Director of Admissions

Director of Admissions 
 

Summary 

SSP International, Inc. (SSPI) is a non-profit organization that is synonymous with excellence in science education. At SSPI, we are guided by a mission to offer students transformational opportunities to learn, do, and belong in science. Since 1959, SSPI’s flagship program, the Summer Science Program, has offered immersive summer research experiences that ignite curiosity and inspire a lifelong passion for discovery. Guided by our mission, SSPI is focused on embracing collaboration, building a lifelong community, and fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where participants, alumni, staff, and stakeholders feel valued, supported, and empowered. With a global network of over 5,000 alumni, we continue to pave the way for the next generation of leaders. More information on our mission, vision, values, and programs can be found at www.ssp.org. 

The Director of Admissions will lead and manage all aspects of student recruiting and admission to the Summer Science Program in alignment with SSPI’s Mission and Values and the strategic objectives set for the program including reaching historically underserved communities. The Director of Admissions role is broad and encompasses outreach recruiting, admissions operations, enrollment support, program success, and alumni programming.   

The successful Director of Admissions will:  

• Effectively manage a portfolio of recruiting, admissions, and new alumni projects. 

• Build strategies to recruit and admit students from underrepresented groups. 

• Oversee the content and delivery of college related material for participants of Summer Science Program. Develop and update training and resource materials.  

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records and process documentation.  

• Work collaboratively to support the success of recruiting, admissions, enrollment, summer operations, and new alumni virtually and in person.  

Essential Responsibilities 

• Under the direction of leadership, work with other SSPI staff to develop recruitment strategies for specific constituencies and/or regions. 

• Oversee all aspects of recruitment, application evaluation, selection, and yield with a focus on access and equity.   

• Supervise the Admissions Officer within the Student Success department. 

• Develop partnerships with Community Based Organizations (CBOs) that work with high school students to identify and recruit students in alignment with SSPI’s values and annual goals. 

• Work with SSPI staff and committee members to develop admissions policies, application materials, and application processing procedures consistent with SSPI’s mission and vision.   

• Counsel and support prospective participants and families from the initial point of inquiry through the application process.  

• Answer questions related to SSPI’s admission and financial aid processes.  

• Support the Enrollment Manager to ensure a smooth transition from admission to enrollment. 

• Review and develop systems to improve efficiency in the admissions and enrollment workflows.  

• Periodically attend outreach and recruitment opportunities at CBOs and other partners. 

• Maintain and develop relationships with university admissions offices including host sites, affiliates, and other universities and colleges. 

• Maintain accurate records tracking outreach and recruiting budgets, expenditures, and impact. Maintain the database of applications and prepare data for ad-hoc, quarterly, and annual board reports to reflect recruitment efforts, admissions, and enrollment trends.  

• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Education and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred. 

• Five years of experience in college admissions or related field with some supervisory experience preferred. 

• Demonstrated experience recruiting, advising, and supporting students from historically underrepresented backgrounds.   

• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining relationships with external partners, educational institutions, and other youth-serving organizations.  

Qualifications 

• Demonstrated leadership skills, including strategic planning, managing staff, volunteers, and resources, and project management with ability to work within tight timeframes. 

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, including marketing and promotional experience to assist with program awareness.  

• Understanding of access and equity issues for historically underrepresented populations in science.  

• Proficiency utilizing admissions management systems (e.g., Embark or similar).  

• Excellent data analysis and reporting skills.  

• Intermediate computer skills (experience with Microsoft Office suite).  

• An entrepreneurial work ethic with ownership and accountability for your goals. 

• Self-motivated with a demonstrated ability to work independently in a fully remote environment, effectively managing time, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines while staying responsive and communicative. 

• Demonstrates commitment to SSPI’s Mission and Values in their daily work and interactions.  

Working Conditions 

The working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Constantly operates a computer. 

• The ability to observe details at a close range and the ability to adjust focus. 

• The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand.  

• Travel to twice yearly in-person staff meetings plus travel to campuses during summer operations and other recruitment events. 

Clearance Requirements 

• Authorization to work in the United States 

• Background clearance 

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. SSPI values a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with all the qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other opportunities.