This on-campus position will start on July 1, 2024

Bennington College, a liberal arts college distinguished for its pioneering initiatives in higher education, seeks an engaged and energetic  Senior Associate Director of Admissions to join a creative team of professionals committed to making the college admissions process a powerful introduction to the values of an uncompromising education.  

The Senior Associate Director is responsible for several areas of the admissions processes at Bennington College, a progressive student-centered admissions and recruitment program; including assisting in the design and implementation of recruitment activities and building relationships with prospective students, high school guidance counselors, teachers, and schools. The Senior Associate Director will assist the Associate Vice President for Admissions with admissions planning and office management and assist in implementation of strategic and logistical initiatives to ensure goals are achieved, and collaborate with colleagues across campus on events, programs, and initiatives connected to the Admissions process.  Some night and weekend work is required.

Core Responsibilities

• Leadership and Supervision: Assist the AVP for Admissions and Operations Coordinator with office management and assist the Admissions Team in the planning and implementation of strategic and logistical initiatives. Serve as direct supervisor for two on-campus admissions counselors, including training, development, evaluation, and mentoring as well as development and/or refinement of processes in order to provide admissions counselors with the resources necessary to achieve success.

• Recruitment and Territory Management: Plan and manage the recruitment, admissions, and cultivation activities for specific geographic region(s) of the country, with a focus on California. Work in a team-based approach with Admissions and Financial Aid staff  to develop recruitment strategies. Expected travel of 6-9 weeks per year. Review applications for admission and make recommendations for admission. Participate in admissions decisions as a member of the Admissions Committee.

• Admissions Communications: Contribute to the strategic design of website and social media strategies, and supervise implementation of those strategies.  Supervise implementation of email campaigns.  Manage onboarding and welcome communications for entering first-year students. 

• Other duties as assigned: Assist with special projects as needed in support of the overall admissions strategy.  Assist with specific administrative functions as determined by the VP of Enrollment and AVP for Admissions in order to develop and sustain ongoing systems. Areas of management may include, but are not limited to: graduate programs, partnerships with vendors, print communications, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. 

Bennington serves a diverse student population inclusive of members of ethnically/racially minoritized, international, LGBTQIA+, and disability communities as well as diverse gender identities, socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, and political beliefs. Our staff and faculty also reflect diverse and intersecting backgrounds and identities. All employees are expected to be respectful and responsive to these differences in the service of building community that promotes student and employee success and community cohesiveness. Each individual (faculty, staff and students) will be accountable for upholding these values. The College’s approach to pluralism and inclusivity—both as fields of inquiry and practice—is to prioritize flexible thought, and to invite the examination of access, value, power, and privilege through its institutional policies and areas of study. We encourage applicants from diverse realms of interest, backgrounds, experience, and accomplishment to apply.

Qualifications

1. Minimum education BA; experience with or appreciation for a liberal arts education preferred.

2. A minimum of 5 years related experience is required; previous supervisory experience is preferred.

3. Excellent communication skills. Demonstrated ability to accept sensitive/confidential information/situations and to facilitate initial handling/processing. Able to interact and communicate with individuals at all levels of the organization.

4. High degree of computer literacy (including Microsoft Office, Gmail, Google Docs, Internet, research). Experience with admissions-based software desired.

5. Must be able to work with limited direction, handle multiple tasks including detailed process issues. Must have a high attention to detail and accuracy and have strong organizational skills.

6. Valid/current driver’s license required.

7. Experience with Slate CRM preferred.

Benefits

Bennington College offers a comprehensive benefits program that includes medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement, and tuition benefits including Tuition Exchange scholarships. The College also offers an on-site fitness center as well as generous time off benefits.

The College

Bennington College is a laboratory for innovation in higher education. At Bennington, learning and making—on campus and in the field—are inseparable, and its graduates are noted for their outsized impact on the world’s stage. This campus celebrates the ongoing making of work—shared on walls, in shows and performances, in lectures and readings, and in conversations—and believes that equity, diversity, and inclusivity are vital to a collaborative community. This position captures, contributes to, and reflects the ethos of this creative community.

Nestled at the foot of the Green Mountains in Vermont, the campus consists of approximately 370 acres. The College was named one of ten with the best architecture by Architectural Digest.  From campus, it is a short drive to the cultural offerings of the northern Berkshires in Massachusetts, Albany, New York, and many of Vermont’s top recreational centers. New York City, Boston, and Burlington, Vermont are all within three and a half hours by car.