Director of Admissions and Recruitment
Bexley Seabury Seminary
Position: Director of Admissions and Recruitment
Position Type: Full-Time
Reports to: Vice President of Institutional Advancement
Location, Remote
About Bexley Seabury Seminary
Bexley Seabury Seminary is a vibrant and forward-thinking institution that values diversity, academic excellence, and theological education. Rooted in a tradition of academic excellence, community, and spiritual growth, Bexley Seabury Seminary equips its students to engage in transformative ministry, promoting social justice and inclusivity. As we continue to nurture the next generation of spiritual leaders, we are committed to upholding our core values of integrity, diversity, and excellence. As one of the principal seminaries of The Episcopal Church (TEC), Bexley Seabury is committed to preparing individuals for a ministry, providing accessible education, and fostering a deep understanding of the Anglican tradition.
Position Summary
The Director of Recruitment at Bexley Seabury Seminary is a pivotal and permanent role responsible for leading and executing student recruitment efforts for the institution. This position plays a crucial part in advancing the Seminary’s mission and embodying its core values with a long-term commitment to success.
As the Director of Recruitment, your primary responsibility is to lead and implement recruitment strategies that focus on attracting students to our diverse programs, including the organization and management of Beyond Walls events. A comprehensive understanding of Bexley Seabury’s historical context and its role within the TEC seminary network is essential, or a strong willingness to learn. Additionally, staying well-informed about the program offerings of other TEC seminaries is crucial to effectively communicate the unique advantages of our programs. This is a permanent position full-time with the opportunity to contribute to the long-term growth and success of Bexley Seabury Seminary.
Responsibilities
Program Knowledge and Enhancement
Demonstrate a deep understanding of Bexley Seabury’s array of programs and their specific requirements, including but not limited to the Master of Divinity (MDiv), Diploma in Anglican Studies, Doctor of Ministry (DMin), the Deacons Formation Collaborative (DFC), Certificate in Theological Studies, and Lifelong Learning programs. This entails staying informed about the curriculum, course offerings, prerequisites, and any evolving program features to effectively advise prospective students and ensure alignment with their educational goals.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of all current programs and their respective requirements offered by Bexley Seabury to effectively communicate with prospective students.
Collaborate with the institution’s leadership to proactively shape the future of our programs, ensuring their relevance and competitiveness in the evolving landscape of theological education.
Explore opportunities for program development and enhancement, aligning them with the evolving needs and interests of our prospective student community
TEC Seminary Understanding and Church Engagement
Cultivate an in-depth knowledge of Bexley Seabury’s historical context and its distinctive role within the broader Episcopal Church (TEC) seminary network, while remaining open to ongoing learning about the Episcopal Church and its values.
Collaborate with colleagues and church leaders to actively engage with the evolving landscape of TEC seminaries, embracing opportunities for cooperation and innovative approaches to theological education.
Effectively communicate the unique advantages and value of Bexley Seabury’s programs within the context of the Episcopal Church’s theological education environment.
Competitor Analysis and Market Insight
Maintain a comprehensive understanding of how the other TEC seminaries present their educational programs, including their key messaging, program strengths, scholarship offerings, tuition structures, and other pertinent details.
Regularly assess the competitive landscape to identify emerging trends, market dynamics, and potential areas of collaboration with other seminaries or institutions within the theological education field.
Leverage this analysis to refine our strategies and messaging, ensuring that Bexley Seabury remains competitive and aligned with the evolving needs and expectations of prospective students in the TEC seminary landscape and beyond.
Strategic Planning and Program Development, Including Beyond Walls Events
Collaborate closely with key stakeholders, including the President, Academic Dean, Director of Lifelong Theological Education, and the Doctor of Ministry Program, to meticulously craft and implement strategic recruitment plans for a diverse array of programs, including the promotion and coordination of Beyond Walls events.
Continuously assess the evolving landscape of theological education and its implications on program development and recruitment strategies, while actively seeking opportunities to integrate Beyond Walls events into our broader recruitment efforts.
Propose innovative approaches to program enhancement, expansion, and new initiatives that align with the mission and goals of Bexley Seabury, leveraging Beyond Walls events as a dynamic and engaging platform to share our offerings as well as celebrate the work of alumni and those who have taken credit courses at the seminary.
Strategically position our programs in the marketplace to ensure they resonate with the diverse interests and aspirations of prospective students, utilizing Beyond Walls events to highlight the unique advantages and value of our theological education opportunities.
Constituent Engagement and Community Relations
Develop and maintain robust relationships with key constituencies that play a vital role in our recruitment efforts, including Bishops and Commissions on Ministry.
Cultivate connections with Campus Ministries, Episcopal Service Corps, Recent Alumni, and Current Students, fostering a sense of belonging within the Bexley Seabury community.
Collaborate with The Union of Black Episcopalians and other affinity groups to ensure that our outreach efforts are inclusive and effectively meet the needs of a diverse student body.
Actively engage in dialogue and seek input from these constituents to refine our recruitment strategies and ensure they align with the expectations and aspirations of our diverse prospective student base.
Network Development and Inclusive Outreach
Spearhead the creation and expansion of networks aimed at enhancing our recruitment efforts, with a specific emphasis on outreach to underrepresented groups, including Indigenous, Asian-American, Latino/Hispanic, African-American, and LGBTQIA communities.
Collaborate with diverse community organizations, faith-based groups, and educational institutions to build strong relationships and partnerships that facilitate the recruitment of students from historically marginalized backgrounds.
Champion inclusivity and diversity within our recruitment strategy, ensuring that we actively reach out to and engage with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, and communities.
Establish sustainable channels of communication and support for these underrepresented groups to foster a sense of belonging within the Bexley Seabury community.
Conference Engagement and Outreach
Actively participate in and represent Bexley Seabury at essential annual conferences, including Diocesan conventions, Episcopal Parishes Network events, General Convention, and the New Community Gathering for ethnic, clergy, and lay leaders, as well as other relevant recruitment conferences such as the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).
Identify and explore new conference venues and opportunities for recruitment to expand our reach and connect with potential students from diverse backgrounds and regions.
Engage in proactive recruitment activities at these conferences, promoting our programs and fostering connections with prospective students, alumni, and influencers within the field of theological education.
Continually assess the effectiveness of our conference participation, adjusting strategies and approaches as needed to optimize our recruitment outcomes.
Marketing Materials and Content Strategy
Conduct thorough reviews and evaluations of all recruitment materials, encompassing both printed and online resources, to ensure they effectively convey our programs and values.
Collaborate with our marketing and design teams to facilitate the creation or update of materials where necessary, with a particular focus on crafting compelling content that resonates with our target audience.
Implement a content strategy that aligns with our recruitment goals, ensuring that our marketing materials showcase the unique advantages and values of Bexley Seabury’s programs.
Leverage data and feedback to continuously refine and enhance our marketing materials, ensuring they remain current, engaging, and effective in capturing the attention of prospective students.
Collaboration and Integrated Engagement
Foster close collaboration with various offices and departments, including the Office of Institutional Advancement, Admissions Committee, and other key internal stakeholders, to ensure alignment of efforts and consistency in messaging and engagement.
Actively engage in cross-functional teamwork to streamline recruitment processes, enhance communication, and maximize the impact of recruitment initiatives.
Explore opportunities for synergy among departments, leveraging their expertise and resources to create a cohesive and compelling narrative that resonates with prospective students.
Implement best practices for coordinated efforts, ensuring a unified and coherent approach to recruitment and engagement that reflects the values and goals of Bexley Seabury.
Relationship Building and Community Engagement
Proactively cultivate and diligently maintain robust relationships with prospective students, alumni, clergy, and other stakeholders, ensuring the development of a supportive network that enhances recruitment efforts and fosters a profound sense of belonging within the Bexley Seabury community.
Actively engage in dialogue with these individuals, responding to inquiries promptly, and offering personalized guidance to prospective students, clergy, and other community members, building a culture of support and inclusivity.
Foster ongoing connections with alumni and provide opportunities for them to share their insights, experiences, and success stories, which can serve as powerful testimonials to prospective students.
Continuously assess the needs and preferences of our community members, adapting our engagement approaches to ensure a strong and enduring sense of connection and belonging within the Bexley Seabury community.
Admissions Inquiries Management
Promptly and professionally follow up on all admissions inquiries, ensuring a timely and informative response that addresses the specific needs and questions of prospective students.
Implement a systematic tracking and management process for admissions inquiries, enabling efficient record-keeping and the ability to assess the effectiveness of our responses and outreach efforts.
Continuously evaluate and refine our approach to admissions inquiries, striving for excellence in customer service and communication with prospective students, which contributes to their positive experience with Bexley Seabury.
Data Management and Admitted Student Records
Efficiently manage and maintain the records of admitted students in the POPULI database, ensuring accuracy and accessibility for administrative purposes.
Implement best practices in data management, including regular updates and organization, to facilitate streamlined record-keeping and reporting.
Continuously monitor and assess the quality and completeness of admitted student data, using this information to support decision-making and improve the overall recruitment process.
Collaborate with relevant departments to ensure that data is used effectively to enhance the student experience and inform institutional strategies for recruitment and retention.
Inclusivity and Diversity Advocacy
Actively champion and uphold the Seminary’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity and diversity by actively promoting and supporting targeted efforts to recruit and nurture a diverse and representative student body.
Collaborate with institutional leaders to identify opportunities for expanding inclusivity, diversity, and equity within the Seminary’s recruitment efforts and throughout the academic community.
Facilitate proactive outreach initiatives that ensure underrepresented and marginalized groups feel welcomed and valued within our academic environment.
Work closely with affinity groups, organizations, and partners dedicated to diversity and inclusivity to advance our shared goals and create a welcoming, equitable, and supportive campus climate for all members of our community.
Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree in the relevant field is required (A Master’s degree is preferred).
Proven experience in recruitment, enrollment management, alumni affairs, donor relations, or related roles.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse constituencies.
Proficiency in database management and data analysis to inform strategic recruitment decisions.
Familiarity with fundraising and donor stewardship best practices, and a demonstrated ability to engage donors and alumni effectively.
A commitment to inclusivity and diversity, with the willingness to actively promote and support efforts to recruit a diverse student body.
A willingness to learn about the Episcopal Church’s history, traditions, and theological educational landscape, and an openness to ongoing education in this domain.
Proven ability to work collaboratively, build relationships with a diverse group of alumni and volunteers, and maintain high organizational and project management capabilities.
A passion for theological education and a deep alignment with Bexley Seabury’s mission and values.
Must be a self-starter with a proven ability to work independently; previous experience in remote work is highly valued.
This is a work-from-home position and does not require relocation to Chicago.
Application Process
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resumes, cover letters, and relevant materials to Ash Love at alove@bexleyseabury.edu. The application deadline is 7/31/24.
At Bexley Seabury Seminary, we are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment that promotes diversity and equality. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to join our mission of preparing transformative leaders for the church and the world.
Bexley Seabury Seminary is an equal opportunity employer.