Assistant Director for Enrollment & Communications

Department: SoC Communication Studies
Salary/Grade: EXS/8

Job Summary:

The Assistant Director for Enrollment & Communications implements the strategic and operational efforts to attract, engage, and enroll high-quality students into the Master of Science in Communication (MSC) program. Reporting to the Director for Administration & Academic Affairs, the Assistant Director executes the end-to-end admissions funnel-from prospect through matriculation-and coordinates all related communications and digital engagement.

This position streamlines the program's CRM efforts, system operations, communication automation, analytics, and training. The Assistant Director liaises with internal and external marketing partners to develop, implement, and optimize data-driven recruitment strategies, ensuring consistency and alignment with the MSC program's brand and enrollment goals. The role also supervises the Enrollment & Communications Coordinator and a student Communications Assistant.

The position requires exceptional attention to detail, strategic judgment, and a strong understanding of enrollment management, marketing analytics, and digital communication in a professional education context.

Please note: Requires occasional evening and weekend hours for recruitment and student events.

Specific Responsibilities:

Admissions and Enrollment Management - 40%

• Implement the daily operations of the admissions and enrollment process from inquiry through matriculation, ensuring a seamless and high-touch experience.
• Execute the application review process in Slate, including interview coordination, decision recommendations, and communication of final outcomes.
• Conduct applicant interviews and represent the program at information sessions, preview days, and admitted student events (both virtual and in-person).
• Make regular face-to-face and online presentations for prospective students.
• Maintain outreach and follow-up with admitted students to improve conversion and reduce melt.
• Monitor visa documentation and onboarding processes for international students in collaboration with university partners.
• Analyze enrollment trends and funnel metrics to provide insights and recommendations to the Director.

CRM and Data Management - 25%

• Maintain Slate management, ensuring data integrity, query and report development, and workflow optimization.
• Design, implement, and maintain automated communication flows across the applicant lifecycle.
• Monitor campaign performance, generate regular analytics reports, and propose enhancements based on data.
• Train staff and student workers on CRM best practices and ensure proper documentation of admissions processes.
• Collaborate with Northwestern IT and Slate administrators to troubleshoot issues and implement system improvements.

Marketing and Communications - 25%

• Collaborate with the Director and external marketing vendors to develop, execute, and evaluate targeted marketing campaigns.
• Partner with the Director to create the brand narrative for the MSC program. Design and implement structures and practices to maintain and build the brand across all platforms including traditional, social, and mobile media. Conducts regular focus groups and surveys of MSC alumni, faculty, staff, and students to refine messaging.
• Maintain updates to the MSC website to ensure accurate content, SEO optimization, and adherence to Northwestern's brand and accessibility standards.
• Develop and coordinate email marketing and social media content that supports awareness, engagement, and conversion goals.
• Conduct regular audit of admissions and marketing materials.
• Supervise the Communications Assistant (student worker) in developing copy, visual assets, and scheduling posts for the social media calendar.
• Ensure all communications are professional, timely, and aligned with the program's strategic voice and values.

Leadership and Collaboration - 10%

• Supervise the Enrollment & Communications Coordinator, ensuring effective teamwork, timely deliverables, and professional growth.
• Partner closely with the Assistant Director for Academic & Student Affairs to ensure smooth student transitions from admission to enrollment.
• Contribute to strategic planning, annual reporting, and assessment efforts related to enrollment and marketing.
• Represent the MSC program at school-wide meetings on admissions, CRM strategy, and communications.
• Create reports on the recruitment and enrollment processes for the Program Director, Faculty Director, and School administration.
• Act as a liaison to the MSC Alumni Association

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, business, or communication.

• 3-5 years of experience in higher education, admissions, marketing, or recruitment.

• Experience with CRM systems (namely Slate), data reporting, and digital marketing tools.

• Excellent verbal and written skills, organizational skills, and time management.

• Ability to act on own initiative to further organizational and University goals.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong project management and analytical abilities.

• Collaborative approach and commitment to providing professional, responsive applicant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in marketing, business, or communication

• Expertise in Slate CRM.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $70,000-$80,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.