Opportunity

Webster University
Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
Webster Groves, MO

Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
Webster University

Webster University, a private, nonprofit, multi-campus, international institution serving more than 20,000 students worldwide, invites inquiries, nominations and applications for the position of Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. Dedicated to ensuring high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence, Webster University is characterized by small classes and close relationships among faculty and students, and by educational programs that join theory and practice through utilization of faculty with both academic and practitioner credentials. The vision of Webster University is to be a premier U.S. - based international university setting a distinct standard for global education. Forty percent of all students across Webster campuses study abroad
At its main campus in Webster Groves, MO, a picturesque suburb of St. Louis, Webster University serves over 8,400 students including 4,800 graduate students and 3,600 undergraduates. Throughout the United States, the University offers degree programs for working adults in metropolitan centers, military education installations, and corporations in 21 states. The University has international campuses in Austria, China, England, The Netherlands, Switzerland, and Thailand. Students can choose from programs in the schools of business and technology, communications or education, or from majors in the colleges of fine arts or arts and sciences. Many graduate programs in fields of business and management, and education are available on line. Webster University is a top tier institution in the U.S. News & World Report “Best Universities – Master/Midwest” listing. In 2008, the Chronicle of Higher Education named Webster to their list of Great Colleges to Work For.
Reporting to the President and a member of the President’s Cabinet, the Vice President will be a key player in carrying out several institutional strategic goals for the 2020 Strategic Plan. In accord with the Strategic Plan, members of the campus community will participate in a campus-wide engagement in a review of institutional branding. The review is expected to lead to the development of a new approach to an integrated strategic communications plan, which will necessitate the review of communications structures and processes. 

In addition to participation in activities related to the institutional strategic plan, the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs will provide vision and leadership for a division that includes areas in Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. Enrollment Management areas include: undergraduate recruitment and admission worldwide; graduate recruitment and admission worldwide; international student recruitment and services; registrar; financial aid; marketing. Student Affairs areas include: Dean of Students; housing and residence life; dining services; career services; counseling; health services; campus ministries; student leadership development; Webster Village apartments; multicultural center; international student affairs; new student orientation; judicial affairs; athletics and recreation; university center and student activities.

The Vice President is responsible for developing and implementing appropriate systems to deliver optimal enrollments worldwide, based on institutional strategic priorities as outlined in the 2020 Webster University Strategic Plan. As well, the Vice President is responsible for providing strategic leadership for student affairs programs and services that support undergraduate and graduate student success and contribute to student retention throughout the university while also supporting the strategic goals outlined in the institutional strategic plan. The Vice President will supervise a staff of seven direct reports and a total staff of 115 full and 15 part time professional staff. The division operating budget is $ 7.5M (not including personnel, scholarship and financial aid budgets).

The successful candidate will have a minimum of eight years of experience in enrollment management and student affairs, with a record of increasing responsibility particularly in enrollment management. Success in recruiting a diverse range of undergraduate students, from recent high school graduates to adult learners and international students is a must, as is success in recruitment of a diverse population of graduate students. The successful candidate will have a track record of success in these areas: recruiting students who have the best chance of taking full advantage of all that the university has to offer, a significant number of whom will remain at the institution until they graduate; and maintaining comprehensive, creative, and flexible recruitment and enrollment plans that accommodate annual increases in class size and quality. The incumbent will be familiar with and have a track record of success in utilizing best practice in enrollment management in all elements of Webster University, including military base centers, international centers, graduate centers, and a traditional home campus. The incumbent will have excellent skills in assessment and data management, the ability to read data and see trends, and the development and communication of a market niche. A comprehensive ability to use technology to enhance enrollment management effectiveness is also a key skill for this position. The incumbent must have well-developed planning skills, including development and implementation of an effective strategic plan that aligns with the institutional plan and development and implementation of an enrollment management plan that includes marketing and recruitment as well as retention. A doctorate is preferred.

The incumbent will be a strong leader who possesses exceptional supervisory skills particularly in the area of staff development. He or she must be able to establish rapport easily, be a role model to staff, communicate effectively across campus constituencies, and be proactive in anticipating issues and communicating plans for addressing them. The successful candidate will be a creative and innovative thinker who understands the unique role of Webster University both nationally and internationally, and who can send consistent messages regarding goals and direction to the diverse centers that comprise the university. Finally, the successful candidate will be well-respected at the national level, known for his or her innovative approaches, strength as a planner and as a supervisor of staff, and one who is a high-energy, charismatic and optimistic leader.

Interested individuals should send a letter describing their interest in and qualifications for the position, a resume, and contact information including mailing and email addresses for five references. The packet should be sent electronically (Microsoft Word attachments preferred) to leadership@wspelman.com. The subject line in the email should be EMSAWU. Documents that must be mailed should be sent to William Spelman Executive Search at 667 Midship Circle, Webster, NY 14580.

Confidential inquiries will be received at 585.787-9742. Confidentiality will be maintained, and references will not be contacted without prior knowledge or approval of the candidate. For full consideration, all materials must be submitted by May 11, 2009. The process will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

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