Associate Vice President for Admissions and Enrollment Management

About MassArt:

Founded in 1873, having celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2023, Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt), is the nation's first and only independent, free-standing public college of art and design in the country. MassArt is an inclusive community of thinkers, doers, makers, educators, innovators and leaders striving to shape the future through art and design. We've spent 150 years demonstrating the truly amazing things that happen when a world-class art and design education is an option for every deserving student. Located in Boston's hub of arts and culture along the Avenue of the Arts, MassArt enrolls 2,000 students and offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in 18 disciplines, as well as continuing education and youth programs.

MassArt strives to be a model of diversity and inclusion; the campus community reflects the layers of cultural and self-identity that proudly make up our region, nation, and world. We build effective partnerships with co-workers throughout the College by freely sharing appropriate information and providing assistance to all and maintain an environment that is welcoming to persons of all backgrounds, nationalities, and roles.

Job Description:

Supervision Received: Vice President for Student Success and Enrollment Management
Salary Range: $150,000.00 - $175,000.00 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Position is governed by the Non-Unit Personnel Policies Handbook

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Massachusetts College of Art & Design (MassArt) is seeking an Associate Vice President (AVP) of Admissions and Enrollment Management to lead institutional efforts with new student recruitment. This individual must have proven experience and will provide direction and oversight for the Office of Admissions and the dynamic staff responsible for implementing the recruitment plan and systems as we attract, recruit, and enroll new undergraduate and graduate students. The chosen candidate will translate high-level strategy into actionable plans, operational enhancements, trackable metrics, and positive outcomes for incoming new student enrollment.

This individual will join MassArt at a time with strong leadership in place, a revitalized branding initiative, and will play a key role as we design a strategic enrollment plan. Under the guidance of the Vice President for Student Success and Enrollment Management (SSEM), Dr. Corey Zink, MassArt is looking for a dynamic and creative leader to help move us forward on a trajectory of transformative growth. MassArt remains steadfast in its mission to cultivate artists, designers, educators, and makers from diverse backgrounds who shape communities, economies, and cultures for the common good. MassArt is the nation's only independent public college of art and design with nearly 2,000 students. This is a remarkable opportunity to hold a key role and help shape the future for a vibrant institution in the heart of Boston!

The AVP will provide guidance in the comprehensive recruitment, outreach, and application management strategies for future MassArt students, with a strong focus on pipeline development and funnel growth within all stages of the prospective student journey. This position will analyze enrollment trends and work closely with the Admissions team to identify opportunities for greater efficiency and impact. This individual will also work across the College with faculty and institutional leadership to create a strong and growing student body that supports institutional goals. The AVP will lean on their past experience and insights to provide innovative and strategic leadership as we recruit and enroll diverse and academically talented cohorts of new students.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads the Office of Admissions staff to develop recruitment and admission initiatives responsive to the College's enrollment goals and values regarding educational excellence.
• While growing new student enrollment, this role will ensure we are reinforcing a campus culture of diverse identities, abilities, and cultural heritages while ensuring that all admissions efforts are conducted in accordance with state and federal regulations and procedures.
• Embraces a fast-paced and forward-thinking environment with an understanding of how to create positive organizational change.
• Must demonstrate the ability to remain up to date, enrollment-informed, and prepared to adjust tactics with sensitivity, intentionality, and thoughtfulness.
• Partner with Admissions staff to optimize recruitment strategies to improve key metrics that positively impact yield.
• Provides vision and oversight for the creation, strategy, and development of highly effective Admissions communication plans.
• Provides vision and oversight for the Visitor Experience team as we continue to enhance this critical component for prospective students and families.
• Data-informed and systems-oriented; understands best practices with Slate or other CRM platforms and experienced leadership with Admissions Operations teams.
• Demonstrated ability to build a partnership with Financial Aid and help develop aid strategies that support healthy enrollment.
• The development of effective recruitment tactics as we grow undergraduate transfer enrollment.
• The oversight of recruitment strategy with graduate students.
• Ability to handle challenging situations and problem-solve with collaboration and a positive approach.
• Serve as a senior leader within the Division of Student Success and Enrollment Management; contributes to the strategic enrollment planning efforts and institutional decision-making, working closely with the Vice President and other campus leaders.
• Manage and fully leverage an Admissions budget as you oversee fiscal planning, resource allocation, and long-term financial sustainability for admissions functions.
• Collaborate in the process of hiring, onboarding, and professional development for a high-performing and mission-driven team culture.
• Represent the College at high-impact internal and external events, including strategic meetings and professional conferences.
• Actively participate in national and regional professional associations as you contribute thought leadership and stay informed with emerging trends in higher education.
• Excellent management, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to analyze and accurately identify existing gaps; knows how to creatively fill those gaps, and how to quantify and articulate funding needs that will drive new student recruitment opportunities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree
• Substantial and progressive higher education leadership in Admissions with demonstrated success, and substantial oversight experience of Admissions functions
• Demonstrated strength in building, motivating, and managing a goal-oriented team
• A proven record of increasing enrollment through targeted and strategic recruitment efforts
• Experience leading teams with admissions-related technologies, including CRM (e.g., Slate) as well as student information systems
• Experience leading teams responsible for the campus visitor experience
• Strong project management skills with strengths in the areas of action, accountability and continuous improvement
• Experience leading organizational change, improving processes, and fostering innovation in a dynamic higher education environment
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build relationships across departments and with external stakeholders
• Strong analytical skills with experience using data to drive decisions, forecast enrollment trends, and assess recruitment effectiveness
• Active participation in professional organizations such as NACAC, AACRAO, or similar, demonstrating ongoing engagement with industry best practices

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree or higher
• Leadership Experience: At least 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in admissions leadership and new student recruitment
• Demonstrated ability to execute strategic enrollment plans that align with institutional goals and improve student recruitment outcomes
• Understanding of federal, state, and institutional policies related to admissions, financial aid, and student privacy
• Experience working within a state system of higher education