island has long been known as a world hub for sailing, shipbuilding, and marine trades. This sector alone provided nearly $3B in financial impact to the State every year.

With a rich maritime history, Newport is situated one hour south of Boston and less than four hours north of New York City. The IYRS campus is within walking distance of world-class museums, restaurants, beaches, boating, green space, and more. Some of IYRS’ neighbors include the US Naval War College, the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), the Sailing Hall of Fame, Salve Regina University, and the University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography.

TF Green International Airport (PVD) is a 30-minute drive from IYRS. PVD is frequently named as one of USA Today’s “Readers’ Choice Best Small Airports” and has earned further distinction as a “Top Three” airport in Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Awards.”

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
• Paid holidays, vacation, personal, and sick time
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Reimbursement Account and Health Savings Account
• Retirement plan with company match