Assistant Vice President of Admissions

Position Summary

Oglethorpe University, a premier liberal arts institution in Atlanta, GA, is seeking an experienced, dynamic, and forward-thinking leader to serve as the Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Enrollment Management. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Enrollment Management, the AVP provides hands-on leadership over the integration of on and off campus recruitment strategies and technical operations that drive the enrollment funnel. The AVP will bridge the gap between high-touch recruitment and high-tech operations, ensuring that Oglethorpe's admissions processes are data-informed, effective, and reflective of the University's mission and values. The AVP will also be a key campus collaborator, engaging positively and proactively across departments and contributing thoughtfully to the execution of the University's strategic plan.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Engagement: Partner with the VP of Enrollment Management to implement an ambitious enrollment management model as a key member of the Vice President's Enrollment Leadership Team. Design and evaluate recruitment and admissions processes to leverage best practices, utilize institutional resources effectively, and identify and cultivate new referral sources to achieve and surpass enrollment goals. Collaborate across enrollment management functional areas to align goals and foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and shared responsibility for results.
• Operational Oversight: Provide direct supervision and strategic direction for the Admission Recruitment and Admissions Operations Teams, fostering a culture of belonging, thriving, and accountability. Direct all aspects of the day-to-day operations of the Office of Admission, including establishing and supervising counselor travel and territory management; developing and implementing on and off campus recruitment programming; creating and monitoring staff progress towards enrollment goals; and ensuring a welcoming office environment for prospective students, families, guests, colleagues, and University visitors. Assist in the preparation and administration of the recruitment budget including approving operating expenses for direct reports; monitor department spending to ensure responsible use of University resources.
• Data-Informed Recruitment Planning: Oversee the optimization of Slate, OU's enrollment CRM, ensuring workflows are effective and scalable. Compile and analyze complex reports on demographic trends, funnel health, and yield rates to support executive-level decisions regarding recruitment efforts, on campus events, the awarding of financial aid, and student persistence.
• Application Review: Develop and oversee the application reader rating process, provide ongoing training for counseling and operations teams as needed, and ensure timely application decisions for all applicants including dual enrollment students, traditional undergraduates, transfer students, visiting students, adult degree program applicants, and Masters of Business Administration candidates.
• Campus Collaboration: Act as a liaison and collaborative partner to key campus functions including but not limited to the Offices of the Registrar, Student Success, Student Affairs, Career Development, Alumni Engagement, and others in order to keep the admissions recruitment team well informed of current opportunities at Oglethorpe and how to leverage those messages to prospective students and their supporters.
• University Representation: Serve as a representative of the University at on and off campus recruitment events. Externally, develop and steward relationships with community partners including community-based organizations, secondary school leaders, independent educational consultants, and membership organizations within the enrollment management industry. Internally, represent the Enrollment Management Department on institutional committees and strategic initiatives as requested.
• Industry Knowledge and Policy Compliance: Remain informed of current developments, opportunities, and best practices pertinent to duties for all staff within the Office of Admission. Participate in staff development activities, attend meetings, conferences, and other events as required. Ensure strict compliance with all federal, state, and institutional policies regarding the admission of all students to Oglethorpe University.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Education: Bachelor's degree from regionally accredited institution required, advanced degree preferred.
• Experience: At least 8-10 years of progressive, professional experience in higher education with significant leadership experience in both admissions recruitment and operations preferred.
• Skills: Excellent verbal, written, and digital communication and interpersonal skills and the proven ability to lead collaborative teams. Demonstrated ability to work in a fluid environment, prioritize competing goals, and independently manage multiple competing priorities while meeting deadlines and specific KPIs. Able to maintain positive attitude and foster growth mindset in work environment.
• Commitment to Institutional Values: Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and the ability to think and act intentionally about the various ways in which the admission process and campus is experienced differently by students from diverse backgrounds. Knowledge of holistic, liberal arts admissions and the ability to effectively capitalize on appropriate opportunities to expand Oglethorpe's attractiveness as a first-choice institution.
• Ethical Practices: Ability to maintain confidentiality and work with sensitive information. Strong people management and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated commitment to ethical, transparent, collaborative, and optimistic leadership.

Additional Information:

• This is a full-time, 12-month position.
• Occasional travel to high schools, college fairs, and other recruitment related events is required. A valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation are required.
• Working some evenings and weekends is required.
• Some moderate lifting is required.
• Tasks are generally required to be performed in person though periodic work from home options may be granted at supervisors' discretion. Oglethorpe University reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check.

Application screening will begin immediately and continue until the position is closed.