Executive Director, Admissions

Driven. Engaging. Innovative. Do these words motivate you? If so, then we want to talk with you. Academy of Art University offers a rewarding employment experience for those who excel in a dynamic environment and who can consistently deliver high-caliber customer service. We thrive on ingenuity and pursue ideas every day that lead to extraordinary opportunities for tomorrow. Apply here for your next career!Academy of Art University is seeking an Executive Director of Admissions to join our outstanding Admissions Team. The Executive Director provides direct leadership and oversight for the day-to-day management, performance, and accountability of the admissions organization. This role is responsible for leading admissions directors and managers, driving frontline execution, and ensuring the admissions team consistently delivers strong enrollment results and a high-quality, student-centered experience.The Executive Director partners closely with the Executive Vice President of Admissions to execute enrollment strategies, strengthen leadership effectiveness, and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the admissions organization.This position requires an experienced and results-oriented leader who is comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment, leading through change, developing high-performing teams, and balancing performance expectations in a positive and team-driven environment.Reponsibilities:Admissions Leadership & Team ManagementProvide direct day-to-day leadership and oversight of admissions directors and managersEstablish and communicate clear expectations related to performance, accountability, professionalism, and student experienceBuild and maintain a collaborative, results-oriented culture focused on both performance and team developmentEvaluate leadership effectiveness and make recommendations regarding staffing, organizational structure, and talent developmentDrive succession planning and leadership development across the admissions organizationPerformance Management & AccountabilityHold admissions directors and managers accountable for achieving enrollment goals, conversion targets, productivity expectations, and service standardsMonitor admissions performance and take proactive action to address performance gaps and execution issuesConduct regular coaching, performance reviews, and development discussions with direct reportsLead performance improvement efforts across the admissions funnel to increase conversion and operational effectivenessEnsure admissions leaders consistently apply consultative enrollment practices and maintain high standards of student engagementEnrollment ExecutionOversee day-to-day admissions execution to ensure alignment between strategy and frontline activityDirect leaders in resolving operational challenges, staffing issues, and escalated concernsEnsure consistency in outreach efforts, follow-up cadence, responsiveness, and pipeline managementMaintain organizational focus on achieving institutional enrollment objectivesLeadership Development & CoachingDevelop admissions directors and managers into effective and accountable leadersPartner with training and enablement resources to strengthen onboarding, coaching, and leadership readinessPromote a coaching-based management approach that balances accountability with professional growth. Fostering a culture of continuous improvement and shared successCross-Functional CollaborationCollaborate with Enrollment Operations, Marketing, Financial Aid, Student Services, International Admissions, and other departments to support enrollment growth and improve the prospective student experienceCommunicate organizational priorities and ensure consistent execution across the admissions organizationLead implementation of departmental and institutional initiatives as assignedQualifications:Experience managing, leading, mentioning a large diverse team which includes guiding, supporting and evaluating employees to achieve the goals of the Admissions team.7+ years of progressive experience in admissions, enrollment management, higher education leadership, or related fieldDemonstrated experience leading high-performing admissions, enrollment, or student-facing teamsStrong leadership, coaching, and performance management experienceExperience managing multiple teams and leaders in a fast-paced environmentStrong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skillsAbility to lead through change and support organizational growth initiativesExperience working within CRM and enrollment management systems preferredExcellent time management and organizational skillsAbility to multi-task while also working in a fast-paced environmentAbility to collect, analyze, and use performance metrics to ensure work goals of a large teamA Bachelor’s degree - is preferredBenefits:Academy of Art University offers full-time employees health insurance, 401k options, paid vacation based on years of service (15 days'