JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION TITLE:
Assistant Dean of Admissions
REPORTS TO:
Director of Admissions
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Reporting to the Director of Admissions, an Assistant Dean
of Admissions fulfills the full range of recruitment and selection activities, including
coordinating student outreach, campus programming, and recruitment travel that advance
the college’s overall enrollment goals. An Assistant Dean also has programmatic
responsibility for key strategic priorities. An Assistant Dean often provides direction and
manages a key element of the division’s enrollment plan (athletic recruitment, music
recruitment, multicultural recruitment, transfer student enrollment, liaison to key
foundations and organizations).
An Assistant Dean is part of the team of professionals responsible for all activities related
to the active recruitment, admission and enrollment of students to St. Olaf, including
public speaking, visiting high schools and college fairs/programs, reviewing applications
for admission, conducting on- and off-campus student interviews, planning and hosting
on- and off-campus events, and special projects as assigned.
An Assistant Dean independently creates and executes recruitment and marketing plans
for their territories. Additionally, an Assistant Dean of Admissions creates key points of
distinction and differentiation in communication about and promoting St. Olaf College to
prospective students, families and college counselors.
An Assistant Dean has additional latitude in making decisions with respect to
applications for admission and budget matters.
 Represent St. Olaf College during visits to high schools and college fairs, conduct
college presentation, and interview prospective candidates for admission.
 Generate, review and evaluate applications for admission.
 Advise and direct families in conversations about financial aid and financing
options.
 Lead and collaborate across campus in the development and execution of events
and projects.
 Work with student and alumni volunteers to advance the college’s outreach
program.
 Provide support and analysis that contribute to strategic decisions about
enrollment and financial aid policies, procedures and practices. Also responsible
for generating new ideas and initiatives within the Enrollment division that meet
college-wide priorities and expectations.
Specific projects and areas of
responsibility are assigned based on prior experience, background and aptitude.
SUPERVISORY
RESPONSIBILITIES:
CONTACTS:
Student workers, volunteers
Prospective students; parents/guardians; all members of the
St. Olaf community; external admissions contacts (alumni,
parents and friends, Community-based organizations, the
college counseling community)
QUALIFICATIONS:
Essential:
 Bachelor's degree
 2 years of professional experience in an admissions office
PREREQUISITE:
A valid driver's license and possess own transportation
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:
 Excellent interpersonal, organizational and communication skills
 Strong sense of initiative and self-direction
 An ability to interact positively and professionally with students, parents and
alumni
 A commitment to quality teamwork and a high level of motivation
 A positive attitude, sense of humor, and an awareness of the needs and aspirations
of a highly selective, residential, liberal arts institution with a vibrant faith
tradition
 Ability to plan, organize and implement multiple projects seeing them through to
successful conclusion
 Ability to function well in an atmosphere that promotes teamwork as well as
entrepreneurship, initiative and independence
 Understanding of admissions and financial aid processes, policies and practices
 Commitment to and experience working with diverse communities
 Experience using technology and tools that contribute to a data-informed decisionmaking environment
 An ability to travel during peak recruitment times (up to 50% of the time in
September, October and November, and in March and April)
St. Olaf College is committed to extending the varied and rich diversity of its student
body. Candidates with particular skills and capacities in these areas are encouraged to
apply.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Extensive travel, lifting items for events
WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Office environment
WORK SCHEDULE:
FTE: 1.00
Term: 12 months
Shift: Campus office hours: 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.;
evening and weekend hours as duties require.
APPROVAL:
Michael Kyle
DATE:
September 2015