Maria Kanute
Summary
Dynamic professional seeking to leverage exceptional organizational, communication, and creative problem-solving skills to drive successful outcomes within a forward-thinking organization. Expertise in managing enrollment processes and enhancing student recruitment strategies, complemented by a solid track record of exceeding goals and objectives. Adept at implementing innovative enrollment solutions that significantly improve student engagement, with proven abilities in data analysis and team leadership. Committed to fostering collaborative environments that promote growth and achievement.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Director of Enrollment Management
Penn State University
New Kensington
01.2023 - Current
- Responsibilities include;
- Managed cross-functional team of admissions counselors, financial aid, and administrative staff to optimize daily workflows and drive long-term enrollment strategy.
- Collaborated with campus partners to align messaging and branding with institutional priorities, enhancing recruitment campaign effectiveness.
- Developed and implemented recruitment and yield events, including open houses and campus visits, to enhance student experience and facilitate enrollment progression.
- Collaborated with senior leadership to design and execute strategic recruitment initiatives.
- Directed comprehensive evaluations of applicant credentials and made admissions decisions aligned with institutional enrollment strategy.
- Integrated enrollment data and market insights into strategic planning processes to drive successful enrollment outcomes.
Admissions Counselor
Penn State New Kensington
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Responsibilities include;
- Guided prospective students and families through application processes, ensuring comprehensive understanding and confidence in selecting Penn State as their college of choice.
- Executed meticulous event planning and organization to deliver engaging recruitment experiences for prospective and accepted students and their families.
- Cultivated relationships with local schools, guidance counselors, and community members. Organized application workshops and distributed newsletters to promote awareness of Penn State New Kensington campus offerings.
- Developed and implemented a recruitment strategy for 15 Lion Ambassadors, promoting volunteerism at admissions events and campus tours.
- Participated in workshops and conferences focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Supported discussions on mental health and trauma-informed leadership. Engaged in learning opportunities to enhance professional skills.
Assistant Store Manager
Vineyard Vines
Pittsburgh, PA
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Cultivated leadership and motivation by effectively communicating corporate vision to employees, ensuring alignment with executive management goals.
- Managed social media communications targeting general public, high-value customers, and corporate office.
- Led initiatives to drive sales performance in alignment with corporate objectives through outstanding customer service. Guided and inspired sales associates to cultivate a customer-centric environment reflective of vineyard vines' values.
- Assisted in maintaining client satisfaction through regular communication and relationship-building with top clients. Supported development of a communication playbook to enhance client engagement and retention. Facilitated ongoing client feedback to improve service delivery.
Crew Lead
Vineyard Vines
01.2017 - 01.2019
Sales Associate
Vineyard Vines
01.2016 - Current
Substitute Teacher
Leechburg Area School District
01.2009 - 01.2016
- Oversaw daily classroom operations to foster a productive learning environment.
- Facilitated effective communication strategies to enhance team collaboration.
- Implemented personalized communication techniques to effectively engage students with varying aptitudes and personalities in a multi-subject teaching environment.
- Fostered strong partnerships with colleagues, administrators, parents, and students by promoting open communication. Led initiatives to unify objectives across all parties, driving collaboration to optimize student educational outcomes.
- Modified instructional materials to enhance student engagement and comprehension.
- Mastered all technologies deployed within the district.
- Supported classroom engagement by motivating students and fostering enthusiasm for learning experiences. Recognized and addressed individual student needs to enhance their educational journey. Stimulated interest in learning through creative teaching methods.
Business Owner
Awed Photography
01.2011 - Current
- My mission is to provide families with beautiful memories of past and present life experiences. Successful planning of important family occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and graduations. My passion begins with an understanding of my client’s dream and then capturing it in a photograph that provides memories that will last a lifetime.
Education
Masters of Education - Higher Education
Penn State University, World Campus
University Park, PA05-2026
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Instruction, Psychology
Saint Vincent College
Latrobe, PA01-2009
Leechburg Area School District
Leechburg, PA06.2005
Skills
- Visionary project execution
- Solution-oriented mindset
- Effective communication
- Effective problem-solving
- People-oriented leadership
- Enrollment management
- Student recruitment
- Attention to detail
Timeline
Associate Director of Enrollment Management
Penn State University
01.2023 - Current
Admissions Counselor
Penn State New Kensington
01.2021 - 01.2023
Assistant Store Manager
Vineyard Vines
01.2019 - 01.2021
Crew Lead
Vineyard Vines
01.2017 - 01.2019
Sales Associate
Vineyard Vines
01.2016 - Current
Business Owner
Awed Photography
01.2011 - Current
Substitute Teacher
Leechburg Area School District
01.2009 - 01.2016
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Instruction, Psychology
Saint Vincent College
Masters of Education - Higher Education
Penn State University, World Campus
Leechburg Area School District
Awards
2025 Penn State New Kensington Staff Award for Service to Students
2025 Club Advisor of the Year- Lion Ambassadors Club