| Job Description: |
The Assistant Vice President and Executive Director of Admissions (AVP) will serve as a key member of the leadership team for the Enrollment division and will work in partnership with the Vice President and their peers to achieve the enrollment goals for the University of Florida (UF). This is an extraordinary opportunity for an admissions professional to implement a strategic vision that will enable the Office of Admissions to innovate and position UF for future success. Building upon the University's remarkable record of achievement, the AVP will provide leadership, direction, and management for the Offices of Admissions and UF Online Enrollment Services. To support enrollment goals, this leader will use data-driven decision making to support undergraduate recruitment, expanding UF’s top-of-mind interest to prospective freshmen, transfer, and international students. The AVP, in close consultation with the VP, will craft and execute the vision for the next era of admissions success, generating strategic ideas and creative solutions to enhance UF's competitiveness in the national context of higher education.
The AVP will manage and mentor a diverse team of 90 full-time admissions professionals and will inspire, motivate, and equip the staff with the vision, skills, and confidence to execute an ambitious agenda for UF. The AVP has responsibility for an operating budget of $1.2 million. Direct reports to the AVP include:
- Director, UF Online Enrollment Services
- Senior Associate Director of Admissions (Operations)
- Senior Associate Director of Admissions (Recruitment)
- Associate Director for Athletics (Admissions)
In addition, the AVP is expected to:
- Lead the evaluation and selection processes together with the admission operations team to ensure that every application is evaluated through a contextual review process that utilizes modern admission practices and upholds the policies established by the University; lead admission-decision strategy to meet University and enrollment-shaping goals; continually improve and refine the file review process to meet the growth of future applicant pools.
- Foster an environment of sound data collection and further a data-informed culture within units to shape strategic direction and make appropriate adjustments to an integrated enrollment plan; regularly reassess the accuracy and effectiveness of recruitment activities and make proper adjustments to lead an effort that is proactive, strategic, and responsive.
- Provide recruitment and enrollment-related reports to the Vice President, academic colleges, and other designated persons/units on campus.
- Provide strategic direction for admissions operations and technology and utilize data, best practices, and innovative strategies to maximize yield.
- Have responsibility for the academic certification of student eligibility for intercollegiate competitions as required by the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Accordingly, participate in training programs regarding applicable NCAA rules, legislation, and modifications as required.
- Effectively administer the State of Florida Board of Governors, State University System (SUS), and the University of Florida Board of Trustees policies and regulations related to the University’s undergraduate admission and transfer of academic credit policies by supervising and providing leadership to the staff responsible for applying these policies and ensuring that decisions are rendered in accordance with these policies.
- Actively participate in higher education professional associations such as NACAC, AACRAO, FACRAO, College Board, and others as required. Keynote speaking and media interviews are expected.
- Maintain awareness of innovations and trends in undergraduate admissions and recruitment and ensure annual admissions plans are strategic, practical, and relevant.
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| Preferred Qualifications: |
The ideal candidate will possess most if not all the following professional and personal characteristics:
- Education and professional experience: A master's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and six years of progressively responsible experience or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and eight years of progressive advancement in leadership and responsibilities within enrollment management for a highly selective research university.
- Demonstrated success in enrollment management: Experience managing an office of admissions and a deep understanding of the complex interplay of marketing and recruiting strategies, enrollment goals, revenue targets, and yield; knowledge of and experience with best practices in admissions; insight into student interest and marketplace demands, the evolving enrollment landscape, and academic programs that can be leveraged to expand opportunities for enrollment across markets.
- Vision and leadership: Ability to lead with vision, courage, and humility; to serve as a strategic thought partner with other senior leaders within the enrollment management division and to shape a culture that supports innovative thought, creative solutions, and risk taking; an entrepreneurial outlook and eye to new possibilities and emerging challenges; experienced in introducing and implementing new processes, policies, and best practices across functional areas for enrollment.
- Financial acumen: ability to monitor expenditures and ensure compliance with use of funding with institutional, state, and federal procedures and statutes; experienced in overseeing business processes including the appropriate handling of application fees and tuition deposits in alignment with statutory requirements and internal audit regulations.
- Ability to navigate a complex landscape: Extensive experience in managing and coordinating enrollment activities for a major research university; a strong use of diplomacy when working with campus and community partners; skilled in the interpretation and implementation of policies and regulations; politically savvy and capable of addressing the evolving challenges facing higher education, including but not limited to the shifting legal environment, state and federal politics, and the increased public scrutiny about the value of higher education.
- Leading and managing teams: Highly skilled in managing people and projects within complex organizations; a commitment to mentoring and growing high-performing teams; a record of recruiting and developing exceptional people in addition to managing, motivating, and building synergies across existing teams; the ability to foster strong trusting relationships with teams across the enrollment division; demonstrated commitment to transparency and collaboration as a leader; ability to implement change as needed.
- Leveraging data and technology: Considerable experience in data-driven decision making, utilizing quantitative and qualitative data, as well as existing and emerging technologies to enhance and advance enrollment efforts; advanced analytical, problem-solving, project management, and implementation skills; skilled in the use of data and dashboards to identify historical enrollment patterns, opportunities for growth and improvement, and to forecast future trends and outcomes.
- Collaboration across the University: A history of effective collaboration with various groups and constituents, including academic units and administrative offices, in galvanizing support of enrollment efforts; adept at facilitating conversations and developing trust while building partnerships and consensus; ability to bring others along when assessing, implementing, and directing existing programs with various campus and outside constituents
- Exceptional communication skills: Superior communication skills including the ability to engage and present to a wide array of constituents; skilled in developing connections among various stakeholders and nurturing long-lasting individual and institutional relationships; ability to write and speak in a compelling way and to deliver an effective, coherent, and consistent message; capable of addressing politically charged questions.
- Personal qualities: A sense of urgency and a willingness to roll up one's sleeves; honesty, integrity, candor, humility, and a strong internal moral compass; a genuine and infectious optimism, confidence and excitement for innovation and change; a personal presence that is engaging and inclusive; the skill and patience to effectively navigate a complex organization and shared governance environment; a collaborative approach and ability to observe, listen, learn, and clarify needs while engendering trust with constituents both internal and external to the University; ability to multi-task and use sound judgment in navigating competing priorities; a builder, a friend-raiser, and inspirational leader; a strong sense of humor.
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