Desired Job Title
Director of AdmissionsDirector of AdmissionsWork Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
On-SiteRemoteHybridLocation: Pittsburgh, PA, US
Open to relocation: No
Open To Work
Verified
This profile is verified using an email address.
SUSAN E. RIZZO
Pittsburgh,PA
Work Preference
Summary
Build a high-performing, student-centered admissions team through recruitment, hiring, coaching, and problem-solving strategies that advance enrollment success.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Admissions
Nova Southeastern University
Davie, Florida
09.2014 - 06.2026
- Built and led a high-performing admissions team by recruiting, hiring, and training top talent to strengthen enrollment goals. Staff size: 8 Admissions Counselors, 2 Admissions Coordinators.
- Exceeded enrollment goals by up to 125% by implementing data-driven recruitment strategies and monitored performance reports across daily, weekly, monthly, and annual intervals.
- Managed the recruitment budget, payroll approvals, team schedules, and daily operations while reducing seasonal costs by 15% and supporting enrollment growth.
- Led weekly admissions meetings, evaluated interview observations, and conducted annual employee reviews.
- Streamlined admissions from inquiry through application, interviews, decisions, waitlist management, and NACES transcript reviews for international applicants.
- Partnered with executive leaders to analyze education trends, advance enrollment strategies, streamline daily operations, review budgetary adjustments, and support retention goals.
- Responsible for the Welcome Center operations, community outreach initiatives, creating an interactive yearly events calendar, resolving diverse student concerns, and bridged the gap between university departments to foster a positive workplace environment.
- Prepared for audits and delivered educational compliance training on FERPA, Title IV, Title IX, NACEs approval on standard documents, transcripts, financial aid, data security, and federal, state, and local requirements.
- Proficient in Microsoft Suite, Banner 9, CRM Recruiter, ACCOMAS, PostbacCAS, NursingCAS, and Image Director.
Director of Admissions
Art Institute of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA
05.1997 - 09.2014
- Responsible for recruiting, hiring, and training top admissions counselors to meet new student enrollment goals. Staff size: 45 Admissions Counselors, 6 Admissions Coordinators.
- Developed and implemented data-driven recruitment strategies to meet the new student enrollment goals set forth by the institution on a weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly basis.
- Led weekly admissions meetings, evaluated interview observations, and conducted annual employee reviews.
- Streamlined admissions from inquiry through application, interviews, decisions, portfolio evaluations, and NACES transcript reviews for international applicants.
- Created and distributed an annual college events calendar that increased the new applicant pool by 25%.
- Prepared for audits and delivered educational compliance training on FERPA, Title IV, Title IX, NACEs approval on standard documents, transcripts, financial aid, data security, and federal, state, and local requirements.
- Strong communicator, extremely organized, and problem-solving skills to support admissions department goals while fostering a positive and supportive workplace culture.
- Proficient in Microsoft Suite, Banner 8, CRM CampusVue and SunSystem and Net Search.
Education
Master's Degree - Educational Leadership
University of Central Florida
Bachelor's Degree - Organizational Leadership
Point Park University
Skills
- Data analysis
- Budget management
- Enrollment strategies
- Compliance training
- Recruitment strategies
- Customer relationship management
- Enrollment management
- Student counseling
- Decision-making
- Integrity and trustworthiness
- Admissions management
- Performance evaluation
- Organizational skills
- Time management
- Enrollment forecasting
- Event planning
Committees
- Chair, Search Committee - Hire, Train, Coach New Hires
- Co-Chair, Student Ambassadors
- Co-Chair, Employee Recognition Committee
- Co-Chair, Student Appreciation Week
- Co-Chair, Employee Appreciation Week
- Co-Chair, Campus Food Pantry
- Co-Chair, Student Success Committee
Timeline
Director of Admissions
Nova Southeastern University
09.2014 - 06.2026
Director of Admissions
Art Institute of Pittsburgh
05.1997 - 09.2014
Bachelor's Degree - Organizational Leadership
Point Park University
Master's Degree - Educational Leadership
University of Central Florida