Senior Assistant Director of Admissions Operations - Office of Undergraduate Admissions

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions (OUA) is seeking a Senior Assistant Director of Admissions Operations to oversee domestic application and credit processing and to contribute to guaranteed admission program and transfer admissions efforts across the undergraduate admissions cycle. This role offers the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues, manage complex application processes, drive meaningful process improvements, and help shape a fair and efficient admissions experience for students.

About the role

The Senior Assistant Director will oversee operational responsibilities related to domestic undergraduate application and credit processing. As a member of the Admissions Operations leadership team, this position will manage complex application processes and reports, support the planning and administration of special programs, and participate in related transfer admissions initiatives. The role also contributes to strategic planning to enhance operational effectiveness, consistency, and alignment with institutional goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support team(s) responsible for domestic application and credit processing, ensuring efficient, fair, and consistent processing and review of student applications.
• Participate in management of guaranteed-admission programs, including direct outreach to students to help them understand eligibility, requirements, and timelines; review and recommend placements for transfer applicants who are eligible under guaranteed admission policies.
• Develop and maintain an extensive knowledge of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign course offerings, degree programs, and general education requirements.
• In collaboration with the Associate and Senior Associate Director, establish annual processing/review schedule and coordinate staff and committee assignments.
• Review possible rescission situations, providing recommendations to the leadership team; serve as backup to the Associate Director in overseeing the various steps associated with rescinding admission offers for transfer students, including coordination with several campus units.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of operational communication and transfer resources, including publication of online and print materials as well as any related email campaigns.
• Ensure compliance with institutional and state regulations as they relate to admissions.
• Supervise or oversee supervision of staff members in various work formats; train and develop staff—providing clear guidance, setting expectations, and ensuring high standards of service.
• Monitor performance metrics (e.g. productivity, processing times, outcomes) and use data to inform improvements and resource allocation.
• Maintain and improve admissions workflows, systems, and processes; participate in the annual evaluation of the admission cycle; help identify problems in the workflow and initiate changes in functional and technical procedures to resolve such issues; assist in testing of homegrown and vendor systems during upgrades, enhancements, and fixes; create and update documentation.
• Communicate effectively with students, applicants, and internal and external stakeholders about admissions processes, application and credit processing, and guaranteed admission options.
• Represent OUA on any campus, state, or national committees appropriate to the position.
• Support operations, staff training, special programs, and related transfer admissions efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• A total of three (3) years (36 months) in education, training and/or work experience in admissions, records, registration, and/or closely related experience within an educational setting. (Note: A Master’s Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.)
• Demonstrated supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated experience with marketing, communications, and/or use of Slate.
• Demonstrated experience with admissions systems such as iAdmit.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five (5) or more years of professional work experience in undergraduate admissions.
• Demonstrated experience with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s admissions system, iAdmit.

Skills

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work independently with little or no supervision or clerical support.
• Detail oriented with excellent organizational and communication skills, including the ability to make effective presentations.
• Ability to analyze data and make data-driven decisions.
• Commitment to working with and on behalf of college students from varied backgrounds.
• Ability to work with a variety of on- and off-campus constituents and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Enthusiastic, self-starter approach to work with a commitment to delivery of high-quality service in a timely manner.
• High achievement in previous work and/or educational experiences.
• Ability to act with diplomacy and tact in enforcing admissions policies and procedures while at the same time not alienating the individuals to whom we must say no.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in the interpretation of admissions policies and in the handling of exceptional cases.

Schedule

Occasional evening and weekend work, travel, and event attendance required throughout the year.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $68,000 to $78,000 annually. We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid time Off
• Tuition waivers for employees and dependents