Director of Admissions - Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy^® (IMSA) is seeking applicants for the position of Director of Admissions as a member of the Admissions Office.  The Director of Admissions’ primary function is to provide overall leadership for student recruitment and selection with responsibility for Academy-wide strategic direction of class composition and Admissions policy. This position is also responsible for Admissions programmatic and budgetary direction. The Director of Admissions reports to and is evaluated by the Chief Student Affairs Officer.

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) is committed to an equitable, diverse and inclusive teaching and learning environment. Through a model of Equity and Excellence, IMSA has committed to advancing equity in STEM education and representation and creating a diverse, inclusive community of global citizens who can realize their full potential, and execute our mission to advance the human condition.

This Equity and Excellence work is the intentional integration of Cultural Competence, Diversity, Equity, Equity-Minded Frame, Excellence and Inclusion into every facet of the Academy, with the understanding that it is an active and ongoing process involving structures, processes and people and not an isolated initiative.

This position will support IMSA's Diversity work by ensuring the delivery of quality, equitable, and inclusive constituent-centered support while promoting and maintaining an inclusive work environment and culture that embraces the diversity of people and perspectives collaborating at IMSA to ignite and nurture creative, ethical, scientific minds that advance the human condition.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This individual is responsible for but not limited to:

• Direct the admissions process from recruitment to application submission to enrollment, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for prospective students. 
• Set annual application and enrollment goals, in collaboration with the Chief Student Affairs Officer and in accordance with the Academy’s mission to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Lead the development and implementation of data-driven admission strategies, including developing .
• Explore opportunities to expand IMSA’s recruitment strategy beyond Illinois to recruit a small number of out of state applicants based on availability.
• Develop and maintain admissions policies and procedures.
• Coordinate Review Committee and Selection Committee.
• Oversee the planning and execution of campus tours, preview days, and other on-campus engagement events for prospective students.
• Develop plans to engage and retain admitted and wait pool students; collect data from students who decline admission to inform future recruitment and retention efforts.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and supervision of the Admissions Team, including two Admissions Counselors, an Admissions Senior Specialist, and an Administrative Assistant. Coach team members on diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in Admissions.
• Collaborate with the pre-enrollment programs staff to align on strategy and give support in implementation efforts.
• Collaborate with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the Office of Public Affairs to create an inclusive vision and approach to messaging and marketing initiatives.
• Develop and monitor the Admissions Office budget.
• Engage, establish relationships with, and inform prospective parents and students about the Academy and the benefits individually and collectively.
• Create and cultivate intentional relationships with Alumni, community members, organizations, schools, and entities to advance the work of the Academy and to help close the opportunity gap for historically represented communities and provide access to the Academy.
• Build relationships with Illinois middle and high schools, community organizations, and other stakeholders to promote IMSA and recruit prospective students. 
• Represent the Academy at community events, workshops, and college fairs to raise awareness and foster partnerships.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The required skills and experience for this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Master’s Degree and a minimum of five years progressive and successful admission experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience in college/high school admissions required.
• Experience working with students/families from historically underrepresented communities.
• Three years of supervisory and budgetary experience.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written), critical thinking, and diversity/equity/inclusion experience.
• Exceptional organizational, project management, program management, innovative capabilities, and leadership development experience.
• Experience in strategic enrollment planning and evaluating recruitment efforts; ability to use data and information effectively in planning and decision-making.
• Knowledge of and experience with current and innovative technology used in recruitment and application processing.
• Strong skills in the use of technology-based information systems using tools such as Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe, and various web, email and social media platforms. 
• Ability to travel (valid driver’s license is required) and work evenings and weekends.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with a state institution
• National recruitment

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is performed in an office setting with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards. Substantial time is spent working on a computer.  This role generally requires mobility, written and verbal communication, hearing and visual capabilities, finger dexterity, repetitive motions, loading, unloading and moving materials/boxes weighing up to 30 pounds. However, reasonable accommodations, including assistive technology, may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform such requirements.

COMPENSATION

This position is a full-time, exempt, 12-month, employment-at-will position. Salary range for this posision is $88,000 to $108,000 and commensurate with training and experience in like institutions. As part of the State University Retirement System, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package including health and retirement benefits. The State Universities Retirement System (SURS) is reciprocal with other Illinois public retirement systems such as the Teachers’ Retirement System of Illinois (TRS) and the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).

Application Process

Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume/VC, and the contact information of three professional references. Priority consideration will be given  to candidates submitting full application packets by Jaunaury 17, 2025.

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, or national origin.  This policy also includes the handicapped and all disabled Vietnam era veterans.  IMSA utilizes only job-related criteria in making decisions concerning applicants and employees.