Director of Admissions

Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICA) is looking for an experienced, energetic, and results-driven Director of Admissions to join our team as we continue to grow in Vancouver and expand our reach across Canada.

If you are passionate about sales, leadership, teamwork, growth—and good food, this could be the opportunity for you.

This is a leadership position for someone who enjoys building relationships, developing people, driving results, and creating meaningful experiences for prospective students.

The Opportunity

As the Director of Admissions, you will have overall responsibility for the leadership and performance of the Admissions Department, including student recruitment, sales, team development, and field marketing initiatives.

You will lead the Admissions team in achieving enrolment targets while developing strategies to increase lead generation, conversion, and market penetration. You will work closely with Marketing and School Management to identify opportunities, build partnerships, and continuously improve the student recruitment experience.

We are looking for someone who is not simply a manager, but a leader who wants to build something and grow with the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Admissions & Sales Leadership

- Own and lead the Admissions Department's enrolment and recruitment targets.
- Develop and implement recruitment strategies for all program offerings.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators, conversion targets, and individual/team goals.
- Analyze the admissions funnel and identify opportunities to improve lead conversion and enrolment.
- Lead, coach, motivate, and hold Admissions Representatives accountable for performance.
- Recruit, onboard, train, and develop admissions team members.
- Foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performance sales culture.
- Provide regular performance reporting and recommendations to School Management.

Student Recruitment & Advising

- Provide professional guidance to prospective students, parents, counsellors, and other stakeholders regarding admissions policies, programs, application requirements, and career opportunities.
- Ensure prospective students receive timely, accurate, and engaging communication throughout the admissions process.
- Respond to inquiries by phone, email, and in person.
- Support the Admissions team in overcoming barriers and successfully converting qualified prospects into enrolled students.




- Work with students to identify and resolve admissions-related challenges, including financing and student loan questions.

Marketing & Business Development

- Collaborate closely with the Marketing Team to develop campaigns, tools, and initiatives that support recruitment and enrolment objectives.
- Identify new recruitment markets and opportunities across Vancouver and Canada.
- Develop and maintain relationships with high schools, counsellors, community organizations, industry partners, and other recruitment channels.
- Plan and execute on-campus and off-campus recruitment initiatives.
- Represent PICA at career fairs, open houses, school visits, community events, and other recruitment activities.
- Travel throughout British Columbia and, when required, other Canadian markets to support recruitment initiatives.

Reporting & CRM Management

- Maintain accurate and up-to-date admissions records and CRM data.
- Monitor applications, leads, conversion rates, enrolment activity, and other key recruitment metrics.
- Produce and analyze weekly, monthly, and annual admissions reports.
- Use data and performance trends to make informed recruitment and sales decisions.
- Ensure the Admissions team follows established processes and maintains accurate documentation.

Leadership & Collaboration

- Work closely with School Management to identify and resolve admissions and recruitment challenges.
- Collaborate with Academic, Marketing, Student Services, and Finance teams to provide a seamless student experience.
- Represent PICA professionally and positively within the culinary, education, and broader community.
- Contribute to a culture of accountability, teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications & Experience

- Minimum 5 years of sales experience, preferably in a consultative or relationship-based sales environment.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in private college admissions, admissions management, or a similar education-based sales environment.
- Proven experience managing, coaching, and developing a sales or admissions team.




- Demonstrated success in achieving and exceeding sales or enrolment targets.
- Strong leadership, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong customer service mindset with the ability to build trust with prospective students and families.
- Exceptional time-management, organization, and prioritization skills.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales and admissions data.
- Self-motivated, proactive, and results-oriented.
- Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, solve problems, exercise sound judgment, and take initiative.
- Ability to work independently while also being a strong team player.
- Digital literacy and proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM platforms.
- Comfortable working with students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders in a multicultural environment.
- Valid BC driver's licence and access to a vehicle.
- Willingness to travel for recruitment activities.
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends.
- Must be legally authorized to work in Canada.
- An interest in food, culinary arts, and hospitality is an asset.

What We're Looking For We are looking for someone who is:

A Leader – You know how to build, coach, motivate, and hold a team accountable.

A Sales Qualified – You understand that admissions is about relationships, trust, follow-up, and results.

A Builder – You see opportunities where others see challenges and are excited about helping us grow into new markets.

A Team Player – You understand that great results come from collaboration across the organization.

A People Person – You genuinely enjoy meeting people and helping students take the next step toward their careers.

A Food Lover – You don't need to be a chef, but an appreciation for food and the culinary industry definitely helps!

Position Details

Job Type: Full-time

Additional Compensation: Bonus pay

Benefits

- Extended health and dental care
- Life insurance
- Discounted food
- On-site parking

Food is our Passion. Apply now and help us shape the next chapter of PICA.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $70,000.00 per year

Benefits

- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Vision care

Application question(s):
- How soon are you available to start with us if you are the right candidate?
- Do you have any experience as a Lead Admissions Advisor or Trainer?

Experience:
- Private College: 3 years (preferred)

Work Location: In person

📌 Director of Admissions (Vancouver)
🏢 Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts
📍 Vancouver