Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions & STARS Program Director

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Job Summary

The Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions & STARS Program Director is a key member of the Access, Analytics, and Recruitment team within Caltech’s Undergraduate Admissions Office. Reporting directly to the Senior Associate Director, this role serves as a strategic partner in advancing the Institute’s recruitment, access, and enrollment goals.

This position provides leadership across two primary areas: (1) supporting the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the Access, Analytics, and Recruitment team, including supervision and mentorship of staff, and (2) serving as the Program Director for the STARS College Network program, leading Caltech’s efforts to recruit, support, and enroll talented students from rural and small-town backgrounds.

The Associate Director plays a critical role in shaping data-informed recruitment strategies, guiding team initiatives, and ensuring alignment with institutional priorities. As a senior member of the team, this individual contributes to staff training, and cross-functional collaboration, while also serving as an Admissions Officer responsible for territory management, application review, and student engagement.

Essential Job Duties

Leadership & Team Management

Serve as a strategic partner and primary support to the Senior Associate Director in advancing team priorities and initiatives.

Provide direct supervision, mentorship, and professional development for two Senior Assistant Directors, ensuring strong project execution and staff growth.

Guide and support team members in developing, implementing, and assessing recruitment and access initiatives.

Help set team priorities, workflows, and performance expectations in alignment with office and institutional goals.

Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team environment.

STARS Program Leadership (Primary Functional Area)

Serve as Caltech’s Program Director and primary liaison to the STARS College Network and associated partners.

Lead the strategy, development, and execution of all rural and small-town student recruitment initiatives.

Manage and oversee all STARS-related programming, including outreach, engagement, yield efforts, and partnership development.

Conducts analysis on effectiveness of territorial outreach programs, reports outcomes, and makes recommendations on strategies.

Plans and executes domestic campaigns targeting rural and small-town high school students, parents, and counselors.

Develop and maintain relationships with high schools, community-based organizations, and national partners supporting rural college access.

Represent Caltech in STARS network meetings, working groups, and national collaborations.

Oversee program budget, planning, and assessment; evaluate outcomes and recommend improvements.

Admissions Officer Responsibilities

Manage a designated recruitment territory, including travel, high school visits, and relationship-building with counselors and CBOs.

Represent Caltech through information sessions, events, and communications with prospective students and families.

Read and evaluate applications within a highly selective admissions process and participate fully in committee deliberations.

Support yield efforts, including outreach to admitted students and programming.

Support special projects and initiatives as assigned by senior leadership.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

A minimum of 5 years of experience of experience working a data-oriented field, selective college admissions or higher education.

A valid driver’s license is required or equivalent means of reliable transportation to off-site meetings and events.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree is preferred.

Experience working with underserved students in an institution of higher education, high school setting, or community-based organization.

Proficiency in using CRM systems, particularly Technolutions Slate.

Required Documents

Resume.

CL.