INSTITUTION:
Delta State University (DSU) is a public comprehensive institution located in the Mississippi Delta in Cleveland, MS, on 332 acres, with over 2,700 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs. DSU offers 14 baccalaureate degrees in 39 majors. The University also advances student education through certain fields by providing graduate programs of study for 12 master’s degrees, the Education Specialist degree, and the Doctor of Education and the Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees.
For more information, please visit www.deltastate.edu.
REPORTS/RELATIONSHIPS:
Reporting solely to the President, the incumbent supervises three (3) employees directly and eleven (11) indirectly.
BASIC FUNCTIONS:
As a member of the President’s Cabinet and University Leadership Council, the Vice President for Enrollment Management is a senior level professional who works collaboratively with University constituencies to evaluate and implement the recruitment and admissions initiatives for the University. The incumbent provides direction and expertise in relation to student enrollment and the connection to both financial aid and marketing. The incumbent is responsible for developing and supervising the Graduate and Undergraduate Admissions staff in the use of best practices and the implementation of effective strategies.
Specific duties will include, but not necessarily be limited to:
- Strategically devise plans to attract and enroll qualified students using insights gathered from data analysis, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and objectives.
- Spearhead recruitment initiatives, including outreach events, communication campaigns, and relationship building with high schools, community colleges, and business partners to generate leads and enhance enrollment prospects.
- Provide guidance and leadership to admissions staff, fostering a collaborative environment to execute recruitment strategies effectively and achieve enrollment targets.
- Analyze enrollment data, trends, and metrics to derive actionable insights, generate reports, and inform strategic decision-making in admissions processes.
- Review and assess applications and the processes for admission, leveraging data analysis techniques to ensure adherence to established IHL and University criteria, standards, and application of best practices while identifying trends to inform decision-making.
- Manage the budget efficiently, allocating resources effectively to support recruitment activities, marketing efforts, and other initiatives essential for achieving enrollment goals.
- Cultivate and maintain partnerships with high schools and community colleges to establish feeder pipelines and strengthen recruitment efforts.
- Work closely with academic departments to ensure alignment of admissions processes with program requirements and standards, facilitating a seamless enrollment experience for prospective students.
- Keep abreast of developments in enrollment management, higher education policies, and industry trends to continuously refine and optimize admissions strategies.
- Oversee the development and dissemination of admissions-related communications, including marketing materials and social media campaigns, to effectively convey the University’s value proposition and attract prospective students.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Master’s degree in a relevant field such as higher education administration, educational leadership, business administration, or a related discipline.
- Extensive and progressive experience in admissions, recruitment, enrollment management, or similar positions within financial aid, registrar, or similar field for five to eight years.
- Demonstrated success in strategic planning, budget management, staff supervision, and collaboration with various stakeholders within a higher education or related setting.
- Strong leadership, strategic planning, and admissions expertise to develop and implement enrollment strategies aligned with institutional objectives.
- Familiarity with the Mississippi Community College System or similar post-secondary systems/ institutions to foster partnerships and support transfer student initiatives.
- Proficiency in data analysis, financial aid knowledge, and registrar operations is essential, along with effective communication and interpersonal skills to engage with stakeholders.
COMPENSATION:
Compensation will be commensurate with experience including a competitive base salary and competitive benefits package.
NOMINATIONS / APPLICATIONS:
Nominations should include the nominee’s full name, position, institution/organization, and email address. Applications should consist of the following documents, to be submitted electronically in .pdf format:
1) Detailed letter of interest addressing the leadership agenda and qualifications as outlined in this profile;
2) Full resume/curriculum vitae with relevant administrative responsibilities and accomplishments;
3) List of five professional references, including names, phone numbers, and email addresses, noting the candidate’s relationship for each reference. References will not be contacted until later in the search process and only with the candidate’s permission.
To make a nomination, provide a referral, or for additional information, please use the contact information below. To apply, submit the three application documents described above to:
