Swarthmore College, a highly selective liberal arts and sciences college in Swarthmore, Pa., just outside Philadelphia and recently ranked the most beautiful campus in the known universe, is seeking a collaborative, dynamic, and strategic Director of Admissions. This experienced leader will bring a history of demonstrated success in undergraduate recruitment, a commitment to diversity, and an appreciation of the liberal arts. Reporting to the Vice President & Dean of Admissions, the Director of Admissions will lead and manage the daily operations of the Office of Admissions. The director will serve as a senior advisor to the dean on all admission matters and helps to guide planning and implementation efforts for the recruitment and admission of a diverse and academically exceptional class.
TO APPLY NES, a higher education search firm specializing in enrollment management searches, is assisting Swarthmore College in their search for a Director of Admissions. To arrange for a confidential conversation or to nominate someone for this position, please contact Thom Golden (thom.golden@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 regarding your interest in the position of Director of Admission at Swarthmore College, and 3) contact information for five professional references by email to: swarthmore@nessearches.com. For best consideration, submit materials by April 4, 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.
Statement of Equal Opportunity Swarthmore College is committed to the principle of equal opportunity for all qualified persons without discrimination against any person by reason of any College-recognized protected classification, including sex, race, color, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, marital status, medical condition, veteran status, or disability.
In keeping with the long-standing traditions of the College and the spirit and letter of the federal and state equal opportunity laws, we affirm it the standing policy of the College to realize equality of opportunity in education and employment; to guard against discrimination contrary to that aim; and to correct discriminatory behavior if found to exist within the College community. Consistent with maintaining an educational program of the highest quality, our standing policy includes affirmative efforts to achieve the above goals in employment and education.
The successful candidate must have a bachelor’s degree, with an advanced degree preferred. Additionally, this role requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible admissions experience.
In addition, the Director must demonstrate the following qualifications, skills and abilities.
Experience supervising, managing, developing, and motivating a diverse team of admissions officers and administrative support staff.
Familiarity with and support of the mission of a selective liberal arts college along with the ability to speak persuasively about the value of the liberal arts in today’s context.
Ability to evaluate applicants within a holistic review process, chair admissions committees, and make appropriate admissions decisions.
A proven track record of excellence as an admissions officer and mentor, including strong verbal, written, technical, fiscal, interpersonal, and collaborative skills.
Ability to work jointly with the dean of admissions, administration, and faculty in promoting the mission of the College.
Confident leadership in matters regarding staff, training, budget, operations, and project assignments.
Expertise in current national best practices and experience with strategic planning and implementation efforts, including those that relate to the use of technology, improving publications and communications, and enhancing the visitor experience.
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.
Excellent communication skills with a wide range of audiences including students, parents, and counselors and the ability to adeptly manage both external and internal relationships.
A broad and lively intellectual curiosity combined with the energy and drive to initiate projects and follow them through to completion.
Exceptional analytical and planning skills and, importantly, a sense of humor.
Ability to work under pressure, balancing problem solving and time-management skills; competency in prioritizing among the multiple and often competing needs of an active office.
Exceptional organizational, and superior judgment skills to complete work with accuracy and attention to detail and to handle extensive reading; ability to handle all activities and highly confidential information with patience, discretion, tact, and a keen eye for detail.
An excellent understanding of the power of technology in admissions work, including a knowledge of and experience maximizing a CRM; (familiarity with Slate Technolutions and Banner preferred).
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.
