Vice President of Enrollment Management

About the role

Union Presbyterian Seminary seeks a Vice President for Enrollment Management to implement a strategic recruitment and retention plan that attracts degree and non-degree learners to our hybrid and online programming for its campuses in Richmond, VA, and Charlotte, NC.

The Vice President for Enrollment Management will join Union Presbyterian Seminary at an exciting time as we are living out a new Strategic Plan (adopted in April 2024) that lays a bold vision for the future. UPSem seeks a VP who resonates with this vision of the future and who brings the experiences, skills, and passion to make it a reality.

Responsibilities

The Vice President for Enrollment Management sets the strategy to cultivate an integrated and comprehensive student experience from first contact to successful enrollment for both degree and non-degree learners through matriculation.

• Facilitates the development and implementation of the Seminary’s strategic enrollment management plan, including retention
• Promotes institution-wide recruitment
• Collaborates with faculty, staff, administration, and student organizations to promote and support the development of prospective learners
• Collaborates with the Leadership Institute and the four Centers to communicate the message of their work to enable recruitment of new learners to UPSem’s nondegree programming that may lead to interest in degree programs
• Cultivates strong relationships and partnerships with external constituencies, including congregations and nonprofit entities
• Oversees recruitment, admissions, scholarship awarding, financial aid, philosophy, distribution, and coordinates with the Communications team in marketing the Seminary’s educational programs
• Works collaboratively with the Dean of Students to ensure student retention and success

The Vice President of Enrollment Management’s responsibilities include:

• Create, implement, assess, and regularly update a data-informed strategic enrollment management plan that aligns with the mission of the Seminary, meets and exceeds enrollment goals, and diversifies enrollment streams
• Define enrollment management and department outcomes/goals, including inquiries, applications, acceptances, and retention
• Develop a contact management recruitment strategy that utilizes a client relationship management (CRM) tool (e.g., Slate, Blackbaud, Populi), digital marketing, and social networking to recruit students
• Leverage financial aid and scholarship funds to meet recruitment and retention goals
• Understand technological innovations and assess emerging technologies, particularly AI, to refine operational procedures and policies
• Embed principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion through decision-making and impactful strategies, ensuring accessible opportunities for all learners
• Implement effective retention strategies and oversee placement services that serve graduating students and alumni

Qualifications

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Vice President of Enrollment Management:

• A master’s degree in Enrollment Management or a related area (such as Higher Education Administration, Business Administration/MBA, Strategic Marketing, Educational Leadership, or similar)) is required
• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in enrollment management at the director level or higher
• Theological education experience is preferred, but explicitly not required; candidates from other backgrounds, such as community or 4-year colleges, who possess deep enrollment management expertise are highly encouraged to apply

Skills and Abilities

• High-level experience with student recruitment strategies, including digital marketing, social media, and CRM systems (e.g., Slate, Blackbaud, Populi)
• Expertise in data reporting, developing strategic enrollment models, and leveraging financial aid
• Strong ability to manage or adapt to change, make difficult decisions, and implement conflict resolution strategies

Personal Characteristics

A steady, even-keeled personality who is not easily stressed, providing a reliable and trusted advocacy presence for their team.

• Relationally adept, hospitable, and able to clearly communicate technical or data-driven concepts (such as CRM implementation) to non-technical staff without using excessive jargon
• Progressive and inclusive, fully affirming and supportive
• A collaborative servant leader who is willing to be hands-on, values shared governance, and possesses a healthy sense of humor