Athens State University invites applications and nominations for the assistant vice president for enrollment management (AVPEM) position. The assistant vice president is responsible for envisioning and executing an enrollment strategy that is consistent with the mission, goals, and resources of Athens State University.
Athens State University is an upper division and graduate institution that enrolls students at the junior, senior and graduate levels across the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, and College of Education. As of Fall 2019, enrollment consisted of 2,945 students (2,778 undergraduate;167 graduate). Located on a beautiful campus near the town center of Athens, several of the University’s buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The University is nonresidential, and serves a primarily adult student learner population, with an average age near 30. Most students commute from nearby communities, and are pursuing educational opportunities while also maintaining other personal and professional obligations and responsibilities. Many students transfer from local community colleges, but an increasing number of students are able to enroll directly out of high school after completing dual enrollment credits. The University was one of the first in Alabama to offer online courses, and online delivery continues to be an important part of the University’s instructional capacity. Athens State is ranked one of the “best buys” in Alabama and South Tennessee.
Approximately 26,000 people live and work in Athens. The city is located in lovely Limestone County, surrounded by the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in northern Alabama. Filled with friendly people and progressive communities, the county stretches from the northern bank of the mighty Tennessee River to the southern boundary of the State of Tennessee. Abundant recreational, education, and cultural opportunities can be found in Athens and nearby Huntsville. Excellent schools and a robust economy make Athens and Limestone County an attractive place to live and work.
The Position
Reporting to the vice president for enrollment and student services, the AVPEM is responsible for meeting enrollment goals through the development, articulation and implementation of a strategic enrollment plan that incorporates best practices and innovative initiatives to ensure optimum levels of enrollment growth across each of the college’s academic programs and disciplines. The AVPEM is responsible for the continuous assessment and improvement of all practices, policies and procedures within the enrollment management department. He or she should provide inspirational and motivational leadership of the enrollment management team.
Offices reporting to the AVPEM include admissions/recruiting, registrar, financial aid and the enrollment center. The AVPEM supervises 25 staff members.
The AVPEM is also responsible for building relationships with internal constituents including program chairs, marketing, public relations and publications, and for developing partnerships with external constituents including alumni, area businesses and community colleges.
Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred) and at least 10 years of relevant experience in admissions and enrollment management that includes direct supervisory experience and administrative leadership of a multifaceted enrollment operation is required. The preferred candidate will have demonstrated experience in creating, implementing, and assessing strategies to effectively recruit and enroll online and adult students.
The preferred candidate will possess:
An understanding of the changing landscape of higher education and the ability to shape a vision for how Athens State can continue to positively impact the students and community it serves
Demonstrated commitment to understanding and embracing Athens State University’s unique mission and commitment to supporting student access and success
Knowledge of best practices in enrollment and student services
An understanding of financial aid, the discount rate, net tuition revenue and compliance in aid distribution in relation to the institutional budget
The ability to lead a large and diverse team within the division
The ability to effectively manage University resources
Demonstrated success in building both internal and external partnerships
The ability to use data appropriately to inform decision-making and strategy
Demonstrated experience in using technology to implement best practices in enrollment management and student services
A strong commitment to providing excellent customer service to support student access and success
Experience with change management as related to continuously improving business processes
Excellent written and verbal communications skills
Excellent interpersonal, management, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Experience working at a public university
Applications and Nominations
Review of candidates will begin July 17, 2020 and continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates should apply for this position online via the Williams & Company website at: www.williamscompany.net. Requested application materials include a letter of interest and a current resume. Confidential inquiries and/or nominations may be directed to Martha H. Smiles at: Martha@williamscompany.net or (860) 333-4710.
To learn more about Athens State University, please visit: www.athens.edu
Athens State University, as an equal opportunity/ affirmative action institution, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. Athens State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, religion, genetic information, or veteran status in employment, or admissions to or participation in educational programs and activities.