Deputy Director of Evaluation

About the role

Rice University is seeking a Deputy Director of Admission to join the admissions leadership team. Reporting to the Executive Director of Admission, this role oversees the application review process, manages staff training and development, and works closely with admissions systems and operations, financial aid, and other campus partners.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a key member of the admissions leadership team, working with the Executive Director of Admission to develop strategies and initiatives to achieve the goals of the division aligned with university priorities.
• Manages the review and evaluation process of a freshman applicant pool of over 35,000 for an incoming freshman class of 1,250–1,350 annually.
• Coordinates initial and ongoing training for admissions staff who review and evaluate applications using a committee-based evaluation process.
• Works closely with the Deputy Director of Access & Institutional Excellence to manage QuestBridge evaluation and application-based fly-in visit programming.
• Supervises, manages, and develops a team of highly skilled admissions professionals, including the development of process and project management skills, year-over-year planning, budget management, measurement and accountability, and admissions practices and policies.
• Manages a recruitment and travel territory, conducts information sessions, and builds relationships with students, families, school counselors, and community-based organizations.
• Serves as a thought leader within the division and in the field on best practices for college admissions, recruitment, selection, accountability, and measurement.
• Manages a budget and seeks to improve efficiency and effectiveness in the use of staff and financial resources.
• Ensures compliance with federal and state laws concerning college admissions and FERPA.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• 4+ years of experience in admissions
• Valid driver’s license
• Strong analytical skills and familiarity with enrollment reporting
• Familiarity with the multiple work areas of a modern admissions office, including CRM systems; reporting and analytics; recruitment; evaluation and selection; marketing, including social media; access and inclusion; on-campus programming; staff training; budget management; and staff development
• Strong process and project management skills required; proven ability to develop these skills in staff members so they can manage work areas independently with appropriate levels of management input
• Demonstrated ability to use admissions and enrollment data to make data-driven decisions, measure and assess progress toward strategic goals, present data, and revise practices as needed
• Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and develop partnerships with key internal and external constituents and stakeholders
• High level of proficiency in Google and MS Office suites; excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, and customer service skills
• Ability to exercise independent judgment

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in admissions
• Master’s degree or equivalent
• Experience with committee-based evaluation is highly desired
• Knowledge of Rice University and/or experience in a higher education environment is desired
• Demonstrated ability to lead staff through change management
• Proficiency with Slate by Technolutions
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, marketing, planning, and public speaking skills highly desired

Skills

• Strength in admissions evaluation and training staff to use individualized, professional judgment when evaluating candidates
• Strong analytical skills and familiarity with enrollment reporting
• Familiarity with the multiple work areas of a modern admissions office, including CRM systems; reporting and analytics; recruitment; evaluation and selection; marketing, including social media; access and inclusion; on-campus programming; staff training; budget management; and staff development
• Strong process and project management skills required; proven ability to develop these skills in staff members so they can manage work areas independently with appropriate levels of management input
• Demonstrated ability to use admissions and enrollment data to make data-driven decisions, measure and assess progress toward strategic goals, present data, and revise practices as needed
• Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and develop partnerships with key internal and external constituents and stakeholders
• High level of proficiency in Google and MS Office suites; excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, and customer service skills
• Ability to exercise independent judgment

Benefits

Rice University offers competitive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information, please visit Rice University HR | Benefits.

Pay

Hiring Range: $82,000–$88,000 annually, dependent on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

Full-time, exempt. Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.