Admissions Operations Manager

ANNOUNCMENT OF POSITION VACANCY

FLSA Status:

United States of America (Exempt)

Compensation:

$50,000 - $53,000.

Commensurate with education and experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits package: Click here for more information!

SECTION I - OUR VALUES CULTIVATE OUR VISION AND CULTURE

At CMU, we believe in acting from a foundation of goodwill. This belief gives us the courage to form meaningful relationships, embark on joint endeavors and take risks in the pursuit of new possibilities. It's this courage that enables the Mavily to explore new ways of thinking and doing, knowing that there is no perfect solution, no perfect idea.

From this place of humility and courage, we've built a culture of resilience. We invest in the future by continuously adapting to change, overcoming challenges, and seizing new opportunities. We recognize that change is constant, and our resilience allows us to embrace it with confidence. Endless curiosity drives us to approach the unexpected as if it were expected, seeing opportunities for discovery and renewal in every challenge. In this community rooted in love and dignity, curiosity thrives, leading to endless opportunities for growth and advancement.

Inspired by the soul of the West-the spirit that our region embodies-we emerge as a force for positive change, harnessing our collective power to build a Human Scale University that reflects our values and brings to life our shared vision of the world we aspire to create.

Colorado Mesa University Core Values

Love - Extending oneself for nurturing the growth of self and others

Dignity - Respecting the intrinsic value of each person and believing that others act from a foundation of goodwill

Courage - Taking risks in the pursuit of new possibilities

Humility - Suspending one's ego and pride to recognize that no idea is perfect and being open to the input of others

Resiliency - Investing in the future by adapting to changes, overcoming challenges and pursuing Opportunity

Curiosity - Cultivating awe and exploring the unknown

Power - The strength to act collaboratively with individual agency to achieve our goals

SECTION II - THE SEAT

At CMU, we look at every position as a seat. Every seat is vital and the individual in the seat contributes significantly to our mission of providing an affordable and accessible education and forming meaningful and mutually enriching partnerships that support the well-being and vibrancy of our community. As a human centric organization, a priority is to ensure we have the "right seats" in our organization, and that the expectations, ownership and accountabilities are defined and communicated clearly for the success of the individuals holding the seats.

The Admissions Operations Manager serves as a key operational partner within the Office of Admissions, providing advanced administrative and operational support to the Executive Director of Enrollment Management while leading the coordination of business operations, administrative processes, and departmental projects. This position is responsible for ensuring the efficient daily operation of the Admissions Office through operational planning, financial coordination, executive support, process improvement, and cross-functional collaboration.

The Admissions Operations Manager exercises independent judgment, manages confidential information, and serves as a liaison among students, families, faculty, staff, and campus partners. This role is expected to identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, develop and document sustainable processes, coordinate departmental initiatives, and support the successful execution of enrollment priorities. The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional organizational skills, professionalism, attention to detail, and a commitment to providing outstanding service in support of the university''s enrollment goals.

OVERVIEW AND ROLE SCOPE OF TEAM AND/OR TASKS

Operations and Business Management

• Coordinate the daily administrative and operational functions of the Office of Admissions to ensure efficient and effective business operations.
• Lead the coordination and continuous improvement of departmental workflows, procedures, and operational processes.
• Coordinate departmental budget tracking, purchasing, invoice processing, travel reconciliation, and financial documentation while ensuring compliance with university policies.
• Monitor operational expenditures and prepare routine budget reports and financial information for leadership.
• Coordinate office logistics, including facilities requests, equipment management, technology needs, and supply procurement.
• Support recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and personnel administration for professional and student employees.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve departmental procedures, records, operational documentation, and reference materials.
• Coordinate departmental meetings, retreats, trainings, and operational events.
• Lead operational projects and special initiatives by tracking timelines, deliverables, and follow-up activities.
• Collaborate with campus partners to ensure operational processes support enrollment goals and provide exceptional service.
• Serve as an operational resource for admissions systems, workflows, and departmental procedures while identifying opportunities for increased efficiency and consistency.
• Support recruitment initiatives as needed, including delivering information sessions, supporting large campus visit events, and possible recruitment travel.

Executive Support & Project Coordination

• Provide advanced administrative support to the Executive Director of Enrollment Management.
• Manage complex calendars, schedules, appointments, and meeting logistics.
• Coordinate travel arrangements, reimbursements, and related documentation.
• Prepare agendas, reports, presentations, meeting materials, and correspondence.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, directing inquiries and requests as appropriate.
• Assist in preparing communications, presentations, and materials related to enrollment management initiatives.
• Maintain confidential records and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Support leadership and team meetings, committees, and special projects through coordination, documentation, and follow-up.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Evaluate existing administrative processes and recommend improvements that enhance efficiency, consistency, and customer service.
• Develop, document, and implement standardized operational procedures and best practices.
• Support the implementation of new technologies, systems, and operational enhancements that improve departmental effectiveness.
• Monitor operational performance and recommend adjustments that support departmental goals and continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned in support of Admissions and Enrollment Management.

ACCOUNTABILITY TO RESULTS

The Admissions Operations Manager is accountable for delivering the following outcomes and results to metrics.

• Administrative and operational processes are completed accurately, efficiently, and within established timelines.
• Budget, purchasing, travel, and financial transactions are processed accurately and in compliance with university policies and procedures.
• Executive priorities, meetings, projects, and departmental initiatives are effectively coordinated and completed on schedule.
• Students, families, campus partners, and external stakeholders receive responsive, accurate, and professional service.
• Admissions operational systems, documentation, and business processes remain organized, compliant, and current.
• Operational processes are regularly evaluated and improved to increase efficiency, consistency, and support enrollment goals.
• Departmental projects, quarterly priorities (Rocks), and assigned initiatives are successfully executed, with a minimum 90-day Rocks completion rate of 80%.

Additional metrics and results may be assigned as needed by the department.

CORE PROCESSES

Ensuring that our core processes across departments are known, documented and are operate effectively, brings clarity and efficiency to our business. The Admissions Business Manager and Tuition Classification Officer has the following process that are owned and those to which he/she contributes.

Owned Processes:

• Admissions Office Operations
• Executive Support & Project Coordination
• Budget & Financial Administration
• Operational Process Improvements
• Student & Campus Partner Support

Contributor:

• Budget & Financial Administration
• Operational Process Improvements
• Department Planning & Special Projects
• Admissions Technology & Systems
• Enrollment Operations Strategy

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

DISCLAIMER - This position description is only a summary of the typical functions of this seat, and not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and areas of accountability.

CAPACITY REQUIREMENTS

Capacity for this seat includes knowledge, skills and emotional intelligence and ability to commit to this seat.

• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism when handling confidential information.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex administrative and operational processes.
• Experience with, or ability to learn, Colorado Mesa University and State of Colorado residency requirements
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other administrative software systems.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong customer service orientation and commitment to supporting students and families.
• Ability to conduct work outside of the regular work hours (nights and weekends) and travel as needed

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE FOR RIGHT FIT

• Associate's degree from an accredited institution
• 3+ years of progressively responsible professional experience in business administration, administrative operations, enrollment services, student services or equivalent (experience gained as a student will be considered)
• Experience coordinating multiple projects and priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail
• Experience working with confidential information and exercising independent judgement
• Proficiency in Word, Adobe Acrobat, and Excel

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE FOR RIGHT FIT

• Experience with budget monitoring, purchasing, or administrative operations.
• Experience interpreting and applying policies, procedures, or regulatory requirements.
• Experience in admissions, registrar services, residency classification, enrollment management, or related student services functions.
• Experience coordinating complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.
• Experience supporting senior leaders or administrators.

CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS

The customer service skills include:

• Utilizing excellent customer service skills and problem-solving techniques in working with and communicating with applicants, current students, parents, faculty, staff and other internal and external contacts.
• Providing accurate information, identify appropriate resources and options, and follow-up as appropriate-all to insure successful and positive interactions.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

The language skills include:

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general written materials, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations.
• Ability to write reports and prepare and conduct verbal and visual presentation of materials.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from top management
• Ability to respond effectively, both orally and in writing to the most sensitive inquiries or complaint

REASONING ABILITY

Strategic and analytical reasoning skills are necessary. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this seat. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the individual is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, and talk or hear. The individual must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this seat include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Must possess the abilities required to operate a motor vehicle.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The Admissions Operations Manager works closely with the Executive Director of Enrollment Management, Admissions staff, Enrollment Management partners, Finance, Human Resources, Student Accounts, Registrar, Financial Aid, faculty, staff, students, families, and external constituents to support operational excellence and student success.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an the individual in this seat will encounter while performing the essential functions of this seat. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The individual typically performs the duties of the job in an open office setting. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud at times, with several disruptions throughout the day. A valid driver's license is required. Night and weekend work may be required.

HOW TO APPLY: Applicants will be asked to complete an online application by creating a profile and then providing personal and demographic information. In addition, please be prepared to upload a:

• Cover letter

• Resume

• Copy of transcripts for all degrees completed (if your transcripts include a social security number or birthdate, please redact that information before uploading the document. Official transcripts will be required upon hire)

Colorado Mesa University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitment to improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented students within higher education.

Colorado Mesa University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. Applicant must be able to verify U.S. employment eligibility. Colorado Mesa University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a culturally diverse faculty, staff and student body. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact the CMU Human Resources Office by phone or email. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and the type of accommodation needed.