Director of Admissions & Student Recruitment

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

The School of Government at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill works to improve the lives of North Carolinians by engaging in practical scholarship that helps public officials and citizens understand and improve state and local government. As the largest university-based local government training, advisory, and research organization in the United States, the School of Government offers up to 300 courses, webinars, and specialized conferences for more than 14,000 public officials each year. In addition, faculty members annually publish approximately 50 books, manuals, reports, articles, bulletins, and other print and online content related to state and local government. The School is also home to a nationally ranked graduate program in public administration.

The Master of Public Administration program prepares leaders for service in local, state, and federal government, as well as nonprofit organizations. The MPA degree is offered in both on-campus and online formats, with identical degree requirements. Alumni hold leadership roles across all levels of government and organizations committed to advancing public interest.

In collaboration with the Associate and Assistant Deans of Graduate Studies and the faculty admissions committee, the Director of Admissions and Student Recruitment leads the strategy and operations of admissions and recruitment for the MPA Program. The Director oversees all admissions workflows, including application review, interviews, and Slate-based prospect and applicant operations. The role ensures policy-aligned evaluations and a responsive, student-centered experience from inquiry through enrollment, while managing yield, applicant support, data, reporting, and coordination with faculty and institutional partners. The Director also leads recruitment and pre-application efforts, including lead generation, partnerships and affiliate engagement, segmented marketing campaigns, and conversion strategies, ensuring that recruitment materials, digital tools, and messaging effectively communicate the program's value. Additional responsibilities include building and sustaining external partnerships, representing the program at recruitment events, and using data insights to refine strategies and elevate the prospective-student experience. As a member of the six-person MPA Program Office, the Director supports core program operations, stays informed of program priorities, and contributes to major student and public facing events and initiatives.

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent educational or instructional activities associated with the delivery and/or management of student support functions, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and at least 1 year of relevant experience in substitution.

- Prior experience in graduate admissions, student recruitment, or enrollment management.
- Knowledge of student services program admissions policies, processes, and evaluation practices.
- Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong written and oral communication skills for prospective student advising, partner outreach, and presenting program information.
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and relationship building skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively within a team environment.
- Effective public speaking skills for information sessions, recruitment events, and prospective-student presentations.
- Ability to engage respectfully and effectively with individuals from a wide range of cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences.
- Ability to attend onsite and offsite events to engage with prospective and current students, with flexibility to adjust work hours to support recruitment and program activities.
- Valid driver's license required for regional recruitment travel.

- Experience with student information systems or CRM platforms; Slate experience strongly preferred.
- Experience interpreting data to inform admissions or recruitment strategies.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.