Dir of Enrollment Management Signature Events

Position Overview

The Director of Enrollment Management Signature Events & Visitor Services is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic development and execution of Merrimack College's recruitment and yield event portfolio and campus visitor experience programs.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision and coaching to professional and student staff, including goal setting, performance management, and professional development.
• Foster a positive and inclusive team culture that encourages collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
• Develop and implement long-term strategies for Signature Events and Visitor Services, centered around best practices and opportunities for innovation across both functions.
• Design, plan, and oversee the execution of all Signature events, to include Open Houses, Admitted Student Days, Counselor events, and Yield Events.
• Oversee the daily operations of the campus visit experience, ensuring a consistent, high-quality, and welcoming environment for thousands of prospective students and families each year.
• Lead the recruitment, training, and development of the Ambassador program, maintaining a team that serves as an authentic and compelling representation of the Merrimack community.
• Design and implement engagement opportunities for high school sophomores and juniors, such as preview days, academic showcases, or early outreach events.
• Create and implement engagement opportunities for high school sophomores and juniors, such as preview days, academic showcases, or early outreach events.
• Develop and oversee internal and external communication strategies related to event and visitor experience delivery.
• Partner with the Marketing team to build targeted campaigns that drive awareness, registration, and attendance.
• Create and present comprehensive post-event reports to senior leadership, outlining successes, challenges, and actionable insights.
• Engages community partners in event delivery and execution.
• Cultivate partnerships with faculty and deans to ensure their active involvement and support for Signature Events.
• Oversees and manages internal and external vendor relations pertaining to events to include service contracts, invoices, and payment.
• Oversee the development, inventory, and distribution of event-related marketing materials and branded merchandise, ensuring alignment with institutional standards.
• Develop and manage an annual budget for all Signature Events, ensuring financial targets are met, and ensuring cost-effective event planning and execution.
• Manage post event surveys to include analysis of data and identify improvement opportunities.
• Push for continuous innovation by researching and incorporating new technologies, trends, and event practices to create memorable, immersive experiences.
• Represent Merrimack College at relevant industry conferences and forums to stay abreast of best practices in event management and student recruitment.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required.

Qualifications And Skills

• Demonstrated ability to design and execute high-quality, innovative event programming at scale, across in-person and virtual format.
• Proficiency in using data and reporting tools to evaluate program performance and inform strategic decisions, including experience with Slate CRM or comparable platforms.
• Commitment to providing exceptional customer service to internal and external stakeholders.
• Superior written, verbal, and public speaking communication skills, with the ability to present effectively to a range of audiences including senior leadership, faculty, families, and prospective students.
• Strong organizational, multi-tasking, problem-solving, and time management skills, with keen attention to detail.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with prospective students, families, school counselors, alumni, colleagues, and members of the broader Merrimack community.
• Self-directed and proactive, with a track record of identifying and implementing process and operational improvements.
• Experience Bachelor’s degree required, Master preferred. 7-10 years of progressive experience leading large-scale events, visitor experience programs, or comparable functions, with a track record of managing multiple priorities, teams, and stakeholder relationships in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with Slate CRM preferred.
• Supervisory experience is required.
• Professional experience outside higher education is highly preferred.