Job Description:OLLU seeks an experienced, mission-driven Senior Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions to lead its undergraduate recruitment efforts at an exciting moment of positive momentum for the university. Reporting to the Dean of Admissions, the Senior Associate Director owns first-year, transfer, international, and regional recruitment across South Texas and beyond ? building the team, executing the plan, and delivering results cycle after cycle. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who builds strong external relationships, champions prospective students through every step of their journey, and reflects OLLU's commitment to access, opportunity, and the communities it serves.
Performance Evaluation Metrics:Recruitment & Yield: Achieve first-year and transfer enrollment targets across primary South Texas markets and secondary and tertiary markets statewide; maintain strong conversion rates from inquiry through enrollment.
Team Development & Performance: Build and sustain a high-performing admissions team through clear goal-setting, ongoing coaching, and measurable individual and team performance outcomes.
Pipeline Development: Establish and grow sustainable student pipelines through high school, Catholic high school, community college, and community-based partnerships across assigned markets.
Operational Excellence: Ensure the team is self-sufficient in Slate with strong data integrity standards; partner with the Director of Enrollment Operations and Analytics to build efficient, student-centered workflows.
Requirements:Essential Functions:1. Team Leadership and Development- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing admissions team ? setting clear goals, maintaining accountability, and building a competitive culture that celebrates wins and stays focused on results.
- Ensure the full team is self-sufficient in Slate for all day-to-day tasks; maintain data entry standards and data integrity across the team.
- Partner with the Director of Enrollment Operations and Analytics to build efficient, student-centered workflows.
- Partner with the Enrollment Communications Manager to develop, schedule, and deliver multi-modal drip campaigns for responsible populations throughout the enrollment funnel.
- Work with Assistant Director of Campus Visit and Student Experience to plan, execute, and market visits, tours, events, outreach, follow-up and communication to students.
2. Recruitment Strategy and Execution- Own enrollment targets and translate OLLU's enrollment strategy into a detailed, market-specific recruitment and yield plan covering first-year and transfer goals ? across primary South Texas markets and growing secondary and tertiary markets statewide ? and drive disciplined execution every cycle.
- Develop and manage the annual recruitment calendar, coordinating travel schedules, events, and outreach activities across the full team and regional markets.
- Carry a personal recruitment territory, maintaining direct relationships with schools, counselors, and prospective students, and modeling the standards expected of the full team.
- Use CRM, enrollment analytics, and AI-enabled tools to monitor pipeline health, track territory performance, identify competitive trends, and maintain real-time visibility into enrollment performance.
- Build and maintain relationships with high school partners, Catholic high school partners, community colleges, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders to grow OLLU's visibility and build sustainable student pipelines.
- Build and sustain a compelling campus visit experience with the Assistant Director of Campus Visit and Student Experience; develop a student ambassador program and social media presence that authentically reflects OLLU's community.
3. Collaboration and Partnerships- Collaborate across campus ? Academic Affairs, Student Life, Financial Aid, and Marketing ? to align admissions efforts with institutional mission and enrollment goals.
- Assist Dean of Admissions in partnering with Financial Aid on aid packaging that supports access and meets net revenue goals; collaborate with Athletics on recruitment leveraging NAIA-compliant practices.
- Partner with MarCom to ensure all undergraduate-facing web content stays current and compelling, and to develop forward-looking marketing assets and student stories that resonate with prospective students and their families.
- Engage Alumni Relations on recruitment and yield opportunities.
4. Analytics and Operations- Develop and maintain admissions policies, procedures, and operational workflows that ensure a smooth, equitable student experience; review and recommend updates to admissions criteria as needed.
- Manage the undergraduate admissions budget and vendor relationships with fiscal discipline, evaluating ROI and strategic fit across all recruitment and yield activities.
Additional Responsibilities:Other duties as assigned by the Dean of Admissions.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:- Proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams ? goal setting, accountability, and a competitive, results-oriented culture.
- Strong analytical skills; proficiency in Slate or comparable CRM and familiarity with AI-enabled recruitment tools and emerging enrollment technology.
- Deep knowledge of the South Texas higher education landscape and the HSI student experience.
- Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and collaborate effectively across a complex campus environment and with external stakeholders.
- Ability to manage budgets and resources with fiscal discipline.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.
Education and Experience:- Master's degree required in higher education, enrollment management, or a related field (required).
- Minimum of 7 years of progressive leadership experience in admissions or higher education at a mission-driven institution, with a demonstrated track record of meeting or exceeding enrollment goals (required).
- Willingness to travel significantly during peak recruitment seasons; availability for evening and weekend work is expected (required).
Additional Information:Employment with Our Lady of the Lake University is contingent upon the applicant undergoing a background investigation.
Application Instructions:Please complete the online Application for Employment and attach a Cover Letter and CV or Resume.
