Vanessa Kennedy
Cincinnati ,OH
Summary
Dynamic Director of Admissions with extensive experience leading high-performing admissions teams and optimizing enrollment processes. Proven track record in increasing enrollment rates and improving staff productivity through strategic initiatives and workflow management. Skilled in cross-functional teamwork, student recruitment, and compliance, bringing proactive solutions to advance organizational goals.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Director of Enrollment Services
Arizona College of Nursing
03.2024 - 08.2024
- Achieved 100% start goals for August 2024 session.
- Increased campus lead volume by 20%, by conducting on campus/phone referral campaigns and virtual/in-house open house sessions.
- Improved staff productivity by implementing efficient workflow management systems and setting clear performance expectations.
- Streamlined communication between admissions and financial aid offices, facilitating a smoother financial planning process for incoming students.
- Provided ongoing coaching and performance feedback to admissions and financial aid teams through call, in-person, and virtual observations..
- Monitored and optimized campus enrollment operations while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and accreditation regulations.
- Led the planning and execution of New Student Orientation, enhancing the student onboarding experience.
Director of Admissions
Fortis College
08.2023 - 02.2024
- Led a high-performing admissions team of 5 advisors, overseeing the entire admissions process to ensure efficiency and transparency.
- Managed the admissions budget, achieving 348 enrollments and 201 starts in Q3 FY24 for a 58% start rate.
- Increased enrollment rate by 33% developing and implementing strategic recruitment initiatives. i.e, Referral campaigns.
- Collaborated with multiple departments to align admissions strategies and streamline processes.
- Cultivated relationships with community organizations, strengthening the institution’s presence and outreach efforts.
- Organized successful campus events such as open houses and information sessions to showcase what the institution had to offer its students academically (Trades: HVAC, welding, Dental/medical assisting) and socially(Pictures with Santa, Veteran's Day cookout, and highschool presenting).
- Mentored and provided professional development opportunities for admission staff, leading to enhanced performance and personal growth within the team.
- Promoted senior rep to ADOA within first 45 days.
Executive Director of Enrollment Services
Edufficient/PX Company
04.2022 - 05.2023
- Directed all Enrollment Services operations, achieving over 39% transfer rates on live active lead campaigns.
- Delivered exceptional results, achieving an outstanding 89%+ transfer rate on SEO/Organic/Website lead live campaigns.
- 37% transfer conversion on aged lead campaigns.
- Lead-to-Application conversion 10+% on PPL live campaigns and 5%-6% on aged PPL lead campaigns.
- Recruited, trained, and led a team of call center admissions advisors, significantly improving lead-to-enrollment conversions.
- Consulted university partners on optimizing their admissions processes and lead conversion strategies.
- Conducted DOA 1:1 with University partner clients to help strengthen their close rates by conducting call observation, script review/rewriting, and created and conducted admission team trainings.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy to optimize campus/university social media/community presence.
- Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization.
- Guided staff through periods of organizational change, maintaining morale and engagement during transitions.
- Forge strong relationships with board members, providing regular updates on organizational progress and soliciting their expertise when needed.
Assistant Director of National Admissions
ThriveDX/Hacker U
12.2019 - 04.2022
- Managed and motivated a national admissions team of 28, achieving KPIs and securing 2733 new student starts in 2021 on behalf of University partnerships.
- Traveled to University partners weekly to serve their student's needs.
- Played a key role in developing and implementing an effective virtual enrollment strategy for University partners amidst the challenges posed by COVID.
- Developed and implemented SOPs, KPIs, and training programs to enhance team performance and student retention.
- Conducted regular compliance audits and performance reviews, ensuring adherence to ethical standards in accordance with University partners regulations.
Campus Director of Admissions
HCI
01.2019 - 11.2019
- Managed and exceeded 100% of start budgets, contributing to more than doubling student population from 173 to 386.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by regularly evaluating campus performance metrics and implementing data-driven initiatives. i.e, implemented a TEAS tutoring program for to improve entrance assessment scores by 47%.
- Recruited top-tier faculty members to enhance the quality of education on campus, resulting in increased enrollment rates.
- Played a key role in securing ACEN accreditation for the nursing program.
- Developed and oversaw campus budget to support annual planning and goal achievement.
- Launched new medical assistant academic program in response to industry trends, preparing graduates for success in competitive job markets.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration And Marketing
Florida Metropolitian University Online
Tampa, FL 01.2006
Skills
- Admissions Expertise
- Student Recruitment
- Enrollment Management
- Cross-Functional Teamwork
- Problem-solving abilities
- Enrollment forecasting
- Goal Setting
- Strategic planning
- Results Driven
Timeline
Assistant Director of Enrollment Services
Arizona College of Nursing
03.2024 - 08.2024
Director of Admissions
Fortis College
08.2023 - 02.2024
Executive Director of Enrollment Services
Edufficient/PX Company
04.2022 - 05.2023
Assistant Director of National Admissions
ThriveDX/Hacker U
12.2019 - 04.2022
Campus Director of Admissions
HCI
01.2019 - 11.2019
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration And Marketing
Florida Metropolitian University Online
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