Director of Admissions

American Institute, founded in 1924 as the Hartford Secretarial School, provides hands-on training for careers in the world of business, legal, allied healthcare, diagnostic medical sonography, and information technology. Recognizing our single, well-defined teaching mission: reflecting job market demands with flexibility in identifying and incorporating new programs to give our graduates an edge in today’s competitive job market.

• Medical (including prescription), Dental, Vision (Company subsidized)
• FSA/HSA (Depending on Medical Plan chosen)
• $50,000 Life Insurance (Company paid)
• Additional Voluntary Life Insurance (Team Member paid)
• Employee Assistance Program – EAP (Company paid)
• Long Term Disability (Company paid)
• Short Term Disability (Team Member paid)
• Supplemental Insurance such as Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital (Team Member Paid)
• Paid Time Off – 15 days accrued in year 1, 9 holidays, and 1 day of Volunteering Time Off
• 401k (eligible upon completion of 90 days of employment and must be at least 21 years of age)
• Pet Insurance
• Identity Theft Protection

Purpose of the Position:

The Director of Admissions is responsible for ensuring Admissions process functions smoothly as outlined. Acts in a leadership and supervisory role for Admissions Representatives and Coordinators, and provides motivation, troubleshooting, and support needed to achieve performance and activity goals. Demonstrates and reinforces American Institute core values as outlined. Assists in establishment of school revenue budgets in conjunction with Campus Director and Regional Director of Admissions.

What you’ll do:

• Lead and manage the Admissions team, including hiring, training, supervising, evaluating, and replacing staff to meet enrollment goals and maintain compliance.
• Oversee and implement admissions policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Conduct and supervise student interviews, including second interviews, and ensure proper evaluation and referral of candidates.
• Ensure accurate and timely creation and transfer of student records throughout the admissions process in compliance with institutional standards.
• Develop and deliver ongoing professional training for Admissions Representatives and Coordinators to enhance performance and compliance.
• Monitor and report on admissions performance, providing weekly updates on recruitment effectiveness and enrollment projections.
• Facilitate interdepartmental collaboration with Financial Aid, Education, and Placement teams to streamline the admissions process and improve student experience.
• Promote the school within the community, including requesting referrals and sharing accurate, approved employment data with prospective students.
• Conduct regular team meetings and performance appraisals, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Participate in school events and compliance activities, including mandatory graduation attendance and responding to audits or reviews.

Career Level Expectations:

• Lead, coach, and develop team members that are direct reports.
• Builds and fosters a strong culture of accountability, learning, trust, and high performance with assigned team.
• Executes on functional strategy to achieve organizational goals for short-term results (1 year or less).
• Handles difficult to moderately complex problems.
• Influences others outside of own job area regarding policies, practices, and procedures.
• Desire for growth and professional development.

Required Skills/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• 3 years of verifiable experience in Admissions role in Higher Education or other educational setting
• Knowledge of Federal and State regulations on higher education admissions processes
• Skills and abilities – excellent communication and presentation skills, organization, interpersonal skills, time management, and high energy.
• Ability to professionally communicate fluently in verbal and written English.
• Ability to support a diverse and inclusive work environment.
• Computer literacy/basic computer skills to effectively navigate and utilize the technology required for the role.

Preferred Requirements:

• Thorough knowledge of Federal and State regulations on higher education admissions processes.
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other business tools such as Microsoft Teams.

Compliance: 

• Demonstrate knowledge of and carefully follow all applicable federal and state compliance requirements and regulations including those prescribed by the U.S. Department of Education, accrediting agencies, state regulations, and internal policies and procedures.  
• Effectively communicate compliance requirements to other staff as appropriate and quickly escalate any compliance concerns to the Compliance department. 
• Participate in activities including, but not limited to, student recruitment activities and/or activities related to securing financial aid. 

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• This is a campus position; in-person with occasional travel for meetings and conferences.
• Home office set up, quiet place to work, and ability to hard wire into high-speed internet connection.
• May require setup of computer equipment, accommodation consideration available upon request.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends, as needed.

OUR CORE VALUES

Caring
We believe every student has the potential to be successful in a rewarding career, with the right support. We partner with you from your first day of classes through your search for a job after graduation.

Respect
We view everyone who enters American Institute as a productive adult who deserves respect and the opportunity to excel. Our staff and instructors are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals and realize your potential.

Service
American Institute is committed to the professional and academic success of each student by actively seeking opportunities to provide service both within the campus as well as within the surrounding community.

Integrity
We look forward, not backward. No matter where you come from or what obstacles you’ve faced in the past, we believe your future is yours to create.

Accountability
When you commit to us, we commit to you. When you walk into American Institute, we focus on helping you continue to move forward, so you can create the life you want to live.

Innovation
We know that the sooner you have the knowledge and skills you need to begin your career, the sooner you can become successful. American Institute offers focused, practical training that gets you out of the classroom and on your way faster than you thought possible.