Admission Manager

Key ResponsibilitiesBelow are the major duties and responsibilities expected of the Admission Manager:1. Strategic Planning & Enrollment ManagementDevelop an annual admissions plan aligned with the University’s strategic goals, academic programme growth and demographic targets.Set admission targets (undergraduate, postgraduate, international, domestic, reserved categories) and monitor progress.Forecast demand, analyze market and demographic trends to anticipate changes (e.g. competition, regulatory, student preferences).2. Admissions Operations & Process ManagementOversee the full admissions cycle: from enquiry, application, document verification, eligibility assessment, admission offer, to enrollment.Ensure the admissions process is efficient, user‑friendly, transparent, and with high service quality (communications, turnaround times).Manage the selection criteria for different programs (merit, entrance tests, interviews where relevant).Ensure proper record keeping, data integrity, and use of systems (admission portal / CRM / ERP).3. Outreach, Marketing & Student RecruitmentLead student recruitment efforts: school visits, open houses, webinars, educational fairs, online/offline counselling.Collaborate with marketing/communications to develop campaigns (digital, print, social media) to promote programmes.Build relationships with feeder schools, coaching institutes, educational agents, alumni, community organizations.Coordinate international recruitment (if applicable): agents, foreign school partnerships, virtual fairs, visa‐process guidance.4. Stakeholder Management & External RelationsLiaise with internal stakeholders: academic departments, finance, registrar, scholarships office, student affairs, etc.Handle interactions with parents, prospective students, school counsellors.Maintain external relationships: education boards, government/regulatory bodies, accrediting agencies.5. Team Leadership & Staff DevelopmentLead, supervise, motivate, and manage the admissions team (counsellors, officers, administrative staff).Assign roles & responsibilities; track performance, provide feedback; identify training and development needs.Promote a culture of customer‑service, continuous improvement, and accountability.6. Data & Analytics / ReportingImplement and maintain systems (CRM or admission management software) to track applicant pipelines, conversion rates, dropouts, and admission funnel metrics.Analyse data and metrics to identify bottlenecks, areas for improvement, successes, and ROI of recruitment efforts.Prepare regular reports/dashboards for senior management (on application numbers, yield, diversity, financials, etc.).7. Policy, Compliance & Quality AssuranceEnsure admissions policies comply with University regulations, national regulatory bodies, reservation / affirmative action norms, accreditation requirements.Maintain integrity, fairness and confidentiality in all admission decisions and handling of applicant data.Review and update admissions policy as required.8. Customer Experience & Student SupportEnsure prospective students and parents have a positive experience: clear communication, timely responses, transparency.Manage grievance/complaint systems for admission‐related issues.Ensure guidance on scholarships, fee structure, financial aid, visa/immigration (if relevant).9. Budgeting & Resources ManagementPrepare and manage budgets for admissions & recruitment activities.Optimize resource utilisation: staff, marketing spend, outreach travel, promotional materials.Qualifications & ExperienceHere are the typical qualifications and experience desirable:Master’s degree in Education, Business Administration, Marketing, Management, or related field. (Additional qualifications/certifications relevant to higher education administration are a plus.)Significant experience in admissions / enrollment management in higher education (ideally 7‑15 years, with at least some in a leadership role).Experience with international admissions or recruiting students from diverse backgrounds is advantageous (if the role includes that).Demonstrated experience with CRM / admissions management systems, data analytics / reporting.Strong understanding of the Indian higher education regulatory environment, reservation policies, accreditation, and possibly international education systems.Skills & CompetenciesDesired skills include:Excellent strategic planning, organizational and project management abilities.Strong leadership, ability to motivate teams.Excellent communication skills: verbal, written, presentation; comfortable interacting with diverse stakeholders (students, parents, school counsellors, academic staff).Customer‑centric mindset; service orientation.Analytical, data‑driven, ability to interpret metrics and take action.Marketing mindset: comfortable with digital marketing, branding, outreach campaigns.Ability to multitask, manage timelines and deadlines, work under pressure.Integrity, fairness, professionalism.Working ConditionsOffice‑based role with standard working hours; but may involve travel (for school visits, fairs, outreach) and some evening/weekend work (events, webinars).Fast‑paced environment, often with peak periods (application deadlines, entrance exams etc.).