Director of Admissions

Franklin College Switzerland invites inquiries, applications and nominations for the position of Director of Admissions. 

Reporting to the Vice President of Marketing and Enrollment Management, the Director of Admissions serves on the President’s cabinet and oversees all aspects of the admissions processes in the Offices of Admissions in both New York and Lugano. The Director, located on the Lugano campus, works most closely with the Vice President of Marketing and Enrollment Management and supervises a staff of 9 counselors and administrative personnel located in the U.S. and Lugano. In conjunction with the Dean of the College, the Dean of Student Life, the Registrar and other senior administrators, the Director of Admissions provides expertise in the development, implementation and assessment of all admissions initiatives and enrollment issues involving the recruitment and retention of students.

As an inspiring and articulate spokesperson for the College, the Director of Admissions cultivates and maintains relationships with external agencies, organizations and schools. The Director develops and oversees a comprehensive recruitment plan and works closely with all campus constituencies, including marketing communications, academic affairs, faculty, student life and the office of the registrar to ensure attainment of recruitment goals. He/she participates directly in recruitment activities, including travel, public presentations, reviewing applications and responding to correspondence. The Director manages all information and communications regarding admissions requirements and policies, and collaborates with the Vice President and all senior administrative staff on properly reflecting key aspects of the College to its audiences.

Principal Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee strategic plans for the achievement of enrollment goals as outlined in the College’s strategic plans;
  
  
• Develop and supervise staff to ensure use of best practices to achieve the department’s goals;
  
  
• Create a dynamic, productive team culture that delivers strong client service and personal attention to students and parents, while inspiring a philosophy of progressive student development and retention;
  
  
• Develop and maintain strong collaborative relationships within the Franklin Community;
  
  
•  Assess internal and external data and trends to inform planning and budgeting processes as well as provide strategic adjustments in ongoing admissions, enrollment and retention initiatives;
  
  
• Be knowledgeable of regulatory, professional, and ethical guidelines in enrollment management and financial aid to ensure compliance with College, state and federal rules and regulations;
  
  
• Participate in campus working groups and administrative committees;
  
  
• Oversee all assessment and outcomes reporting for the department, including setting goals and productivity outcomes;
  
  
• Be responsible for all admissions events worldwide, including campus open-house events.
   

The Successful Candidate

Candidates must have a full understanding of admissions processes for institutions in an international environment, particularly one with the mission of a small American liberal arts institution located abroad. Knowledge of technology in key areas, such as media trends and information systems supporting the application process is critical for success in the position. The position requires a high level of expertise in all aspects of admissions including, but not limited to marketing and outreach practices and application processes in a rolling admissions plan. Applicants should possess depth of experience and a record of success in building partnerships and strategic relationships both within and outside the institution. The Director must remain up-to-date on best practices in the fields of admissions and financial aid, researching and updating practices, policies, and technology as needed in both of those areas. He/she is required to prepare and maintain a variety of reports and data concerning admissions, recruitment and general office management and performs other duties as needed or assigned by the Vice President of Marketing and Enrollment Management. In addition to planning and managing the admissions operational budget, the Director hires, supervises, mentors, and prepares performance evaluations for the admissions staff with the aim of fostering excellence in performance of their responsibilities.

Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree, although a Master’s degree is preferred and he/she should have a minimum of seven years (ten years preferred) of experience in higher education admissions, of which at least 3 years should be relative to recruitment of students in an international environment. 

How to Apply

This position begins as early as May 2012 and the review of applications is ongoing. Interested candidates should send a letter of application that relates the applicant’s skills and experiences to the qualifications for the position, curriculum vitae or resume that includes notable achievements and contact information including mailing and email addresses and telephone numbers for at least three references who are able to speak to the candidate’s qualifications as they relate to this position. The packet should be sent electronically (Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF attachments preferred) to diradmsearch@fc.edu. Email subject line should be Director of Admissions Search. 

Confidentiality will be maintained, and references will not be contacted without prior knowledge or approval of the candidate. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

About the Campus

Franklin College is a private, residential, four-year, US and Swiss accredited college located in Lugano, Switzerland, the principal city of Switzerland's southernmost Italian-speaking canton of Ticino. An American liberal arts institution in an international environment, Franklin is fully accredited in the United States by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, and in Switzerland by the Swiss University Conference. Franklin places emphasis on cross-cultural perspectives. A commitment to courses of study that are international in perspective and cross-cultural in content has been the cornerstone of our education mission since our founding in 1969.