Engineering a world of possibilities
Director of Admissions Communications and Marketing
THE OPPORTUNITY
Colorado School of Mines welcomes applications for the role of Director of Admissions Communications and Marketing (Director). Reporting to the Executive Director of Admissions, the Director will provide strategic direction to support the recruitment efforts of the Office of Admissions through improved admission operations processes and by strategizing the overall communication and marketing efforts for new graduate and undergraduate, domestic and international student recruitment and enrollment. The Director will be responsible for the oversight of CRM communications flow and for developing and executing communication and marketing initiatives for the purpose of recruiting, admitting, and enrolling new graduate and undergraduate students to Colorado School of Mines. The Director is required to analyze and report results to inform processes, communication approaches and enhance Mines’ image among prospective students and their families that support the strategic enrollment goals of the university. The Director successfully partners with all campus constituents and is a key member of the admissions leadership team.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Communications (45%)
Responsible for the development, design, implementation, and assessment of admissions communication strategies to increase visibility and distinctiveness of the graduate and undergraduate offerings at Colorado School of Mines in collaboration with university communications and marketing.
Responsible for the development of targeted, high-quality communications for prospective graduate and undergraduate students.
Collaborate with cross-campus partners to create compelling content for communications, including but not limited to electronic formats, website content, and printed materials.
Collaborate with academic and support units to create cohesive messaging plans for specific programs as designed by the strategic enrollment goals and Mines’ Strategic Plan.
Update and enhance the CRM communications plan to include frequency, timing, and messaging in support of recruitment, admission, and enrollment goals.
Provide oversight of branding/continuity of departmental publications regarding admissions and student recruitment.
Marketing (20%)
Lead the execution of integrated marketing campaigns, including social media, email, content marketing, events, and traditional media to align with the strategic plans and objectives of Colorado School of Mines and the Admissions Office.
Responsible for the admissions website, ensuring all content is accurate and updated in a timely manner.
Develop and oversee admissions’ social media strategy and implement all admissions social media activities.
Purchase marketing swag and manage its distribution in alignment with university and enrollment management strategic goals, maximizing ROI.
Stay current with marketing trends, tools, and best practices to continuously innovate and improve admissions’ marketing efforts.
Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for differentiation.
Management and Supervision (30%)
Cycle Prep
Provide leadership and guidance to the marketing and communications team, fostering a positive and collaborative team environment.
Hire, train, supervise, encourage professional development, and evaluate full-time professional staff members.
Manage and supervise the two assistant directors of marketing and communications and the marketing coordinator.
Manage the admissions marketing and communications budget, including planning, administration, quarterly/annual forecasting, and ensuring cost-effective allocation of resources and optimal ROI.
Support a data-driven and evidence-based decision environment. Collect, review, analyze, and evaluate data metrics and analytics to inform strategy and measure performance.
Monitor, analyze, and report effectiveness of the communication plan, marketing metrics, and key performance indicators to measure the effectiveness of campaigns and initiatives.
Create marketing and communication reports for the Associate Provost of Academic Affairs and other campus colleagues on goals and evaluation of progress towards goals annually.
Stay abreast of emerging trends, develop professional contacts with colleagues, attend professional development engagements, and deliver presentations to inform, educate, and inspire social media marketing and communications approach.
Develops, documents, and implements ongoing program of professional training regarding best practices in marketing and communication for all admissions and recruitment staff
Manage external vendor relationships to ensure consistent branding and messaging and evaluate ROI of all vendors.
Oversee the marketing-related contracts in conjunction with admissions leadership, making recommendations on new vendors and technologies, as applicable.
Manage the annual cycle prep with the team, involving feedback from the entire admissions team and campus partners.
Other Duties as Assigned (5%)
Other duties as assigned to meet the objectives and goals of the program and/or Mines.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, communications, or a related field.
3-5 years’ experience in a communications and/or marketing role.
Experience supervising professional staff.
Demonstrated experience in team leadership, collaboration, and managing cross-functional projects.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including professional and technical writing, with the ability to craft compelling messaging and content.
Excellent command of the English language and grammar, including proofreading and editing skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external constituents.
Strong understanding of effective communication, marketing principles, branding, and strategic planning.
Proficient in social media management, content creation, and data analysis.
Creative thinker with the ability to develop innovative communication/marketing campaigns and solutions.
Strong analytical skills to measure and optimize the effectiveness of marketing initiatives.
Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
Strong organizational and project management skills with keen attention to details.
Proficiency in CRM systems, analytic tools, and marketing software.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree.
Higher Education admissions communications and marketing experience.
Experience working at a selective/STEM institution.
Experience with writing for print and web-published outlets in AP Style writing.
Experience in design programs (Adobe InDesign or Photoshop).
Bilingual.
Proficiency with Slate CRM.
Salary Rate and Benefits
$78,000-$91,000 annual rate
Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate’s education, training and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.
Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees. For this role, that includes:
Health and dental premiums
Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year – including a week-long winter break for entire campus.
Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution
Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents)
Free RTD Ecopass
All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the on-campus Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more), equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center, the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP), and backup child and elder care. Coming soon is an on-campus daycare center. For more information about benefits at Mines, go to mines.edu/human-resources/benefits.
How to Apply
Application review will begin May 11th. This posting will remain open until filled. For full consideration, apply by May 10th at 11:59 p.m. as applications received after that date may not be reviewed. Applicants must:
Complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, veteran status)
Upload a resume or CV
Upload a cover letter
Candidates will notice there is one upload box for all materials. Candidates must be currently authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This posting may be used to fill more than one vacancy based on business needs. References will not be contacted until later in the selection process and you will be informed before that contact is made.
Successful completion of a background investigation is required for this position. This posting may be used to fill multiple openings. Contact Kathleen Feighny in HR at kfeighny@mines.edu with any questions.
About Mines & Golden, CO
When the world looks for answers, the world looks to Mines.
Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines’ scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society. Today, we are the No. 36 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2025).
Mines graduates are change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers. Since our earliest days, a Mines education has been and continues to be a transformational opportunity, with one of the strongest returns on investment out there for talented STEM students of all backgrounds.
At the same time, Mines faculty members are pushing their fields in new directions, whether that’s manufacturing, space resources, quantum engineering, carbon capture or more. Mines was recently classified as a R1 “Very High Activity” research institution by Carnegie, a notable feat for any university but particularly one of our size.
That size – roughly 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students – also translates to a close-knit campus community, where employees have opportunities to get involved in multiple ways, continued professional learning is valued and everyone can make an impact.
Community Alliance groups bring together employees for professional development, networking, cultural awareness and community involvement, and all Mines employees also have access to the wealth of activities happening every day on campus – nationally-renowned speakers, special events and Mines traditions like Engineering Days, just to name a few.
And don’t get us started on our hometown. We are located in the heart of Golden, Colorado --with its charming historic downtown and nearby hiking trails – and in close proximity to all that Denver and the Rocky Mountains have to offer. That includes the sunny, high-altitude climate and outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities that make the Denver area an ideal place to live, work and play.
Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world’s problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a diverse and inclusive community, where our different perspectives, experiences and cultures enrich the educational and work experience?
Additional Information and Reasonable Accommodation Requests
It is the intent of Mines to comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and their implementation rules and regulations, in support of equal opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities. To meet this goal, Mines will make reasonable accommodations during the employment selection process and within our working environment.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on our site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources team at hr@mines.edu or 303.273.3250 for assistance.
Successful completion of a background investigation is required for this position.
Equal Opportunity
Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons. Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses.
Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a talented student body and workforce.
Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequality or concerns for safety.
Colorado's premier engineering and applied science university for 150 years and counting