Director of Enrollment Systems and Strategy

Position Description:

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Enrollment, the Director of Enrollment Systems and Strategy is a key leader within Valparaiso University’s Enrollment Management team. This leadership role is pivotal in addressing enrollment challenges, driving growth in student recruitment and retention, and implementing data-driven strategies that align with institutional objectives. The Director will manage the Slate Coordinator and Enrollment Data Analyst as well as the Enrollment Operations team, while collaborating closely with enrollment leaders and other university stakeholders to optimize outcomes.

Major Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Enrollment, the Director will:

• Provide leadership for recruitment strategies and admissions processing, ensuring alignment with the University’s strategic enrollment plan.
• Oversee recruitment-oriented financial aid initiatives and awarding strategies in collaboration with the Director of Financial Aid.
• Lead the implementation and optimization of technology systems to enhance enrollment services and operational efficiency.
• Integrate Valparaiso University’s mission, vision, and values into recruitment strategies while advancing enrollment goals and honoring its Lutheran heritage.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred in Higher Education, Business Analytics, Enrollment Management or a related field.
• Minimum 5-8 years of progressively responsible experience in enrollment management, admissions, financial aid, or related areas.
• Demonstrated expertise in CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Slate), financial aid leveraging models, and student information systems.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools, predictive modeling, and reporting software (e.g., Cognos, Tableau).

Other Qualifications:

• Strong problem-solving and leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and relationship-building abilities. Advanced ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences and provide actionable recommendations.
  
  

Additional Information: 

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities:

• Strategic Leadership- 25%
  • Contribute to the successful implementation of recruitment strategies and admissions processing aligned with the university’s strategic enrollment goals.
  • Provide insights and advise institutional leadership on enrollment planning, forecasting, and management strategies to address enrollment challenges and support growth for undergraduate, graduate, and international populations.
  • Consult with undergraduate admission and graduate admission directors to analyze trends, forecast and provide data sets.
  • Integrate concepts and use data reporting tools available and current best practices to create a shared culture of understanding of enrollment data analysis and reporting.
• Data Management & Reporting- 25% 
  • Oversee the collection, analysis, and reporting of enrollment and financial aid data to inform strategies and optimize recruitment practices.
  • Monitor admission and enrollment data throughout the admission cycle to detect anomalies or trends that could indicate changes in student behavior.
  • Support the creation of predictive models to analyze trends, forecast student enrollment, and assess the impact of financial aid on decision-making.
  • Plan, develop, implement, coordinate, and evaluate cross-functional data projects.
• Technology & Systems Management, Process Optimization- 35% 
  • Provide strategic leadership in implementing and leveraging technology to enhance enrollment services.
  • Oversee the administration and integration of systems, including Technolutions Slate, AIDO, and other platforms. Serve as primary liaison for technology partners/vendors.
  • Develop and execute technology strategies to streamline admissions processes, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the student admission experience.
  • Partner with operations teams to evaluate and improve existing workflows for undergraduate and graduate admissions, and financial aid processes.
  • Design and implement automation, simplification, and standardization opportunities using innovative technology solutions.
• Leadership and Team Development- 15% 
  • Lead and mentor members of the Slate & Data Analytics and Operations teams; evaluate staff, providing regular feedback and training.
  • Work in partnership with the Director of Events and Student Engagement Initiatives to coordinate assistance of select work projects by student work staff.
  • Develop strategies for the timely processing of applications, admission decision releases, and financial aid award letters for undergraduate and graduate admission.

All offers of employment with Valparaiso University are contingent upon the clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable to the position, they will also include credit history. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates for employment.

To be considered for this position, you must upload:

• Cover letter

• Resume

• List of 3 professional references

• Answer all application questions

Please address the cover letter to:

Mrs. Rosa Alvarado, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment

Valparaiso University