Julie Ritchie
Summary
Dynamic executive leader with extensive cross-industry expertise in higher education, healthcare staffing, retail leadership, and construction operations. Proven track record of scaling organizations, driving enrollment growth, and optimizing financial performance underscores a commitment to excellence. Expertise in admissions advising supports the development and implementation of effective student recruitment and enrollment strategies, ensuring accuracy and efficiency throughout the admissions process. Strong collaborative skills and adaptability to evolving educational needs facilitate reliable support for team goals and institutional objectives, complemented by exceptional communication, counseling, and data analysis capabilities.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Admissions Advisor
Gurnick Academy
07.2019 - 02.2026
- Functioned as Admissions Manager, providing direct leadership to the admissions team while overseeing workflow distribution, performance accountability, and resolution of escalated operational issues.
- Established clear performance expectations, KPIs, and accountability standards to drive a high-performance, student-centered enrollment culture.
- Mentored, coached, and developed Admissions Advisors and support staff in consultative interviewing, ethical enrollment practices, compliance protocols, and strategic pipeline management.
- Conducted regular one-on-one coaching sessions, performance evaluations, and corrective action planning to improve individual and team results.
- Monitored and analyzed performance metrics, identifying gaps and implementing targeted strategies to improve conversion, retention, and enrollment outcomes.
- Led weekly strategy meetings to review pipeline health, forecasting accuracy, and enrollment pacing against campus revenue and start goals.
- Partnered with Campus Director and Assistant Campus Director to align admissions performance with campus growth strategy and financial objectives.
- Managed the full enrollment lifecycle from inquiry generation through matriculation, maintaining ownership of pipeline health, forecasting, and start projections.
- Drove weekly meeting and enrollment targets (20+ new student interviews per week) while maintaining quality-of-fit and compliance standards.
- Developed and implemented structured follow-up systems to increase appointment show rates and reduce missed opportunities.
- Designed referral-generation and outreach strategies to expand lead sources and strengthen community engagement.
- Participated in recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and training of new Admissions Advisors to strengthen team capability and productivity.
- Delegated administrative responsibilities strategically to maximize advisor enrollment productivity and operational efficiency.
- Served as escalation point for complex applicant situations, conflict resolution, and policy interpretation.
- Prepared and presented comprehensive enrollment forecasts, performance dashboards, and retention updates during campus leadership meetings.
- Managed admissions file compliance in alignment with DOE regulations and institutional accreditation standards, ensuring audit readiness.
- Approved admissions files as “ready to start,” validating documentation accuracy, regulatory adherence, and completion of required materials.
- Oversaw execution of enrollment agreements, disclosures, background checks, immunizations, and all required compliance documentation.
- Ensured data integrity with student information systems and CRM platforms to support accurate reporting and strategic decision-making.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with Financial Aid, Academics, and Campus Operations to streamline onboarding and improve the student start experience.
- Led process improvement initiatives to enhance workflow efficiency, reduce enrollment cycle time, and strengthen operational performance.
- Represented admissions leadership at community outreach events, career fairs, graduation ceremonies, and stakeholder engagements.
- Contributed to campus-wide strategic initiatives and continuous improvement efforts to strengthen enrollment effectiveness and organizational growth.
Staffing Manager
Kindred at Home
07.2017 - 06.2019
- Directed full cycle recruitment operations spanning sourcing, interviewing, onboarding, training coordination, credentialing, and payroll administration to ensure seamless workforce integration and regulatory compliance.
- Cultivated high-performing multidisciplinary teams of scheduling, coordinators, caregivers, CNAs, LVNs, and support staff, strengthening accountability, engagement, and retention.
- Optimized workforce planning by aligning staffing levels with census fluctuations, decreasing overtime to agency reliance while preserving quality of care standards.
- Established structured staffing workflows and escalation protocols that increased operational reliability and minimized service disruptions.
- Oversaw financial and administrative functions include labor forecasting, payroll accuracy, and scheduling efficiencies to improve cost control and operational performance.
Sales Manager
JCPenney
05.2014 - 07.2017
- Directed comprehensive new associate orientation programs and administered performance management initiatives for a 200-employee workforce, including department supervisors.
- Implemented enterprise safety standards and compliance training to promote an accident-free, high-accountability work environment.
- Oversaw daily multi-department floor operations to achieve sales, conversion, and customer satisfaction targets.
- Developed associates through real time coaching, structured performance reviews, and continuous professional development planning.
- Evaluated KPIs and traffic patterns to adjust staffing models, optimize floor coverage and floor coverage and strengthen selling strategies.
- Coordinated with senior leadership on scheduling strategies and labor allocation to improve operational efficiency and cost control.
Vice President of Operations
JMI
04.2008 - 04.2014
- Founded and scaled a startup construction firm from inception to 5M in annual revenue through strategic business development and operational leadership.
- Negotiated and secured high value contracts with general contractors and subcontractors, strengthening profitability and long-term partnerships.
- Directed multiple concurrent construction projects from entitlement and design through execution and final delivery.
- Developed and administered departmental budgets, aligning financial planning with growth objectives and operational demands.
- Produced comprehensive estimates and financial forecasts to ensure margin protection and cost control.
Education
Liberal Arts
Los Medanos College
Pittsburg, CASkills
- Strategic Planning & Execution – Aligning business goals with operational efficiency
- Student Engagement & Retention – Creating student-focused initiatives for long-term success
- Business Performance & Financial Oversight – Managing budgets, payroll, and P&L
- Leadership & Talent Development – Hiring, coaching, and mentoring high-performing teams
- Operational Excellence & Process Improvement – Driving efficiency and optimizing workflows
- Compliance & Risk Management – Ensuring adherence to state and federal policies, regulations, and accreditation standards
- Technology & Data-Driven Decision Making – CRM utilization, analytics, and report in Student recruitment
Timeline
Senior Admissions Advisor
Gurnick Academy
07.2019 - 02.2026
Staffing Manager
Kindred at Home
07.2017 - 06.2019
Sales Manager
JCPenney
05.2014 - 07.2017
Vice President of Operations
JMI
04.2008 - 04.2014
Liberal Arts
Los Medanos College