Sr. Associate Director of Admissions

The Senior Associate Director of Admissions supports the overall leadership of the Office of Admissions by advancing strategic recruitment efforts and contributing to office‑wide initiatives that drive undergraduate enrollment at Illinois Wesleyan University. This role plays an active part in implementing data‑informed strategies, mentoring staff, and ensuring consistent, equity‑minded recruitment practices across all territories and populations.

In addition, the Senior Associate Director leads the university’s athletics recruitment strategy, partnering with coaches and campus colleagues to attract, engage, and enroll student‑athletes who contribute to both the academic and co‑curricular vitality of the institution. The position guides targeted communication, application review, and pre‑read processes for prospective student‑athletes, aligning these efforts with institutional goals and admissions standards.

This is a full-time position; While intended to be on-campus, remote work opportunities within the Chicagoland area may be considered. Generous benefits include health, retirement, considerable time off and access to multiple tuition programs for self and dependents.

Responsibilities

• Senior Admissions Leadership and Office Strategy; provide leadership within the Office of Admissions and recruitment strategy, staff development, and cross-campus partnerships that advance enrollment goals; contribute to goal-setting, policy discussions, and continuous improvement of recruitment practices; mentor and advise admissions staff on territory management travel planning; relationship development with high schools, independent counselors, and community based organizations; effective use of data and CRM tools

Athletic Recruitment Strategy; lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of recruitment strategies for student-athletes in alignment with institutional enrollment and roster goals; serve as the primary strategic partner to coaches and Athletics leadership to collectively set annual recruiting priorities, territory plans, and sport-specific goals; build strong relationships with prospective students, families and key influencers; maintain regular communication with prospects and coaches; represent the University at on- and off- site recruitment opportunities

Application Review and Admissions Decisions; evaluate applications for admissions and scholarship consideration; conduct holistic file review; participate in committee discussions and recommendations; maintain consistency and adherence to policies and criteria; manage the pre-read process for prospective student-athletes

Athletic Visit Design and Oversight; provide direction for athletics-focused visit experiences that support yield and coach engagement; athletics data, CRM strategy and communications

Cross-Departmental Relationships and Staff Training; liaise with Athletics, Admissions and cross-train staff on policy, process, and best practices; collaboration and special projects

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree

Ten years of progressive admissions experience; knowledge of student recruitment strategies and the fundamentals of athletic recruitment in higher education

Understanding of key NCAA and Division III guidelines, student-athlete eligibility, experience using admissions and/or athletic CRM systems, along with strong communication skills

Occasional travel and some evening/weekend work required

Valid Driver’s License and reliable personal transportation required

Physical requirements: stand and walk; twist; lift, carry, push, and pull objects that weigh up to 25 pounds

Application Information

Please download the application at Feel free to include a cover letter, resume and contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and the position is open until filled.

Email: [email protected]

Illinois Wesleyan University

Human Resources, Holmes 209

1312 N. Park Street

Bloomington, IL 61701

Fax: 309-556-1710 (please use cover sheet)

$70,000-$80,000, based on experience

On-campus preferred (Bloomington, IL); Remote work residing in the Chicagoland area may be considered

The University is in active conversations with a highly qualified candidate but welcomes additional applications. The final candidate will pass a pre-employment background investigation.

An overview of IWU benefits can be found here. Illinois Wesleyan University does not sponsor work visas at the time of hire or anytime during employment for this position. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term.

Illinois Wesleyan University is committed to recruiting, supporting, and fostering a community that values a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds among our outstanding faculty, staff, and students. We seek candidates who have a demonstrated commitment to contributing to and enhancing our community in these areas. Illinois Wesleyan University is an EEO Employer. Illinois Wesleyan University’s sexual misconduct policy may be accessed at Illinois Wesleyan University is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to promoting excellence through a variety of viewpoints.