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Southern Methodist University · 1 day ago

Executive Director of Recruiting & Admissions (HR Title: Director of Student Recruitment)

Dallas, TX

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

6+ years exp

Southern Methodist University is a prominent educational institution that serves a diverse student body. The Executive Director of Recruiting & Admissions will lead recruitment and admissions for undergraduate programs and provide strategic support for graduate recruitment, focusing on attracting and enrolling high-caliber students while collaborating with faculty and school leadership.

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Responsibilities

Develop and implement recruitment strategies for undergraduate programs and coordinate graduate recruitment efforts across Meadows

Oversee admission processes for undergraduate and dual-admit programs, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and strong student support

Manage recruitment and outreach budgets and align resources with strategic goals

Lead planning and execution of recruitment events, including auditions, visits, and national outreach

Serve as primary liaison with key SMU offices, ensuring smooth processes and clear communication across units

Align recruitment messaging and admissions processes with campus partners and academic divisions

Collaborate with MARCOM on marketing materials and digital content for prospective students

Represent Meadows at conferences, college fairs, schools, and community arts organizations to expand outreach

Monitor trends in arts recruitment and share insights to inform Meadows’ enrollment strategy

Build strong relationships with counselors, educators, and partners influencing student decisions

Manage recruitment staff and student workers, fostering development, efficiency, and team cohesion

Provide coaching, performance feedback, and opportunities for professional growth

Oversee the volunteer ambassador group supporting tours, events, and yield efforts

Collect and analyze data on applications, yield, aid, and enrollment to inform decisions

Prepare reports and annual updates for school leadership and program chairs

Use data insights to guide strategy and improve recruitment and admissions processes

Serve on committees and working groups to support Meadows’ enrollment goals and strategic initiatives

Evening/weekend hours will be required

Travel for student recruitment and events

Qualification

Leadership in recruitmentData analysisCRM/admissions systemsBudget managementInterpersonal communicationCustomer service orientationArts programsMicrosoft Office proficiencyProblem-solving skillsOrganizational skillsTime management

Required

A Bachelor's degree in Arts (performing or visual) or Communication field is required

A minimum of six (6) years of experience is required

Leadership experience in recruitment, admissions, higher education, or arts-related context is required

Must have experience supervising staff and managing budgets

Experience with arts recruitment trends is also required

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills to effectively communicate with prospective students and their families, as well as partner with faculty, staff, and other participants in the admissions process

A strong customer service orientation is essential

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions

Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills

Candidate must have an appreciation and understanding of students seeking admission to performing and visual arts programs and demonstrated success working with diverse student populations

Candidate must have strong analytical skills and experience with CRM/admissions systems and familiarity with data collection, analysis, and leveraging

Candidate must be highly proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly in Outlook, Excel, and Word, and Slate or other student admissions CRM

Evening/weekend hours will be required

Travel for student recruitment and events

Preferred

A Master's degree is preferred

A degree in Education or management is preferred

Seven (7) years of experience is preferred

Benefits

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits.

In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.