Job location: Charlottesville, VA

The School of Data Science (SDS) at the University of Virginia seeks a Director of Admissions. This is an integral position within SDS and is responsible for recruiting, admissions, yield, strategy, and managing an admissions team. The Director is responsible for creating a diverse student pipeline and inclusive recruitment strategy for the undergraduate and graduate programs (Masters and PhD). The strategy will foster the School’s long-term enrollment and growth goals, while adhering to strategic priorities on representativeness, inclusiveness, and academic excellence.

The Director of Admissions is responsible for developing and implementing compelling strategies and programming that foster quality, diverse leads and engaging yield strategies with an emphasis on attracting underrepresented and first-generation students. Responsibilities include ensuring overall quality of applicant pool; implementing a robust diversity recruitment plan at both the undergraduate and graduate levels; managing conversion and yield strategies along the admissions funnel; working with faculty program directors throughout the admissions cycle; developing programming and events for potential recruits; overseeing financial aid and scholarship process and awards; collaborating with the communications team to create on-target messaging and drip campaigns; and reporting to leadership on application trends and enrollment goals.

The Director will also manage a high performing admissions team and will provide training and mentoring to promote professional growth and development of team members. They will also direct the student ambassador program to support ongoing recruiting and admissions efforts. The Director will work closely with the Communications Team to ensure recruiting materials, website, and email content aligns with individual program goals and messaging. They will also collaborate with Student Affairs and Career Services teams to ensure a seamless transition process for matriculated students.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and direct a team of admissions professionals responsible for recruiting students into the School of Data Science programs, in addition to future program offerings as launched.
• Create and maintain a stable and attractive communications and recruiting pipeline for historically underrepresented groups, while fostering the school’s diversity, equity & inclusion aspirations.
• Develop and implement strategies for launch of new degree programs, including a pending Ph.D. and undergraduate degree.
• Develop and implement recruitment plans, conversion tactics, and yield strategies by program to meet enrollment goals as related to quality, diversity, and size.
• Work with faculty program directors and school leadership to execute pipeline building and influencer marketing in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
• Prepare and deliver professional presentations to prospective students, corporate partners, and other stakeholders.
• Advise prospective students on program offerings.
• Plan, organize, and lead on- and off-campus recruitment events.
• Contribute to the development of marketing materials, including but not limited to web content, advertising, and email.
• Track and report on admissions funnel, YOY comparisons, and applicant trends.
• Maintain understanding of the competitive landscape by program to include knowledge of key competitor and aspirant programs.

Qualifications:

• Hold at minimum a bachelor's degree and at least 7 years of work experience in admissions or a related field. 12 or more years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. Preference will be given to applicants with a master’s degree.
• Strong abilities and expertise in developing, executing, and leading admissions strategies and tactics
• Strong skills in project management, time management, and developing and facilitating presentations and meetings
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral communications is a must
• Must be a great listener, collaborator, and influencer
• Possess a high level of enthusiasm and function well in a team-driven and highly dynamic environment

Anticipated Hiring Range: $70,000 - $92,000

To Apply:

Complete an application online and attach:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter that addresses your experience and qualifications for this position and your interest in the position
• A diversity statement that summarizes your experience with fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion goals (please provide examples of past activities where possible).

*****Please combine all required application materials in the order listed above into one document and upload in the resume / cv box ***

PROCESS FOR INTERNAL UVA APPLICANTS: Please apply through your Workday Home page, search “Find Jobs”, and search for “R0030480".

PROCESS FOR EXTERNAL APPLICANTS: Please visit UVA job board https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs, and search for "R0030480".

For questions about the application process please contact Rhiannon O'Coin, Senior Academic Recruiter, rmo2r@virginia.edu

The selected candidate will be required to complete a background check at time of offer per University Policy.

COVID Vaccination Requirement

Please visit this page prior to applying for current information regarding vaccination requirements for employment at UVA.

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.