Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Enrollment - School of Art - College of Fine Arts

Carnegie Mellon University's School of Art seeks a collaborative, entrepreneurial, and student-centered admissions professional with a passion for art, mentorship, and building talented, diverse student communities. The Director of Recruitment and Enrollment (DRE) serves as the School's primary admissions representative, leading undergraduate recruitment and admissions efforts while helping prospective students discover one of the country's most distinctive interdisciplinary fine arts programs.

Working closely with faculty, School leadership, and College of Fine Arts admissions colleagues, the DRE communicates the School's unique curriculum and recruits students who will thrive in an interdisciplinary, research-driven artistic environment. As a member of the School of Art's administrative leadership team, the DRE contributes to enrollment planning, recruitment initiatives, and student-facing programs that support the School's mission and long-term success.

The School of Art prepares artists to work across traditional studio practice, emerging technologies, and critical inquiry. Rather than emphasizing mastery of a single medium, the School's BFA and BXA programs encourage students to develop flexible, expansive artistic practices that respond to contemporary social, cultural, and technological questions through experimentation, artistic research, and interdisciplinary making. The DRE plays an essential role in building the next generation of this creative community by connecting prospective students with the School's distinctive approach to art education.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the School of Art's primary admissions representative, working closely with School leadership, faculty, and College of Fine Arts admissions colleagues to implement recruitment strategies and support the School's enrollment goals.
• Serve as the primary admissions counselor for prospective undergraduate students and families, providing personalized guidance on Carnegie Mellon University, the College of Fine Arts, the School of Art curriculum, the application process, portfolio preparation, and expectations for success in an interdisciplinary art program.
• Develop and execute regional and national recruitment plans in alignment with School and College priorities. Travel and occasional evening and weekend work are required.
• Represent the School of Art at regional, national, and international recruitment events, college fairs, portfolio days, high school visits, and other outreach programs.
• Plan and coordinate virtual and in-person recruitment events, portfolio reviews, open houses, admitted student programs, and summer recruitment initiatives, including Art Pre-College programming and portfolio advising.
• Monitor recruitment, application, and enrollment data to evaluate recruitment efforts and prepare reports that inform School planning. Stay informed about trends in art and design higher education to strengthen recruitment strategies and practices.
• Develop recruitment communications and outreach materials in collaboration with School and College marketing and communications colleagues.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and mentor the School's student ambassadors, supporting their participation in tours, events, outreach, and prospective student engagement.
• Cultivate relationships with alumni, secondary school counselors, community organizations, and external partners to strengthen the School's visibility and recruitment efforts.
• Lead and coordinate the School’s undergraduate admissions review process in partnership with faculty, including application review, portfolio evaluation, committee logistics, and admissions decision-making.
• Administer the School’s merit scholarship process and manage the admissions operating budget.
• Maintain accurate admissions records and prospective student data in accordance with University policies, procedures, and systems.

Requirements

• Holds a bachelor's degree and brings three to five years of progressive experience in undergraduate admissions, recruitment, or enrollment, preferably within an arts or creative higher education environment.
• Demonstrates cultural intelligence and a genuine commitment to inclusive recruitment practices, with the ability to build meaningful relationships with students from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
• Has experience mentoring, advising, or teaching emerging artists and is comfortable evaluating portfolios while providing thoughtful, constructive guidance to prospective students.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of financial aid and merit scholarship processes and understands how financial aid supports student recruitment and enrollment decisions.
• Communicates with clarity, warmth, and professionalism across a wide range of audiences, including prospective students and families, faculty, counselors, alumni, and University colleagues.
• Thrives in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment that requires initiative, strong organizational skills, sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities with flexibility and professionalism.
• Successful background check and Act 153 child protection clearances.
• Domestic travel required; international travel possible.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings program with employer contributions.
• Tuition benefits.
• Ample paid time off and observed holidays.
• Life and accidental death and disability insurance.
• Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass.
• Access to Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs.
• Fitness center access.

Pay

Salary basis.

Schedule

Full time.

Location: Pittsburgh, PA