Director of Enrollment Management Signature Events

PCN 1099

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Senior Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management & Dean of Undergraduate Admission, 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. This position plays a critical role in shaping the impressions that drive enrollment outcomes, ensuring that every event and every campus visit reflects the College's commitment to academic excellence and community.

The Director holds strategic ownership of two interconnected functions. On the Signature Events side, they lead the vision, planning, and execution of a comprehensive portfolio of recruitment and yield events, including Open Houses, Admitted Student Days, and Counselor Events, as well as early engagement programming designed to introduce prospective sophomores and juniors to Merrimack. On the Visitor Services side, they oversee daily campus visit operations and the Ambassador program, managing an experience that welcomes thousands of prospective students and families to campus each year.

Across both functions, the Director manages budgets, vendor relationships, and marketing alignment. The Director leverages technology, including Slate CRM and evolving event platforms, to drive data-informed decision-making, streamline operations, and continuously optimize performance. They are expected to lead innovation in event formats, including in-person and virtual, staying current with emerging tools and trends that elevate the prospective student experience.

The Director serves as a key collaborative partner to senior leadership and colleagues across Admission, Marketing, Alumni Relations, Athletics, Academics, Student Life, and more. The Director is also responsible for building, mentoring, and developing a high-performing team of four full-time staff.

The ideal candidate is a creative, innovative, results-driven events and visitor experience leader with a track record of managing complex, large-scale programs and a genuine passion for creating experiences that connect prospective students to their future. Experience in higher education is welcomed but not required; candidates from healthcare, nonprofit, hospitality, or other complex, relationship-driven environments are encouraged to apply.

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.
• 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.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• 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.

Application Materials Should Include:

• Resume
• Cover letter stating motivation and interest in the position, citing experience relevant to the qualifications and including experience with, and commitment to, our Catholic Augustinian mission and our values.

Work Location

This is an on-campus position as employees are essential in order to provide a fully on-campus, residential college experience for our students and the community.

This position is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check.