Bard College at Simon's Rock

Director of Admission

Apply Here: https://apply.interfolio.com/147951

Our Institution: Bard College at Simon’s Rock, located in Great Barrington, MA, is the only four-year college in the U.S. specifically designed for motivated adolescents to fully realize their academic potential by beginning college immediately after the 10th or 11th grade. BA and AA degrees are granted in over 35 areas of study. Simon’s Rock attracts a diverse student population of approximately 400 students, drawn nationally and internationally, with a significant population of students identifying as LGBTQIA2S+.

For over 50 years, Simon’s Rock has practiced the simple yet radical idea that many students are ready for college before the age of 18, an idea that launched the Early College movement in the United States and beyond. In 2015, Simon’s Rock launched Bard Academy, a two-year high school program for boarding and day students, with courses designed and taught by college professors and leading to entry into college after the tenth grade. In doing so, Simon’s Rock has connected high school and college in one cohesive, coherent six-year arc. In 2019, Simon’s Rock established the Early College Research Institute (ECRI), a locus for research into “what’s next” in Early College. In 2023, Simon’s Rock launched the Bard Queer Leadership Project (BQLP), the first intentionally Queer-serving B.A. degree program in the United States, serving both traditional and non-traditional college students.

Bard College at Simon’s Rock is a branch campus in the Bard College network, an international network of highly innovative and admired educational institutions grounded in the liberal arts and sciences.

This is a full-time position with benefits. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Simon’s Rock is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage applications from candidates of all races, nationalities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and socioeconomic levels.  

Summary of Position
The Director of Admission is responsible for providing innovative leadership in student recruitment and admission programs that align with the institution’s values and objectives. The Director oversees a team approximately 5 five admission professionals, fostering a collaborative and equitable environment while prioritizing strategic enrollment management based on data analysis and decision-making. Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including senior staff, faculty, and students, as well as external constituents like alumni, secondary school counselors, and independent educational consultants, is essential. The Director develops strategies for recruiting international students and collaborate with various departments to provide necessary support services. Additionally, the role involves regularly evaluating and adjusting admission and financial aid programs, managing budgets, and coordinating with third-party vendors. Creatively representing the institution’s mission through marketing efforts and serving as a spokesperson to diverse audiences further define this role.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Creative Leadership in Recruitment, Admission, and Retention Programs:
  • Lead the development and execution of student recruitment, admission, and retention programs reflecting Simon’s Rock values and goals
• Strategic Oversight of Admission Team:
  • Provide strategic direction to admission counselors
  • Foster teamwork, equity, and investment in Simon’s Rock mission
  • Cultivate an environment of mentoring and support
• Strategic Direction in Enrollment Management:
  • Establish enrollment management priorities based on quantitative analysis
  • Emphasize strong personal relationships and high-touch customer service
  • Promote clear communication, transparency, and collaboration across the institution
• Engagement with Stakeholders:
  • Build relationships with Provost, senior staff, faculty, students, alumni, etc.
  • Engage in conversations about enrollment priorities, demographics, etc.
• International Student Recruitment:
  • Develop strategies for intentional recruitment of international students
  • Coordinate support services and integration with Dean of Studies
• Data Analysis and Strategic Review:
  • Collaborate with Enrollment Committee to review enrollment data
  • Shape strategic direction based on analysis
• Continuous Program Evaluation:
  • Regularly evaluate effectiveness of recruitment, admission, and financial aid programs
  • Ensure alignment with college's strategic goals
• Budget Management:
  • Develop and manage admission budget
  • Allocate resources to achieve goals effectively
• Third-Party Vendor Management:
  • Establish relationships with third-party vendors for recruitment and support
  • Ensure vendors align with Simon’s Rock objectives
• Collaboration with Marketing:
  • Work with Director of Marketing to represent mission creatively
  • Utilize technology for communication with students, families, counselors
• Ambassadorship for Simon’s Rock:
  • Represent Simon’s Rock to various stakeholders
  • Communicate college’s message effectively

Preferred Skills

• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
  • Demonstrate commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic excellence and student success
• Educational Requirements and Intellectual Orientation:
  • Bachelor’s degree required with a strong intellectual orientation
  • Advanced degree preferred
• Leadership Experience in Admission and Enrollment Management:
  • Minimum of 2 years in leadership positions in admission and enrollment management
  • Preference for experience within a liberal arts institution
• Holistic View and Relationship Building:
  • Understand connections between enrollment, academic affairs, and campus life
  • Build supportive relationships across departments
  • Collaborate effectively with stakeholders invested in student success
• Communication and Organizational Skills:
  • Possess excellent communication and organizational skills
• Analytical Abilities and Data Utilization:
  • Strong analytical abilities
  • Utilize data analysis to inform strategic and tactical enrollment plans
• Technolutions Slate Experience:
  • Working experience managing a Slate instance for application, communication, and enrollment purposes

APPLY
This position is a full-time position with benefits. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Simon’s Rock is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage applications from candidates of all races, nationalities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and socioeconomic levels.

All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter, résumé, and contact information for three references. Submit your files on Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/147951. No phone calls, please. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

AA/EOE