Biola University is a nationally ranked private conservative evangelical Christian university in the heart of Southern California. Founded in 1908, Biola offers biblically centered education, intentional spiritual development and vocational preparation within a unique learning community where all faculty, staff and students are professing Christians.
As a leader in academic quality and innovation, Biola is consistently ranked among the nation’s foremost Christian universities, and is recognized by U.S. News & World Report among “First-Tier, National Universities” and “Best Undergraduate Teaching.” The Princeton Review includes Biola on its list of “Best Western Colleges.” The University’s nine schools offer more than 150 academic programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels.
Biola distributes more than $65 million in scholarships each year to students, and over 84 percent of Biola students receive some form of aid. Student affordability was the highest priority in the University’s recent historic fundraising campaign that raised $214 million. Clearly, Biola University makes a life-changing difference in the lives of its more than 6,000 students enrolled at the La Mirada campus, online and in distance programs throughout the world.
Biola’s 95-acre campus in La Mirada is less than 25 miles from beaches, Disneyland, the Hollywood Bowl and other iconic Southern California locations. With a population of over 48,000 and home to La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center and other attractions, it’s no wonder that La Mirada has been placed on Money Magazine’s “Best Places to Live” list.
The Position
The Director of Traditional Undergraduate Admissions (TUG) reports to the Associate Vice President for University Enrollment and directs the full cycle recruitment process for traditional undergraduate student populations. The Director of TUG is responsible for setting overall enrollment goals, developing, implementing and executing effective strategies for all stages of the funnel, and representing the traditional admissions team to the University and external constituents. The Director of TUG manages complex budgets and supervises a team of four associate directors and one administrative assistant. Additional responsibilities include providing overall leadership for the admissions department to ensure successful execution and meeting of enrollment goals; promoting the mission and vision of Biola University to prospective students, their families and admissions staff in compelling ways, and partnering with campus-wide units, including University Marketing and University Communications, in collaborative recruitment efforts in order to drive undergraduate enrollment and meet strategic goals. The Director of TUG also leads the admissions department in the continued cultivation of current markets and the identification and development of new target markets through various strategies, tactics and initiatives. The director also tracks and measures progress and outcomes and understands the competitive market position and differentiators of Biola University in order to position and promote the institution. The Director of TUG is also responsible for effectively managing a comprehensive, data-driven recruitment and admissions program and for providing regular reports on recruitment and enrollment progress to University leadership. Additionally, the Director of TUG is responsible for ensuring the optimal deployment of allotted resources and for developing policies, procedures and practices to enhance recruitment, admission, and retention of students. Effective communication and collaboration with academic deans, vice presidents, faculty, staff and others involved with recruiting students is expected.
Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years of progressively responsible management experience directly related to higher education admissions and enrollment management is required. Experience in analyzing and organizing information and deriving actionable insight from data to produce results and demonstrated success in recruiting and enrolling a diverse student population is also required. The new director will be a collaborative professional who can articulate a complex vision with the confidence of a thought leader and will be eager to engage the Biola University community, prospective students, and families in innovative recruitment and enrollment experiences. He or she will demonstrate the desire to further develop and mentor a talented staff. Candidates need to be highly energetic, customer service focused, proactive, self-motivated and demonstrate strategic leadership skills. The ideal candidate will be able to anticipate and effectively respond to all matters that influence enrollment. The ideal candidate will also be able to prioritize and balance multiple tasks and to meet deadlines. Excellent written and verbal communications skills, strong data and technology skills, integrity, attention to detail, ability to motivate staff and to foster collaboration across diverse groups of constituents are required. The ideal candidate will demonstrate cultural humility and sensitivity and commitment to diversity and inclusivity in higher education and university admissions. Experience in, sensitivity to, and understanding of effectively working with diverse populations of students and adults, including faculty, staff, high school students, college students, parents and professionals is required. A commitment to the Lord, learning, and student development is also required.
The University’s Article of Faith and Statement of Biblical Principles remain its foundation regarding the theological position of Biola University. From its inception, Biola’s position has been and remains Christian, Protestant and theologically conservative. Prospective and existing employees affirm that their personal theological beliefs are in agreement with Biola University.
Application and Nomination
Review of applications begins February 21, 2022 and continues until the position is filled. The anticipated start date for the new Director of Traditional Undergraduate Admissions is Spring 2022. Interested candidates should apply for this position online via the Williams & Company website at: www.williamscompany.net Confidential inquiries and/or nominations may be directed to Martha Smiles at: Martha@williamscompany.net or (802) 497-0151.
Please visit Biola University’s website at: www.biola.edu
Biola University is committed to providing a learning and living environment that promotes safety, transparency, personal integrity, civility, mutual respect, and freedom from discrimination. See Biola's Theological Statement on Diversity. As a Christian university controlled by its Board of Trustees, Biola has requested and received a regulatory exemption under Title IX, 34 C.F.R., Section 106.12, and is also exempted from provisions of California Education Code 66270 to the extent that the application of such laws is not consistent with the institution's religious tenets.