Skidmore College, a highly selective, nationally ranked liberal arts college, is seeking a collaborative partner and empowering mentor to serve as their next Director of Admissions. Skidmore enrolls approximately 2,600 students in 44 degree programs, including programs in both traditional liberal arts and pre-professional disciplines. Consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the country’s Best National Liberal Arts Colleges, Skidmore’s curriculum balances a commitment to the liberal arts with an emphasis on interdisciplinarity along with preparation for professions, civic leadership, and lifelong learning.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS The range of compensation for the position is expected to be between $120,000 and $150,000. To learn about Skidmore College’s outstanding benefits, see the website: https://www.skidmore.edu/benefits/index.php
TO APPLY Skidmore College is partnering with NES, a national search firm with a focus on enrollment management searches. To arrange for a confidential conversation or to nominate someone for this position, please contact Suzi Nam (suzi.nam@nessearches.com), Laura Robinson (laura.robinson@nessearches.com) or Mary Napier (mary.napier@nessearches.com). To apply, send 1) a resume, 2) a detailed letter of interest regarding your interest in the position of Director of Admissions at Skidmore College, and 3) contact information for five professional references by email to: skidmore@nessearches.com. For best consideration, submit materials by June 7, 2023; the search will remain open until the position is filled. The expected start date will be in the summer of 2023. All applications and nominations will be considered confidential, and notice will be given before references are contacted.
Skidmore College strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic predisposition to diseases or carrier status, marital status, criminal arrests and conviction status, military status, domestic violence victim status, familial status and any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. The College also prohibits retaliation in any form against any individual who opposes a discriminatory practice, makes a good faith complaint of harassment, and/or furnishes information or otherwise participates in any investigation of any such allegations, regardless of the outcome.
Skidmore College is an equal opportunity employer. Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations prohibit discrimination against employees or applicants for employment based on race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, familial status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
QUALIFICATIONS and DESIRED SKILLS The new director should have eight to ten years of progressively responsible experience in college admissions. Experience as an effective supervisor is strongly desired. A Bachelor’s degree is required; a Master’s degree in a related discipline is preferred. In addition, the selected candidate will show evidence of the following:
Supervisory, interpersonal and leadership skills: Experience supervising, developing, training and motivating a diverse team; ability to handle highly confidential information with discretion and tact; a positive and inclusive presence and genuine passion for the work; excellent communication skills with a wide range of audiences including students, parents, and counselors; comfortable and willing to manage cultural and organizational change.
Proven effectiveness in admissions leadership: Success in developing and implementing strategies for recruitment, enrollment marketing, and admissions. Knowledge of current trends and issues in the national landscape of admissions and financial aid as well as the specific needs of residential liberal arts colleges and students.
Unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion: A history of identifying, recruiting, enrolling and retaining students of diverse backgrounds and increasing cultural, geographic, socioeconomic and racial diversity. Dedication to hiring, developing and leading a staff of diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Culturally aware and committed to creating an inclusive and equitable work environment.
Analytical prowess and technological sophistication: Ability to ask the right questions, uncover meaning and harness data to shape strategic direction. Skill in utilizing systems and technologies to develop effective recruitment and enrollment strategies.
Personal Qualities: High integrity and a strong moral compass; genuine interest in forming a team with staff and college leaders; a personal presence that is active and inclusive; ability to observe, listen, learn and clarify needs while engendering trust quickly among various constituencies; team player who can be empathetic with self and others.
NES (formerly Napier Executive Search) specializes in senior level enrollment management searches for post-secondary institutions. Established in 2014, the firm's search consultants bring extensive experience in enrollment management positions along with knowledge of today's employment landscape. Calling on our past experience in higher education enrollment roles and extensive sales and consultative experience with deans, directors and vice presidents across multiple states and regions, we nurture connections with enrollment professionals.
