Director of New Student Relations

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) provides quality and affordable higher education to empower lives and strengthen communities within Northwest Arkansas and surrounding areas.

As the largest community college in Arkansas, NWACC is recognized as a leader in education. NWACC offers a full range of associate degrees, certificates and workforce training programs that prepare students for rewarding futures and careers.

NWACC employees are dedicated to fostering a diverse educational community and cultural learning environment that supports student success.

Essential Duties

• Develop and implement strategic communication plans for student outreach, onboarding, and retention using data analytics and targeted messaging.
• Lead campus recruitment events, including college and career fairs, ensuring alignment with institutional enrollment goals.
• Supervise and support a team, including two Coordinators of New Student and Community Relations, the New Student Relations Coordinator, and College and Career Coaches.
• Foster relationships with high schools, community partners, and organizations to enhance recruitment efforts and facilitate smooth transitions to college.
• Manage the communication pipeline between Enrollment Services and prospective students through email, traditional mail, social media, and text messaging.
• Maintain accurate student records within the college's ERP system (Workday) and generate reports to inform recruitment and retention strategies.
• Partner with the Marketing Department to develop, produce, and distribute recruitment materials and outreach campaigns.
• Utilize social media and emerging technologies to engage both internal and external audiences and support prospective students through each stage of the enrollment process.
• Oversee the College and Career Coach grant, ensuring compliance with grant guidelines, supervising program staff, and meeting performance measures.
• Maintain broad knowledge of academic programs, student life, financial aid, and support services to provide accurate information and appropriate referrals.
• Demonstrate reliability, professionalism, and a collaborative work ethic while fostering positive relationships across departments.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Rate of pay $58,757 annualized

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong data analysis skills with the ability to interpret trends and generate actionable insights.
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with experience in public speaking and delivering presentations.
• Knowledge of student recruitment, enrollment, and retention strategies.
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate with diverse populations, including students, educators, and community partners.
• Proficiency in CRM systems, database management, and digital communication platforms.
• Experience leading teams and managing performance outcomes.
• Creative problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and implement process improvements.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.
While performing the functions of this job, the employee is:
Frequently:
* Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding
* Sitting
* Standing
* Walking
Constantly:
* Hearing
* Repetitive motion
* Talking

The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; and/or visual inspection at distances close to the eyes.

Environmental Conditions

The following work environment characteristics are representative of those encountered by employees while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

The work environment typically consists of a professional office setting with a moderate noise level, including sounds from conversations, office equipment, and occasional movement of staff. Lighting is standard for office spaces, and the temperature is controlled to remain within a comfortable range. Employees may occasionally need to visit other areas, such as storage rooms, conference spaces, or outdoor locations, where environmental conditions may vary. Infrequently, exposure to louder noise levels or physical activities, such as moving lightweight materials, might be required.

Required Qualifications

• The formal education equivalent of a master's degree with a major in higher education, sociology, public administration, public relations, marketing, communications or related field.

NWACC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy.