Manager, Admissions Operations

Founded in 1913, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has been offering high quality hands-on education for over a century. Through our core programming including continuing education, online and blended programming, we provide accessible educational opportunities within Alberta and beyond. We are passionate about the Agriculture industry. Through our applied research and integrated learning, we are proud to be Canada’s Smart Agriculture College, specializing in agriculture, agrifood, horticulture, land and environmental stewardship. We work closely with industry to advance and adapt our programming to ensure our graduates have the skills to succeed.

The Opportunity - Manager, Admissions Operations

Reporting to the Director, Recruitment and International in the Office of the Registrar, the Manager, Admissions Operations provides leadership to Admissions Officers and is responsible for coordinating and leading day-to-day duties and activities related to the delivery of quality admissions functions and services in accordance with College policies and procedures. The Manager, Admissions Operations will be responsible for strategic admissions management and will use their computer systems and admissions expertise in leading daily Admissions Operations for both domestic and international applications ensuring a superior applicant experience rooted in excellent customer service and integrity.

The Manager, Admissions Operations will oversee admissions strategies and processes, and make recommendations on ways to streamline and improve workflow processes. The successful candidate will become familiar with broad information and processes relating to Academic Programs, Financial Awards, Student Services and College Marketing in order to appropriately meet applicant and student needs, and support college enrolment goals. This position is responsible for staying up to date on relevant government policies, including the International Student Program, and training staff affected by these policy changes. The Manager, Admissions Operations will onboard and train all Admissions staff, and maintain best practices in admissions.

This position is based full-time on campus in Olds, Alberta.

Key Job Functions:

Admissions Management

• Manage and oversees the day-to-day operations of the College's admissions activities and leads strategic admissions management in support of College enrollment goals and department priorities;
• Serve as the primary institutional expert in admissions, including understanding of Alberta, out-of-province, and international academic qualifications;
• Maintaining admission processes related to International Student Program and other Government policies as they emerge and evolve;
• Oversee evaluation methods to ensure a fair and standard admissions process;
• Maintain accurate student records and track applicant progression through the admissions process;
• Responsible for the overall quality, accuracy and timeliness of admissions and pre-admissions advising, which includes ensuring staff provide prospective applicants, applicants, applicant support personnel, agent partners, and other stakeholders with timely and accurate information as it relates to the admission process;
• Support the Admissions Team to achieve admissions goals and expected service standards including the evaluation of applications for admission as required using independent judgment and analysis;
• Oversee alternate admissions and escalated, complex admissions issues; evaluate non-standard admissions decisions and recommend exceptions to College admission procedures;
• Provide statistical reporting using college tools, analyze historical data, forecast admission conversion;
• Work with the Director, Recruitment and International and campus stakeholders to proactively employ strategic initiatives to boost enrollment throughout the recruitment and admission cycle;
• Monitor the release of admission offers and applicant trends to meet the College’s program enrolment targets and recommend changes that may need to be made to College admission requirements and policies;
• Analyzes operating practices, makes recommendations to the Director and others, and implements changes, resulting in improvements to service quality, staff productivity and systems efficiency;
• In partnership with Recruitment, and Marketing and Communications, develop literature and marketing materials related to College admissions to assist with student recruitment;
• Monitor outgoing admission communication for accuracy and consistency; develop and update communication templates for admission officers;
• Ensure admissions is conducted in a well-organized, professional, efficient, and effective manner;

Leadership and Supervision

• Supports the Director, Recruitment and International with personnel matters, including interviewing, onboarding and training, and time management
• Provides leadership by disseminating information, providing feedback, advising, coaching and team building (including professional development opportunities)
• Conducts performance reviews in accordance with standard practice and collective agreements; establishes regular check-ins with team and individuals
• Initiates and manages disciplinary processes, if necessary, within scope of authority and in consultation with People and Culture and in compliance with College policies and standard practices
• Assigns project work and follows up with the team to ensure quality and timeline adherence.
• Analyze historical data, industry trends, and market benchmarks to determine appropriate KPIs and targets that are in line with the College’s enrollment goals
• Participates in developing and leads in implementation of operational plans of the unit ensuring goals are consistent with mission and vision of the College and contributes to the key components of the College’s strategic enrolment management plan

Education/Experience/Skills/Knowledge Required:

• A post-secondary degree in a related discipline is required. Equivalencies will be considered.
• Three or more years of related experience in post-secondary recruitment and admissions
• Experience working with confidential information and adherence of FOIP
• Broad knowledge and specific aptitude in the areas of marketing, sales, customer service, and inquiry management with a fundamental knowledge of post-secondary admissions, financial aid, student services and college marketing
• Superior oral and written communication skills. Requires the ability to give engaging presentations to audiences of all sizes and to communicate effectively via email with prospective students.
• Must demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail, be able to multitask, be a quick learner and be self-directed.
• Ability to quickly comprehend student needs as well as a proven record in providing customer solutions
• Ability to lead cross cultural teams and foster a collaborative, supportive team culture
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and interact with empathy, understanding and respect of diverse and divergent perspectives and behaviours
• Knowledge of relevant government regulations, policies, and programs
• Must be highly organized, responsible, trustworthy, and adaptable
• Proficient computer skills are required, including experience working with Banner SIS
• Position may be required to work evenings and/or weekends
• RISIA or RCIC designation is considered an asset

Conditions of Employment:

• Current Criminal Reference check that is free of any offenses.
• Must respect and actively promote health and safety policies.

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the key job functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility. It is not an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Other duties may be assigned.

Olds College offers a competitive benefit plan:

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan (LAPP)
• Extended Health, Dental, and Prescription Drugs benefits
• Health/Personal Spending Account
• Generous Vacation Leave
• Paid Holiday Closure
• ‘Olds College in the Community’ volunteer leave

• Professional development and opportunities for growth, including employee and family tuition waivers

We thank all individuals for their interest in this position. We appreciate the time involved for candidates in the application process. At this time, please note only those selected for interviews will be contacted.