Vice President of Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, and Strategic Communications

Make a difference at one of Florida’s premier institutions for education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Florida Polytechnic University, ranked the No. 1 public college in the region by U.S. News and World Report, offers a unique working environment that encourages faculty and staff to be part of a culture that prizes collaboration, innovation, and the willingness to go above and beyond to ensure our students and University succeed. Florida Poly offers a small campus academic environment where students form connections with their faculty and peers as they pursue high-value degrees in engineering and applied sciences.

The University is equipped with cutting-edge facilities and equipment and two award-winning, architecturally distinct academic buildings. Its evolving curriculum, designed to meet the needs of industry and provide a life-long educational foundation for students, has helped the institution grow in prominence since its opening in 2014. Florida Poly’s deliberately small classes, affordability, and outstanding graduate outcomes have helped it earn recognitions such as being named a top value school, in the top 25 nationally for affordability, and in the top five best universities in the South for tech students. Accredited by ABET and SACSCOC, Florida Poly is educating some of the brightest minds in Florida and attracting standout talent from across the nation.

JOB TITLE

Vice President of Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, and Strategic Communications

Job Description Summary

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to serve as the Vice President of Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, and Strategic Communications. This role is pivotal in shaping the future of our institution by providing leadership, program development, and personnel administration over three critical areas:

Student Affairs, Enrollment Management & Admissions, and Strategic Communications.

This position is essential in

• attracting, enrolling, and retaining a talented student body,
• driving admissions and enrollment goals,
• enhancing the overall student experience and promoting student development, and
• effectively communicating our value proposition to prospective students and stakeholders.
  
  

The position acts as the primary steward of the President's "voice" and the University's "brand," while leading the student affairs, enrollment & admissions, and communications & marketing efforts across the University's broader objectives.

Responsibilities:

Leadership

• Develop and execute comprehensive enrollment management strategies aligned with institutional goals and market trends.
• Optimize the recruitment, admissions, and enrollment processes to meet the University’s enrollment targets.
• Provide world class student support services, student engagement activities, leadership development opportunities, health & wellness access, and consistent student conduct and advocacy.
• Collaborate with leadership to align enrollment goals with the institution's mission and strategic plan.
  
  

Enrollment Management

• Develop and execute a comprehensive Strategic Enrollment Management Plan, drawing on longitudinal data and collaborating across academic and administrative domains.
• Spearheaded enrollment planning endeavors, collaborating closely with university colleagues and community partners to craft, implement, and refine a multi-year strategic enrollment management plan.
• Oversee all aspects of the admissions process, including recruitment, application review, and yield strategies.
• Implement data-driven approaches to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in admissions operations.
• Oversees all aspects of financial aid operations.
• Champion enrollment marketing initiatives to enhance brand visibility and attract diverse prospective student demographics.
• Ensure compliance with relevant policies, regulations, and best practices in admission, enrollment management, and financial aid.
  
  

Student Affairs

• Devises strategies to promote student engagement and learning with the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight for student affairs initiatives aimed at enhancing the student experience and fostering student success.
• Collaborate with campus partners to develop and implement programs and services that support student retention and engagement.
• Provides direction and intervention for students in crisis and non-crisis scenarios, collaborating with mental health staff, providing victim advocacy, and supporting staff and students affected by crises.
• Promote a campus culture that prioritizes student growth and well-being.
  
  

Communications and Marketing

• Develop and implement integrated communications and marketing strategies to enhance the institution's brand and visibility.
• Oversee the creation of compelling marketing materials and digital content to effectively communicate the institution's value proposition to prospective students and stakeholders.
• Utilize data analytics to assess the effectiveness of communication and marketing efforts and make data-informed decisions.
  
  

Market Analysis and Research

• Conduct market research and analysis to identify opportunities for enrollment growth and program development.
• Monitor demographic trends, student preferences, and competitor strategies to inform enrollment strategies.
• Utilize data analytics to evaluate the effectiveness of recruitment and admissions efforts and make data-informed decisions.
  
  

Partnerships and Outreach

• Cultivate relationships with high schools, community colleges, and other educational partners to strengthen pipelines for student recruitment.
• Collaborate with academic departments and faculty to promote academic programs and opportunities for prospective students.
• Represent the institution at conferences, events, and networking opportunities to enhance visibility and attract prospective students.
  
  

Job Description

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in higher education leadership, business administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive, relevant leadership experience in enrollment management, admissions, student affairs, and communications & marketing in higher education.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing enrollment strategies, resulting in year-over-year progressive enrollment growth to achieve institutional goals.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis and enrollment forecasting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders across many media platforms.
• Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and best practices in admissions, enrollment management, student affairs, and communications & marketing.
• Demonstrated experience as a member of a higher education institution’s President’s Executive Leadership/Strategy Team.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of post-secondary education.
• Adeptness in utilizing data to pinpoint strategies aimed at increasing enrollment while maintaining high quality.
• Competency in conducting both long and short-range planning initiatives.
• Exceptional communication prowess encompassing verbal, written, and interpersonal facets.
• Proficient in developing and managing budgets effectively.
• Strong crisis management acumen to handle unforeseen challenges adeptly.
• Skillful in formulating rules and adept in articulating policies and regulations to constituent groups within and outside the University.
• Effective prioritization skills ensure project goals and objectives are met within designated deadlines.
• Proficiency in managing complex organizational processes.
  
  

NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE: The normal work schedule is Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; occasional nights and weekends.

TARGET HIRING SALARY: $ 180,000 - $225,000

DIVERSITY STATEMENT:

Florida Polytechnic University is an equal opportunity/equal access institution. It is the policy of the Board of Trustees to provide equal opportunity for employment and educational opportunities to all (including applicants for employment, employees, applicants for admission, students, and others affiliated with the University) without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or genetic information.

Employment is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. An appointment is not final until proof is provided.

Florida Poly Benefits Information

Florida Poly qualified employees have the opportunity to take advantage of a variety of health benefits (through the State of Florida) to help meet their specific needs, as well as the needs of their family. This comprehensive coverage includes flexible spending accounts, medical and life insurance, and worker's compensation.

Health benefits are administered through People First, on behalf of the State of Florida, as pre-tax insurance plans. People First handles all new hire enrollments, coverage changes, premium administration, and dependent eligibility. Their Service Center is staffed Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. EST, at 1-866-663-4735.

RETIREMENT

Florida Poly offers great options for retirement. From the required selection of a state plan to additional voluntary retirement plans, our employees have many opportunities to save and prepare for their future. Click here for more information.

Florida Poly Benefits

• Perks and Discounts
• Annual Leave
• To help promote work-life balance, Florida Poly provides a generous leave program, which includes paid time off and paid holidays. Qualified employees may accrue 22 days of annual leave. In addition, the University observes the holidays listed in our University Holidays policy FPU-1.008.
• Sick Leave
• Qualified employees may also accrue 12 days of annual sick leave and participate in our Sick Pool Program.
• Employee Assistant Program (EAP)
  
  

EXPLORE LAKELAND FLORIDA

Conveniently located along I-4 between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland is home to Florida Polytechnic University and many other businesses and attractions. Click here to explore Lakeland, Florida.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING ATTACHMENTS:

Required attachments are listed on each posting. Please be sure to attach all required documents in the Resume/CV field before continuing through the application. Once your application has been submitted, no changes may be made and additional attachments will not be considered.

An unofficial copy of the degree/transcript is acceptable during the application process. For positions requiring a degree, the official transcripts are required upon hire.

Foreign Transcript: Transcripts issued outside of the United States require a equivalency statement from a certified transcript evaluation service verifying the degree equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the USA. This report must be attached with the application and submitted by the application deadline.

All document(s) must be received on or before the closing date of the job announcements.

This position requires a background check, which may include a level II screening as required by the Florida Statute

• 435.04.