Carnegie Mellon University's School of Music invites applications for a Director of Recruitment and Enrollment, a compelling opportunity for an experienced admissions professional with a genuine passion for music and a commitment to building talented, diverse student communities.
Founded in 1912, the School of Music combines conservatory-level training with the resources and interdisciplinary reach of a leading research university. Students pursue Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Music degrees in instrumental, piano, and vocal performance and composition; a Bachelor of Fine Arts in electronic music; and Master of Music degrees in collaborative piano and music education. In collaboration with the School of Computer Science and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, the School also offers Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Music and Technology, reflecting CMU's long-standing strengths in AI, machine learning, and new media.
Our faculty of 42 full-time and 55 part-time members, including 22 from the Grammy Award-winning Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, bring exceptional artistry and scholarly depth to a close-knit student community. The Director of Recruitment and Enrollment will play a central role in shaping that community, identifying and enrolling outstanding musicians, composers, and music technologists from across the country and around the world.
Core Responsibilities
Reporting to the Head of the School of Music, the Director of Recruitment and Enrollment serves as a primary ambassador for the School of Music, leading all aspects of a dynamic, data-informed recruitment and admissions operation.
Specific responsibilities include:
Developing and executing strategic recruitment plans at the national and international level
Managing campus and virtual visits for prospective students and their families
Representing the School of Music to groups of prospective students and their communities
Overseeing operations for on-campus, regional, and virtual auditions
Collaborating with the Director of Marketing and Communications to develop compelling recruitment materials and targeted advertising campaigns
Working in close partnership with the Office of Undergraduate Admission on undergraduate processing and admissions decisions, and with the Office of International Education on international student documentation
Managing graduate assistantship assignments and communications
Maintaining accurate admissions records
Participating actively in admission and scholarship decisions
Supervising graduate assistants, Music Admission Ambassadors, and one professional staff member
Managing the admissions budget and tracking expenditures across recruitment activities
What You Bring:
The ideal candidate is an experienced admissions professional who combines a passion for music with data fluency and sound leadership instincts. We are looking for someone who:
Holds a bachelor's degree (master's degree preferred) and brings 3 to 5 years of progressive admissions experience, ideally within a conservatory, college music program, or performing arts institution
Has hands-on experience with Slate and Accept, or comparable admissions CRM and audition management platforms, and can translate data into actionable recruitment strategies
Has working knowledge of financial aid systems and processes, including merit-based scholarships, and understands how aid packaging intersects with recruitment and enrollment outcomes
Has demonstrated experience managing budgets and leading teams, and approaches supervision with a developmental, collaborative mindset
Communicates with clarity, warmth, and professionalism across a wide range of audiences, from prospective students and their families to faculty, senior administrators, and international partners
Thrives in a fast-paced environment that demands careful attention to detail, sound judgment under pressure, and the ability to manage multiple priorities with grace
Brings cultural intelligence and a genuine commitment to inclusive recruitment practices that reflect the full breadth of the music field
Our Values
Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within the School of Music. Inclusion, collaboration, and cultural intelligence are valued competencies at CMU. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity, and who will support the mission of the university through their work.
Additional Requirements:
Successful background check
Act 153 child protection clearances
Domestic travel required; international travel possible
A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.
Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.
Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.
Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!
For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.
At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.
Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!
Location
Pittsburgh, PAJob Function
Admissions and Financial AidPosition Type
Staff – RegularFull Time/Part time
Full timePay Basis
SalaryMore Information:
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Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.