75 College Avenue, Greenville, Pennsylvania 16125 724-589-2000 www.thiel.edu Vice President for Enrollment Management Search Prospectus Oct. Nov. 2013 www.thiel.edu/vpem_search
Vice President for Enrollment Management Search Prospectus Oct. Nov. 2013 Thiel College in Greenville, Pa., invites nominations and applications for the position of Vice President for Enrollment Management (VPEM). The VPEM reports directly to the President of the College and collaborates with members of the President s Cabinet to accomplish strategic priorities. The VPEM oversees the Admissions Department which currently includes two associate directors of admissions, three senior admissions counselors, two admissions counselors, one international admissions counselor, a data analyst, a visit coordinator and an administrative assistant. Key Opportunities and Qualifications The VPEM joins Thiel College at a dynamic and vibrant time. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and trustees share a palpable excitement, with fifth-year president, Dr. Troy VanAken, about Thiel s continuing development as an exemplary student-centered and innovative liberal arts college. The students are engaging, even endearing; the faculty and staff are incredibly dedicated and talented; the alumni see great potential for their alma mater; the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America is pleased and proud of the depth of spiritual life on campus; the town of Greenville is eager to partner with the College; and the Board of Trustees is providing wise governance and impressive financial support. In essence, the VPEM position will provide the right candidate with a rewarding and fulfilling opportunity to make a difference in the life of a noble institution by recruiting students who achieve success on campus and experience a life of meaning and purpose as Thiel alumni. In addition to the traditional duties and responsibilities of the chief enrollment officer, the VPEM has the exciting opportunity to design and implement an admissions strategy that will increase both enrollment and retention. At Thiel, the admissions function focuses on identifying and attracting students whose academic profiles, personal values, and career aspirations align with the College s mission and vision. To ensure enrollment success, the Thiel College Strategic Plan focuses on four key commitments: A Commitment to Academic Excellence and Relevance that combines the best of the liberal arts tradition with career and life skills; A Commitment to a Culture of Caring and Confidence that fosters intellectual rigor, creativity, health, wellness and athletic competition, leadership, diversity and social, ethical and spiritual development; A Commitment to Enhanced Facilities and Infrastructure that supports academic and co-curricular programs, residence life, and administrative services; A Commitment to Superior Delivery of Programs and Services in all areas of College life. More information about the Thiel College Strategic Plan can be found at: www.thiel.edu/strategic-plan. The ideal VPEM candidate will have a proven record of success in enrollment with expertise in marketing; print, video and social media promotion; financial aid modeling; and management including hiring, training and inspiring the admissions staff members. In addition, the VPEM will have a collegial management style and an analytical approach to problem solving; outstanding communication skills and willingness to involve members of the extended campus community in recruitment- and enrollment-related activities; a strong commitment to and understanding of the liberal arts and the ability to communicate the unique benefits of a Lutheran institution of higher education. Five or more years of successful experience in leading admissions and enrollment management programs is required as well as a bachelor s degree, with preference for an advanced degree. The Thiel community welcomes a VPEM who acts with integrity and authenticity, 2
articulates with passion and persuasiveness the distinct mission and vision of the College, and fosters creativity and accountability in the admissions operations. Application Process Electronic submission of all application materials is required; materials may be submitted in confidence to Jennifer Clark, Associate Director of Human Resources, at the following secure email address: vpem@ thiel.edu, and should include a letter of application, resume, list of five references, and a concise statement of qualifications. Candidates will be evaluated as soon as their application is received. The search will be confidential and references will not be contacted until the applicant is notified. Expected start date is January 1, 2014. Nominations and confidential inquiries should be directed to Dr. Peter T. Mitchell, Proactive Transition Management, by e-mail peter@ptm.bz or phone 843-325-0983. Thiel College is an equal opportunity institution. Thiel College Thiel College is a four-year, coeducational, liberal arts, sciences and professional studies college granting the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. Thiel was chartered as a private, independent, degreegranting corporation in 1870 by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with control and management vested in the Board of Trustees. While proud to be one of the colleges affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the faculty, staff, students, and alumni, as well as the curriculum and college policies, reflect a diverse and celebrative community. Statement of Mission of Thiel College Thiel College, an academic institution in the Lutheran tradition, empowers individuals to reach their full potential by assuring educational excellence, stimulating global awareness, promoting ethical and responsible leadership and preparing students for careers so that lives inspired by truth and freedom may be committed to service in the world. Statement of Vision of Thiel College Thiel College is committed to developing and delivering innovative academic and co-curricular programs incorporating ethical and global perspectives, providing opportunities for students to discover and prepare for leadership in their chosen careers, enrolling students from the global populations, celebrating diversity within its community and cultivating thriving living/learning communities. 3
The Intangibles Why this is such an exciting opportunity Transitions in leadership are times for institutional renewal and revitalization. Such is the case at Thiel College. Our search for a new VPEM is marked by great optimism coinciding with the success of our dynamic President, Dr. Troy VanAken, and a talented senior management team. The administration, faculty, staff, students, alumni and trustees are committed to guiding Thiel to regional and national prominence as an innovative, student-centered, liberal arts college. Important accomplishments are marking our progress toward this goal. The size of the entering class is increasing, even as we are also seeing significant improvement in the academic quality of entering students. The College recently received the largest gift in our history: $25 million from William S. Dietrich II. President VanAken raised $1 million of new money to fund the Imagining Thiel Initiative, providing seed funding for new academic, athletic, and student life programs and services. Over $10 million of capital improvements, especially the Pedas Communication Center have revitalized the campus. New faculty and staff are bringing creativity that resonates with the passion of dedicated faculty and staff. In essence, the VPEM is an ideal situation for two types of candidates. An experienced Chief Enrollment Officer who desires a new challenge at an institution where quality of life is valued would find the Thiel VPEM a great capstone to his/her career and an opportunity to make a profound impact on a very fine church-related liberal arts college. The cost of living, real estate values, and the intimacy and joy of living in a small town provide a rewarding outside-of-work experience for the VPEM and his/her family. However, it is essential to emphasize that this capstone success will be the result of the person working harder and smarter than at any time in his/her career. The second ideal candidate type is currently a second-in-command with a proven record in admissions and a solid understanding of branding and marketing to the 17-20 age demographic; and familiarity with military and non-traditional students due to a growing expectation of recruitment in those areas. Because Thiel is achieving success in enrollment, has a charismatic president who is committed to helping recruit and retain students, and has alumni and friends to help the admissions office, enrollment will show dramatic increases over the next 4-5 years. A rising star will achieve an impressive track record that will be fulfilling as well as serve as a potential stepping-stone in his/her career. 4
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities Summary: The Vice President of Enrollment Management will head the enrollment effort for the College. He/she provides strategic leadership and management for all aspects of a comprehensive admissions program to ensure achievement of the enrollment goals in a manner consistent with the college mission and strategic plan. This includes planning, assessment, evaluation, budget management, divisional growth and development, and supervision of staff. Education and Experience: Advanced degree (preferred) or Bachelor s degree (required); Five or more years of successful experience in leading admissions and enrollment management programs; High-level management skills with in-depth knowledge of technological applications; Demonstrated collegial management style and an analytical approach to problem solving; Outstanding communication skills and willingness to involve members of the extended campus community in recruitment and enrollment-related activities; A strong commitment to and understanding of the liberal arts and the ability to communicate the unique benefits of a Lutheran institution of higher education. Essential Job Functions: Committed to the student-centered mission and vision of the institution. Design, implement, and maintain an annual comprehensive student recruitment plan. Collaborate with Athletic department (NCAA Division III) on recruitment efforts. Provide oversight and direction for on-campus admissions functions such as campus tours, Visit Days, telecounseling, early registration programs, guidance counselor workshops, and college fairs. Review admissions applications and make decisions under approved guidelines. Interview and counsel prospective students and their parents. Identify qualified recipients and award merit-based College and external scholarships Serve on the president s cabinet and work closely with the president, Board of Trustees and cabinet to provide overall leadership and direction on enrollment matters. Work collaboratively with other cabinet members to advise the President on matters of institutional concern. Oversee daily operations as well as the hiring, training and development of the admissions staff members Develop annual budget requests. Play a significant role in institutional marketing and planning. Provide leadership and focus regarding competitor analysis; print, electronic and media publications and communications flow; enrollment management budget; and athletic, international and diversity recruitment. Ensure policies established by the Board of Trustees, President, President s Cabinet, and the Faculty relating to Enrollment, are implemented. Formulate division goals and objectives; develop programs, develop and implement services and policies related to students; increase student involvement and retention. Represent the College on enrollment related matters to parents, community members and other constituents. Perform other duties as assigned by the President. 5
In addition to the duties and responsibilities specific to the role of VP for Enrollment Management, successful leadership at Thiel requires commitment to the College s mission and vision, participation in the academic, athletic, and artistic life of the campus, and interaction with the Greenville community. Understanding of and respect for the concept and process of shared governance in academia, the highest integrity in all actions, and clear, consistent communication with all constituencies also are critical to success at Thiel. Knowledge and Skills: Knowledge of: Current student recruitment strategies and techniques, including those involving Web-based applications and delivery Current best practices in admissions operations, programs, and services Current admissions trends, issues, and strategies Basic branding and marketing strategies and techniques, specifically as applicable to student recruitment Higher education curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular objectives and programming Principles and practices of administration, financial management, supervision and training The mission, services and policies of the College; principles of employer-employee relations; and principles in the administration of personnel services Computer operations/data processing systems Accounting, budgeting, and fiscal reporting Skilled in: Planning and program development Written and oral communication (including group presentations) Team leadership and management, including ability to motivate employees, evaluate their performance, and facilitate their training and professional development Asset and fiscal resource management. The development of policies and operational procedures. Exercising discretion and independent judgment. Using tact, patience, and courtesy. Nondiscrimination Policy Thiel College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religious belief, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, age or disability as those terms are defined under applicable law. This policy of nondiscrimination applies in connection with admission to and participation in all programs and activities sponsored by Thiel College and to all employment practices of Thiel College. 6