Kayla Zuniga
Whittier,CA
Summary
Dynamic enrollment leader with extensive experience at Biola University, driving innovative recruitment strategies and fostering cross-functional collaboration. Proven track record in staff development and data-informed decision-making, enhancing student engagement and increasing application starts. Adept at building relationships and executing large-scale events, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Traditional Undergraduate Admissions
Biola University
La Mirada, USA
01.2023 - Current
- Direct the full‑cycle recruitment and admissions strategy for traditional undergraduate programs, aligning enrollment goals with institutional mission and academic priorities.
- Provide leadership and development for admissions professionals and student staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Partner cross‑functionally with Marketing, Financial Aid, Academic Schools, and Student Development to strengthen recruitment messaging, yield strategies, and student experience.
- Lead data‑informed decision‑making across the admissions funnel, identifying trends and implementing process improvements to increase inquiry‑to‑application and application‑to‑enrollment conversion.
- Enrollment Management | La Mirada, CA
Associate Director of Outreach and Recruitment
Biola University
La Mirada, CA
09.2020 - 08.2021
- Assisted in building the Outreach and Recruitment team from the ground up during a period of organizational growth and change.
- Hired, trained, and supervised a team of admissions associates, student recruiters, a recruiter coordinator, and the freshman recruiter.
- Designed and implemented outreach initiatives focused on strategic inquiry engagement, resulting in increased application starts and improved communication workflows.
- Supported recruitment planning and counselor training to ensure consistent messaging and high‑quality prospective student engagement.
- Enrollment Management | La Mirada, CA
Senior Transfer Admissions Recruiter
Biola University
La Mirada, CA
03.2019 - 10.2020
- Helped establish the Transfer Recruiter role, developing recruitment strategies and best practices from inception.
- Cultivated relationships with community college counselors and key influencers to strengthen Biola University’s visibility and reputation.
- Created Pathways to Private Schools, a targeted initiative promoting private university options to community college students.
- Hired, trained, and supervised the Veteran Representative, expanding outreach to military‑connected students.
- Enrollment Management | La Mirada, CA
House Manager
Bonita Center for the Arts
San Dimas, CA
12.2014 - 06.2019
- Coordinated, trained, and supervised usher teams for all hosted events in a 700‑seat performing arts venue.
- Served as the designated theater safety commissioner, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and crowd management.
- Acted as liaison between clients, directors, and venue staff to ensure smooth execution of productions and events.
Lead Logistics Coordinator, Torrey Conference (4,200 attendees)
Biola University
Whittier, CA
05.2017 - 10.2017
- Recruited and trained approximately 30 volunteers for a four‑day national conference.
- Coordinated volunteer schedules and directed all event logistics from planning through execution.
- Conferences & Events | La Mirada, CA
Lead Coordinator, SCORR Conference (3,000 attendees)
Biola University
La Mirada, CA
05.2016 - 03.2017
- Hired, trained, and supervised volunteers overseeing community engagement, hospitality, and resource teams.
- Developed a community engagement program from scratch to increase pre‑conference involvement.
- Executed logistics for a multi‑day event serving over 1,000 students.
- Conferences & Events | La Mirada, CA
Education
Master of Arts - Pastoral Care and Counseling
Biola University
La Mirada, CA12-2023
Bachelor of Arts - Intercultural Studies, Interdisciplinary: Elementary Education, Biblical & Theological Studies
Biola University
La Mirada, CA12.2017
Skills
- Enrollment strategy and admissions operations
- Staff development and training
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Student recruitment and engagement
- Program development and implementation
- Data-informed decision making
- Public speaking and presentation skills
- Relationship building and networking
Volunteer And Leadership Experience
- Teaching Ministry, Dream City Church, 2024-2026
- Youth Group Leader, Dream City Church, 2022-2024
- Team Leader, Logistics Coordinator, Mentor, Public Speaker, Workshop Leader, Western Europe Internship (Spain) — Edge Project
- Women’s Ministry Leader, Crosspoint Christian Church, 2019
- Sunday School Teacher, Sunrise Church of Ontario, 2011-2014
- Volunteer, California School Project, 2014-2015
Timeline
Director of Traditional Undergraduate Admissions
Biola University
01.2023 - Current
Associate Director of Outreach and Recruitment
Biola University
09.2020 - 08.2021
Senior Transfer Admissions Recruiter
Biola University
03.2019 - 10.2020
Lead Logistics Coordinator, Torrey Conference (4,200 attendees)
Biola University
05.2017 - 10.2017
Lead Coordinator, SCORR Conference (3,000 attendees)
Biola University
05.2016 - 03.2017
House Manager
Bonita Center for the Arts
12.2014 - 06.2019
Master of Arts - Pastoral Care and Counseling
Biola University
Bachelor of Arts - Intercultural Studies, Interdisciplinary: Elementary Education, Biblical & Theological Studies
Biola University