Director of Undergraduate Admissions

Overview

Mary Baldwin University (MBU) seeks a motivated, student-centered, strategic, and results-oriented professional to serve as its next Director of Undergraduate Admissions. Reporting to the Vice President for Enrollment Management, the Director will oversee all aspects of in-person traditional, transfer, and early college undergraduate admissions, recruitment, and staff management. The Director will play a vital role in executing enrollment strategies that reflect MBU’s mission and priorities. This role requires a strategic thinker, skilled collaborator, and data-informed decision maker.

The Director will lead a dedicated admissions team, manage day-to-day recruitment efforts, and partner closely with financial aid, marketing, and academic leadership to strengthen MBU’s ability to attract and enroll a diverse and talented student body.

About MBU

Mary Baldwin University is a private university enrolling nearly 1,800 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels on campuses in Staunton and Fishersville, Virginia, and online. Since 1842, this intimate learning environment has allowed students to cultivate strong connections with faculty, staff, and peers. With a rich history of access and innovation, MBU prepares the diverse leaders of the future in fields ranging from health sciences, creativity and design, business and technology, and education and society. The university is organized into three academic colleges: the Gold College of Arts and Sciences, the Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences, and the Palmer College of Professional Studies.

One of the Most Diverse Campuses in the Nation

With 60 percent of undergraduate residential students being Pell-eligible, 50 percent students of color, and 40 percent first generation, Mary Baldwin is among the most diverse campuses in the country. MBU fosters a vibrant and inclusive campus community, where students feel a strong sense of belonging, acceptance, support, and empowerment. 

Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Collaboration
  • Work with the Vice President for Enrollment Management to develop and implement enrollment strategies for in-person first-year, transfer, adult, and military connected undergraduate students and achieve undergraduate enrollment goals.
  • Recruit, supervise, and develop admissions staff, fostering a culture of accountability, service, and collaboration.
  • Monitor and report on admissions progress, performance metrics, and trends to the Vice President and campus partners.
  • Generate timely reports and updates for the Vice President and senior leadership.
  • Collaborate with financial aid leadership to ensure seamless coordination between admissions and aid.
  • Collaborate with the Director of Financial Aid, Director of Enrollment Operations, and the Director of Enrollment Marketing & Visit Experience to ensure efficient processes, and deliver exceptional customer service to all prospective students and families.
  • Partner with MBU’s Murphy School of Health Sciences, Palmer School of Professional Studies and Online Programs admissions, recruitment and marketing operations to ensure consistency and continuity.
  • Serve as an institutional ambassador at recruitment events, representing MBU’s mission and values.
  • Collaborate with campus stakeholders  including faculty, staff, and student leaders to strengthen enrollment and yield efforts.
  • Stay informed about emerging trends and best practices in recruitment, events, and marketing to keep the university competitive in the higher education landscape.
• Recruitment & Admissions
  • Oversee the full undergraduate admissions cycle, including prospect identification, high school visit strategy, inquiry generation, application review, yield strategies, and student conversion.
  • Design and implement innovative recruitment initiatives to expand outreach and better position the University in the undergraduate in-person market
  • Ensure recruitment efforts effectively communicate the university’s admissions requirements, mission, and values to prospective students and their families. Build and maintain strong relationships with high school counselors, community organizations, and other key stakeholders.
  • Use data insights to adjust strategies, improve outreach efforts, and enhance the overall student experience through targeted engagement.
• Marketing & Communication
  • Partner with the Office of Integrated Communications (OIC) and the Director of Enrollment Marketing and Visit Experience to develop and deliver student-focused recruitment campaigns across digital, print, and social media channels.
  • Ensure MBU’s distinctive programs, outcomes, and affordability are clearly and compellingly communicated to prospective students and families.
  • Track and assess the impact of marketing campaigns, adjusting tactics as needed.
  • Partner with the Director of Enrollment Marketing and Visit Experience to strategize the planning, coordination and execution of daily visits as well as in-person and virtual events.
• Budget & Resource Management
  • Manage budget planning for recruitment travel, events, and admissions initiatives.
  • Manage vendor relationships (e.g., search providers) to ensure cost-effectiveness.

Qualifications:

• Required:
  • Bachelor’s degree; master’s degree preferred.
  • Four to six years of experience in undergraduate admissions with increasing levels of responsibility.
  • Demonstrated success in developing and implementing recruitment strategies and achieving enrollment goals.
  • Strong knowledge of admissions operations, and data-informed decision making.
  • Demonstrated skills in staff supervision, development and training.
  • Thorough knowledge and experience in CRM strategic practices in enrollment management and relationship building.
  • Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and serving underrepresented populations.
• Preferred:
  • Track record of improving application, yield, and enrollment results.
  • Experience supervising and developing professional staff.
  • Familiarity with financial aid and its role in enrollment management.

Benefits and Other Information:

The university offers excellent comprehensive benefits which include paid vacation and sick leave,  in addition to 15+ paid holidays a year and affordable health insurance. We care about the overall wellbeing of our employees and offer a tuition benefit which provides tuition discounts for faculty/staff, children, and spouses on MBU courses.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and the names of three professional references to Shanell Cartagena-Dopson at scdopson@marybaldwin.edu.

Mary Baldwin University is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.