KYCO Admissions Program Manager

The University of Pikeville is actively seeking a dynamic and highly motivated professional to serve in the role of KYCO Admissions Program Manager. This role will help lead the admissions efforts for the Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) including developing and annual recruitment plan and schedule, as well as day to day operations, including all recruitment activities, research and planning, communications, and budget management.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Achieve or exceed recruitment goals for the University in KYCO.  
• Communicate and collaborate closely with the KYCO Dean and respective Admissions Committee.
• Develop a thorough understanding of all WebAdmit application processing functions. WebAdmit will be used in conjunction with OptomCAS (optometry). Acquire background knowledge in AACOMAS (osteopathic medicine).
• Establish forecasts and achieve new student start rate and readmission plans.
• Analyze departmental data and market data in order to provide strategic recommendations to senior leadership and support data requests as required by accrediting bodies and other external organizations. 
• Generate recruiting/marketing plans to support inquiry conversion and applicant lock-in.  
• Assists in establishing strategic interview dates, accepted student days, and additional touchpoint opportunities with prospective students. 
• Enhance and maintain Admissions communications funnel. 
• Ensure compliance with all University policies and procedures, ethical standards, and compliance with all federal, state, and accreditation requirements.  
• Conducts screening/review of candidates for interview selection. 
• Promote UPIKE’s health professional programs by recruiting and providing information to prospective students regarding the program and admission requirements. 
• Assist in implementing a communications and visibility plan that strengthens the reputation of KYCO with professional audiences and their attractiveness to prospective students. 
• Oversee the proper and timely acknowledgment of inquiries via phone, e-mail, and mail about the programs that are accurate and up-to-date. 
• Assist in managing and staffing campus tours for professional schools.
• Assist in preparing Admissions reports to guide and support the strategic planning.
• Coordinate the distribution of Bear boxes (gift boxes that contain specific recruitment products). These products are designed to increase matriculation probability. 
• Responsible for Admissions-related social media. 
• Provide expectations and training for Admissions liaisons/ambassadors. 
• Continuously seeks to understand the requirements of all constituencies. 
• Make collaborative decisions to ensure needs are met or exceeded through the delivery of quality services. 
• Oversee Admissions events such as in-person interview days and other recruitment events for professional schools.  
• Work as part of the leadership team to recruit suitable students to improve overall student retention and graduation rates.

Education/Skill Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master's degree preferred. 
• At least three (3) years of progressively greater responsibility in admissions and marketing. 
• An exceptional listener with the desire to empower his/her direct reports and encourage their success. 
• Knowledge of best practices in college admissions and recruitment. 
• Strong knowledge of emerging and conceptual/theoretical ideas related to enrollment management. 
• Strong commitment to customer service, with experience working with students from non-traditional and diverse backgrounds.
• Commitment to continual professional development and an understanding of the need for future planning based on demographic trends. 
• Proven success in planning, implementing, and improving a comprehensive enrollment management plan.
• Demonstrated motivational and problem-solving capabilities with a high degree of integrity, ethics, and dedication to the University’s mission. 
• Ability to represent the University in a professional manner and to conduct compelling and persuasive presentations to small and large groups. 
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and meet the requirements to drive a university vehicle. 

The University of Pikeville offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. UPIKE offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, telemedicine, long term disability, tuition waivers, a 403(b)-retirement plan, and HSA, FSA, & dependent care accounts. UPIKE also offers a generous holiday schedule and paid leave program.

Important Notes: 

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applications received on or before 08/07/2026 will be given priority consideration.

Resume and other application materials will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a top group of the most highly qualified candidates. Please, specifically address the qualifications, competencies and desired qualifications in your resume and application materials.

The University of Pikeville is committed to providing a safe and productive learning, living and working community. To achieve this goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history.

The University of Pikeville is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. The University of Pikeville does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age or disabilities in its programs, activities, hiring, or the admission of students.

For more information about the University of Pikeville, please visit http://www.upike.edu. In addition to the application, interested applicants are requested to attach to their application a letter of interest, current curriculum vitae, copies of their transcripts, and the contact information for three to five professional references.