Admissions Director

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 10/26/2026

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions (UA) plays a vital role in the university's functions by reaching out to students and families to encourage applications, evaluating applications, and hosting events for prospective and admitted students. Every fall and spring, UA employees visit high schools and community colleges throughout California, the U.S., and the world, promoting the university and fostering relationships of trust with students, families, and school counselors. Our outreach work results in about 90,000 applications for each year's entering fall class, and UA staff personally read and evaluate each application. UA also manages our year-round Campus Tours program, which sees thousands of visitors per year.

Undergraduate Admissions is part of Enrollment Management, which includes Financial Aid and Scholarships, the Office of the Registrar, and the Degree Progress Unit. Undergraduate Admissions and Enrollment Management work closely with Academic Senate committees to ensure that our outreach and recruitment activities align with the university's enrollment goals.

Part of the prestigious 10-campus University of California system, UC Santa Cruz is a vibrant, multifaceted campus with a total enrollment of over 20,000 students and 70+ undergraduate majors. Known for its impactful research and its dedication to teaching and public service, UCSC leads at the intersection of innovation, social justice, and sustainability. Our campus is also a catalyst for social mobility, with approximately one-third of our undergraduates becoming the first in their family to graduate from a four-year university. At the core of the undergraduate experience are UC Santa Cruz's 10 distinctive residential colleges, which support belonging, academic exploration, and learning beyond the classroom.

We are excited that you're interested in joining our team of dedicated, student-centered professionals in Undergraduate Admissions, and we encourage you to find out more about us at admissions.ucsc.edu.

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Undergraduate Admissions is a key campus enrollment management leader providing strategic planning and direction, resource management, systems effectiveness and integration, staff development, and continuity planning for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Amidst a constantly changing and complex environment, the Director leads efforts to identify, recruit, select, and enroll new first year and transfer populations, locally and globally, who will enhance our community of scholars and ultimately become our future alumni.

Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management, the Director provides vision, collaboration, and coordination of undergraduate admissions programs and processes serving diverse and academically prepared students and their families and supporters. The position operates with significant autonomy and exercises independent judgment in interpreting and implementing policy, ensuring regulatory compliance, mitigating institutional risk, and maintaining audit readiness. The role is responsible for developing and strengthening systems, controls, and operational practices that safeguard institutional resources while supporting the university's strategic enrollment objectives.

The Director ensures the development and effective implementation of a multichannel marketing and communication strategy intended to assist students and their influencers (including family, counselors, and teachers) to determine whether UC Santa Cruz is a fit to their educational and career goals, all within highly competitive markets.

The Director is continuously assessing and reviewing the effectiveness of strategies and technical systems, and collaborates with faculty and staff across our complex and decentralized campus to support recruitment and yield, and ensure timely and accurate review of applications and the granting of college credit. The Director will be responsible for reconciling both campus and system-wide priorities related to admissions and enrollment in cases where they might not be directly in concert with each other, as well as ensuring admissions policies and practices remain within the guidelines and expectations of professional and other governing bodies as well.

The Director will represent the campus locally, nationally and internationally on matters pertaining to admissions and enrollment management.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $165,000 - $200,000 / Annually. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Days, Evenings, Weekends

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: 000304 (ADMISSIONS RECRMT MGR 3) - Grade 27

Travel: Up to 50% of the time

JOB DUTIES

35% - Leadership and Vision

• Provide strategic, innovative, and transformational leadership with the office of Admissions, Enrollment Management, Academic Senate, campus, UC system-wide and beyond.
• Collaborate with and advise faculty as an ex-officio member of the Academic Senate committee on Admissions and Financial Aid around policies and procedures for undergraduate admissions to include periodic research that validates effectiveness and accounts for historical perspective and emerging trends.
• Provide strategic leadership for the planning, development, implementation, and assessment of a comprehensive, multi-platform enrollment strategy to identify, recruit, select, and enroll diverse first-year and transfer student populations from local, national, and global markets. Establish measurable strategies, activities, and outcomes; foster cross-functional collaboration; and leverage data and analysis to advance institutional enrollment priorities, strengthen the academic community, and cultivate future alumni.
• Ensure planning and effective collaboration supports campus and system goals pertaining to excellence, diversity, and quantity, participating in regional, national, and global leadership forums through domestic and international executive travel
• Ensure ongoing assessment and analysis of plan to maximize return on investments.
• Lead and manage staff including delegation and reassignment of duties, monitoring production and quality of work, setting performance goals and standards, assessing individual capabilities and workloads, conducting performance evaluations and corrective action and mediation.

25% - Operational Resource and Data Management

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for comprehensive enrollment programs, plans, and processes across the campus and UC system. Areas of responsibility include marketing and communications strategies that strengthen institutional brand awareness; undergraduate prospect development, recruitment, and yield; course articulation and maintenance; application processing, evaluation, and selection; campus visit programs; and community and alumni engagement. Ensure these functions are effectively integrated, aligned with institutional enrollment priorities, and continuously evaluated to enhance operational effectiveness and the prospective student experience.
• Adhere to policies approved by the University of California (System Office and Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools), campus leadership (general and Senate Committees on Admissions and Financial Aid and Educational Policy), the State of California, and the federal government.
• Manage and allocate an annual budget in excess of $7.0 million to successfully meet campus enrollment objectives. Identify requirements for additional resources in support of campus enrollment objectives and unit needs, proactively working with senior management to obtain essential support.
• Oversee the management of all areas within undergraduate admissions, including workflow, staffing assignments, and multi-unit coordination across:
  • Marketing, Outreach, and Recruitment (high school, community college, CSU, domestic U.S., and international).
  • Application Processing, Evaluation, and Operations.
  • Technology and Visitor Experience.

25% - Strategic Partnership and Collaboration

• Serve as the lead collaborator and advocate for undergraduate admissions with the faculty, departments, campus leadership, Office of the President, systemwide colleagues, students, alumni, and external constituents.
• Act as a strategic partner for the leadership of Undergraduate Admissions, Enrollment Management and the Division of Undergraduate Education.
• Provide guidance to system and campus leaders on admissions best practices, campus and system policies, and industry best practices that affect admissions, enrollment and related functions.
• Recommend policy changes as needed and provide strategic admissions perspectives.
• Represent UC Santa Cruz locally, nationally, and internationally-requiring extensive travel- by serving on boards and presenting at professional conferences, supporting recruitment strategies, and fostering key pipeline partnerships.
• Manage public relations involving all aspects of recruitment and admissions, including inquiries from the media, public officials, campus decision-makers, counselors, parents, denied applicants and others.
• Collaborate on public media issues with campus Communications and Marketing, Campus Counsel, and Government and Community Relations.

15% - Technology and Systems Management

• Leverage technology to enhance operational efficiency, service delivery, data integrity, security, and confidentiality.
• Partner with Information Technology Services (ITS) to ensure reliable infrastructure, system support, security, and technological innovation.
• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies that improve business processes, communications, reporting, and the overall user experience.
• Ensure effective system integration and governance, maintaining oversight of systems, interfaces, dependencies, and operational performance.
• Establish procedures and training that promote consistent, secure, and effective use of technology and maximize staff capabilities.
• Leverage systems used at other campuses.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience and/or training.
• Admissions experience at fast-paced, high volume, complex institution using broad-based review for selective admissions.
• Experience and success in creating and implementing strategic recruitment and yield plans for residents, out of state, and international freshman and transfer populations based on university goals.
• Experience developing and refining admissions and articulation policies and processes with faculty committees, departments and divisions.
• Experience in assessing, identifying, and implementing technical problems and solutions. Ability to effectively manage systems - new development, testing, implementation, and maintenance. Knowledge of systems used to manage services and enhance interactions with constituents. Ability to engage in high level discussions about systems.
• Advanced knowledge of fiscal management policies and personnel management policies and practices. Experience with operational budget and resource management. Ability to develop compelling budget requests.
• Knowledge of financial analysis and reporting techniques.
• Highly effective organizational skills, project management, and organizational development strategies to establish priorities, shape organizational effectiveness, delegate workloads, and manage multiple activities to meet unit, divisional, campus and system-wide goals and deadlines.
• Exceptional leadership and management skills.
• Exceptional collaboration and conflict resolution skills.
• Advanced analytical skills in problem identification and creative solutions.
• Proven skills in statistics, quantitative analysis, research methodology, assessment and/or evaluation.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the proven ability to act persuasively and tactfully in politically nuanced situations. Proven ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with a wide variety of individuals in a very dynamic, complex, and fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, including skills in public speaking.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Excellent collaboration and negoiation skills.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in the application of complex guidelines and regulations.
• Commitment to highly effective services for internal and external constituents.
• Demonstrated high level of cultural competency with the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultures, ethnic groups, lifestyles and backgrounds. Demonstrated commitment to diversity in both student body and staff.
• Proven ability to develop, influence or oversee multi-channel marketing and communication strategy that supports early and broad prospect pipeline development.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in a related area.
• Progressively responsible admissions experience at a R1: Doctoral University (highest research activity) using broad-based review for selective admissions.
• Experience with Oracle/PeopleSoft Campus Solutions, Technolutions Slate CRM, imaging and workflow systems.
• Knowledge of languages other than English.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Must possess a valid license to drive in the state of California and participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) pull notice program.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• The selected candidate will be required to work a hybrid work schedule and must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Ability to work a variable schedule including evenings and weekends.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations on and off campus.
• Ability to travel nationally.
• Ability to travel internationally.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.
• Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.