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Shenandoah University’s Office of Admissions is accepting applications for an Associate Vice President of Recruitment & Admissions. This is a full-time benefited position located on our main campus in Winchester, Virginia.

Shenandoah University is seeking a dynamic, future-oriented, and technically savvy admissions leader to serve as the Associate Vice President of Recruitment & Admissions. Reporting to the Vice President for Recruitment & Marketing, this senior-level administrator will be expected to lead with vision from day one, fostering a data-informed, collaborative, and strategic culture that advances the university's admissions and enrollment goals across all student segments, including first-year, transfer, graduate, international, and adult learners for programs on-ground and online. Shenandoah comprises a wide range of programs across graduate and undergraduate degrees, representing over 200 areas of study and involve nuances for top-performing graduate health professions programs as well as a Conservatory with music, theatre and dance recruitment and audition processes. This role requires a seasoned Admissions professional who is ready to take our admissions and recruitment initiatives to the next level as we seek to maintain and increase our enrollment targets consistent with our historic growth trajectory. Keen observation, as well as empathetic leadership and technical practitioner know-how, is required to leverage the individual Admissions Senior Team strengths that will report directly to this position.

Key Responsibilities:

+ Provide strategic decision-making, leadership, operational and budget oversight for First-year, Transfer, Graduate, and International Admissions, Admissions Operations, Data Analytics, On-Campus Events Experience, Volunteer Programs, and Media Recruiting.

+ Demonstrate a deep understanding of recruitment and admission work, as well as new student enrollment management as a comprehensive, lifecycle-based system from prospect to enrollment.

+ Guide the admissions team to remain proactive and adaptive, avoiding stagnation and fostering professional development that supports long-term leadership growth.

+ Serve as a key leader in cross-campus collaboration, engaging academic deans, faculty, adjacent departmental staff and program directors—particularly in graduate and health professions—to align enrollment strategies with institutional capacity and program strength.

+ Deliver clear, actionable data narratives that inform decision-making and inspire university-wide understanding of the enrollment landscape at all levels.

+ Leverage Slate CRM and analytics tools to manage pipelines, report on progress, and create nuanced, role-specific reporting dashboards.

+ Partner closely with the Office of Marketing and Communications (OMC) to ensure aligned, compelling messaging and outreach that resonates across undergraduate and graduate audiences.

+ Explore, connect with and nurture vendor partnerships to augment and enhance our audience reach and effectiveness.

+ Provide strategic collaboration on financial aid leveraging strategy that aligns with our recruitment goals and discount rate.

+ Assess and forecast capacity trends across programs and recommend strategies to balance strengths and address enrollment gaps.

+ Elevate the visibility and accessibility of the admissions function across the university, including with cabinet-level colleagues, faculty, and staff — creating a shared understanding of how admissions drives institutional success.

+ Encourage innovation in outreach, especially to adult learners, and in helping students navigate undergraduate-to-graduate transitions.

Leadership and Culture:

+ Foster a team environment that values both process excellence and adaptive flexibility.

+ Be a visible and motivating leader who listens actively, communicates openly, and cultivates trust.

+ Demonstrate maturity, emotional intelligence, and the ability to help the team “hit a stride” and sustain momentum.

+ Model creative thinking and problem-solving, meeting colleagues and stakeholders where they are.

+ Be actively capable in giving clear, concise feedback, correction, and direction to all members of the team.

Additional Expectations:

+ Travel, evening, and weekend work required.

+ Participation in university-wide committees, initiatives, and events.

+ Serve as a member of the University Cabinet and actively contribute to executive leadership discussions, including direct interaction with the university president.

+ Serve as a voice to the university's strategic enrollment management (SEM) team.

Required Skills

Qualifications:

+ Master’s degree in a related field combined with 8-10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in higher education admissions, with a record of successfully managing diverse student populations.

+ Proven track record of data-informed recruitment and admission strategies, reporting, and forecasting.

+ Advanced proficiency in Slate CRM and experience in designing reports, workflows, and communications within a CRM environment.

+ Experience with vendor consulting partnerships.

+ Strong knowledge of enrollment management best practices, including undergraduate, graduate, and adult learner segments.

+ Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing teams.

+ Demonstrated ability to manage budgets effectively.

+ Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to convey complex data insights and recruitment, admission, and new student enrollment challenges in accessible ways.

How to Apply:

The complete application will include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. Applications will be reviewed immediately and continue until a qualified candidate is selected.

Shenandoah University is committed to enriching its educational experience and culture through its faculty, administration, and staff diversity. All candidates are strongly encouraged to include a statement in their cover letters addressing how they can contribute to that commitment.

**Note: A pre-employment background check will be required, and a satisfactory driving record may be required as a condition of hire.

Shenandoah University values individuals and communities' unique and diverse perspectives locally and globally. It seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcome and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or on any other basis protected under applicable law.

Required Experience