Assistant Director of Admissions

Position Summary:

Job Description:

Position: Western Colorado University invites applications for the full-time position of Assistant Director of Admissions.  The position reports to the Director of Admissions, works closely with admissions, marketing, and financial aid, and is responsible for operational leadership, capability development, and strategic execution to support the Admissions Team and the broader Enrollment Division. This on-campus or remote position in the Front Range is responsible for managing their assigned territory, supervising and training admissions counselors, student ambassadors and other support staff, and assisting with budget management, travel planning and operational processes within the admissions office.

Responsibilities: The Assistant Director of Admissions will be responsible for the following.

• Lead Recruitment and Territory Management
• Develop and execute recruitment strategies to achieve enrollment goals within assigned territories.
• Conduct high school visits, college fairs, virtual events, and other outreach activities.
• Build and maintain relationships with counselors, community partners, students, and families.
• Manage Admissions Operations and Application Review
• Evaluate applications and make admissions decisions in accordance with university policies.
• Ensure accurate management of applicant records and admissions workflows within CRM and student information systems.
• Support process improvements and compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations.
• Support Strategic Enrollment Planning and Cross-Campus Collaboration
• Analyze recruitment and enrollment data to inform decision-making and improve outcomes.
• Collaborate with Financial Aid, Marketing, Academic Affairs, Athletics, and Student Success partners to advance enrollment objectives.
• Contribute to departmental planning, assessment, and special projects while serving as a member of the admissions leadership team.

Minimum Qualifications: Below are the minimum qualifications.

• Bachelor’s degree
• 2+ years of proven experience in higher education, business, marketing and/or sales
• Experience managing a team
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize duties
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Skilled at leading teams to meet or exceed objectives
• Ability to remain a strategic thinker, problem solver, and process innovator
• Ability to work effectively cross- functionally, in a matrix, integrated work/leadership environment
• Proficient computer skills in Word, Excel, CRM software and use of Internet
• Ability to work long days or weekends during the peak admission season and to travel out of state when needed

Preferred Qualifications: Please see preferred qualifications below.

• Master’s degree

Compensation: $57,000-61,000. This position is FLSA exempt. Western offers an excellent benefits package including shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan, dental insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, and other insurance options. After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full time in undergraduate programs for up to four years.

Application Procedure:  Apply online at www.Western.edu/jobs. Required attachments for online application include a letter of application addressed to Chase Watts, Director of Admissions, resume, and contact information for three references.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Please direct questions to the search committee chair at [email protected].

Application deadline is October 31st, 2026.

Additional Information on Western and Gunnison/Crested Butte

Western Colorado University is a public institution with an enrollment of ~3,700 students. 47% of students are undergraduates, 33% are graduate students, and 80% receive some form of financial aid. Western students represent 17 countries, 50 states, and almost every county in Colorado. With an average class size of 17, Western’s faculty and staff share a strong commitment to personalized, rigorous, and immersive education. Visit http://www.western.edu to learn more about the university.

Western Colorado University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, about 200 miles southwest of Denver amidst over 2 million acres of public land and a vibrant ranching community. The Gunnison valley provides robust cultural programming and exceptional outdoor recreation. A network of dedicated community organizations enrich the lives of many in the tight-knit community. Living in the valley, one appreciates a vibrant culture of festivals, exhibitions, performances, wellness activities, and more. In the winter, many enjoy in skiing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort and along dozens of miles of cross-country trails. In the summer, bikers, hikers, and runners explore 750-plus miles of singletrack trails, while others delight in fishing, boating, and paddleboarding at Blue Mesa Reservoir or on the Gunnison River and its tributaries. Pre-K-12 students are served by the highly-ranked Gunnison Watershed School District.

An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER INCLUDING DISABILITY/VETERANS

It is the ongoing policy and practice of Western Colorado University to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants.  No person shall be discriminated against in any condition of employment because of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, marital status, or any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local law.

ADAAA ACCOMMODATIONS:

Western Colorado University is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Western will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to the Office of Human Resources at [email protected] or (970) 943-3140.