Regional Director of Admissions

At Cotulla Education, home to the Aviation Institute of Maintenance, Centura College, Tidewater Tech, and American Lineman College, we are dedicated to transforming lives through hands-on, career-focused education. Our mission is to empower students to achieve their professional dreams in high-demand fields like aviation, healthcare, information technology, and skilled trades. With experienced faculty providing personalized support, our graduates emerge as future leaders ready to make a significant impact in their communities.

About the role

We are seeking a Regional Director of Admissions to provide coaching, operational leadership, and performance oversight across a portfolio of campuses. This highly visible leadership role partners with Campus Executive Directors, Directors of Admissions, and the AVP of Admissions to strengthen admissions execution, elevate team performance, and drive enrollment growth. This role is ideal for a leader who enjoys spending time in the field, coaching managers, analyzing performance data, and helping teams consistently achieve exceptional results. Success requires balancing accountability with mentorship while leading through influence in a matrixed organization.

Responsibilities

• Develop High-Performing Admissions Leaders
  • Coach and develop Directors of Admissions and their teams through consistent, in-person field visits.
  • Provide real-time feedback through observation, shadowing, and performance coaching.
  • Identify and develop high-potential leaders through stretch assignments and leadership development opportunities.
  • Partner with Campus Executive Directors to address performance gaps and recognize high-performing team members.
  • Lead structured Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) with clear expectations, measurable milestones, and ongoing coaching.
• Drive Performance & Accountability
  • Conduct weekly file audits to ensure compliance, documentation quality, and execution of admissions standards.
  • Monitor admissions funnel performance, enrollment trends, and key operational metrics across assigned campuses.
  • Maintain structured performance dashboards and proactively identify risks and opportunities.
  • Diagnose root causes impacting performance and implement targeted action plans that improve results.
• Partner with Campus Leadership
  • Build trusted partnerships with Campus Executive Directors and campus leadership teams.
  • Serve as the primary field partner for admissions execution across assigned campuses.
  • Maintain a consistent on-campus presence, providing hands-on coaching and operational support.
  • Lead through influence within a matrixed organization, fostering collaboration while driving accountability.
• Use Data to Improve Outcomes
  • Analyze admissions data, file audits, and enrollment reports to identify trends and inform decision-making.
  • Differentiate between staffing, process, coaching, and market factors affecting campus performance.
  • Escalate systemic issues, supported by data, and recommend practical solutions.
  • Provide regular performance reporting to the AVP of Admissions, including audit findings, coaching progress, and performance improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree preferred; degree in Business, Education, Higher Education Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum seven (7) years of progressive admissions leadership or enrollment management experience, including direct experience leading, coaching, and developing campus-level admissions leaders.
• Proven success coaching teams across the full performance spectrum—from developing top performers to successfully improving underperforming teams.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze admissions data, enrollment funnels, and operational metrics to drive measurable improvements.
• Experience leading within a matrixed organization, building strong partnerships across multiple reporting relationships.
• Working knowledge of higher education admissions compliance, including state, accreditor, and U.S. Department of Education requirements.
• Demonstrated success leading structured coaching initiatives, performance improvement plans, and organizational change.
• Strong communication, coaching, and relationship-building skills with the ability to hold candid accountability conversations while maintaining trust and credibility.
• Ability to lead through ambiguity, establish structure in evolving environments, and confidently balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution across multiple campuses.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and experience with CampusVue or comparable CRM/admissions platforms.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 50%, maintaining a consistent in-person presence across assigned campuses.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in one or more of the following:
  • Multi-campus higher education or career education organizations
  • Multi-site admissions leadership
  • Enrollment operations
  • Workforce or technical education
  • Change management and organizational development
  • Performance coaching and leadership development

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance (effective Day One)
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional growth and leadership development opportunities

Pay

$135,000–$145,000, based on experience, qualifications, and demonstrated success leading admissions teams across multiple campuses. Placement toward the higher end of the range is reserved for candidates with extensive multi-site admissions leadership experience and a proven track record of developing high-performing teams and driving enrollment results.

Schedule

Full-time | Travel up to 50%

📍 Location: 4455 South Blvd, Virginia Beach, Va 23452