vice president, enrollment management

JOB TITLE: Vice President for Enrollment Management 

DEPARTMENT:      Office of the President 

REPORTS TO: President

UNIVERSITY MISSION:   Rochester Christian University, a Christ-centered liberal arts institution, provides a holistic education that empowers students to lead lives of personal and professional significance while serving God faithfully in a changing world.

POSITION SUMMARY:  As a member of the President's Cabinet and reporting directly to the President, the Vice President for Enrollment Management (VPEM) provides strategic leadership for Rochester Christian University's comprehensive enrollment strategy. The VPEM oversees all aspects of student recruitment and admissions university-wide, ensuring that enrollment efforts align with the University's mission, vision, strategic plan, and Christ-centered values.

The VPEM is responsible for developing and executing an evidence-based, mission-driven enrollment plan that supports institutional growth, program development, and student success. This position plays a vital role in shaping the future of Rochester Christian University by fostering collaboration across departments to attract and enroll students who are academically prepared and spiritually aligned with the University's mission. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative, mission-driven leader who demonstrates a deep commitment to Christian higher education and student engagement.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Master's degree required; doctorate preferred.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience in recruitment, admissions, or enrollment management.  
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing strategic enrollment plans that achieve measurable results.
• Proven recruitment experience and admissions operations and CRM systems.
• Familiarity with data analytics, market research, and enrollment forecasting.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership

• Provide vision and direction for the creation and execution of a university-wide enrollment management strategy that supports RCU's mission and strategic priorities.
• Develop and implement a multi-year, data-informed enrollment plan that advances institutional growth and sustainability.
• Collaborate closely with Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Institutional Effectiveness, and University Marketing to ensure alignment between academic programs, student recruitment, and institutional goals.
• Establish short- and long-term enrollment objectives, policies, and operational plans to guide the admissions process.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets while ensuring the effective stewardship of institutional resources.

Admissions & Recruitment

• Lead the Office of Admissions to achieve or exceed enrollment goals through innovative, relational, and mission-focused recruitment strategies.
• Foster a culture of hospitality, service, and excellence throughout the recruitment and admissions process.
• Partner with deans, faculty, and program directors to align recruitment efforts with academic offerings and institutional priorities.
• Oversee outreach initiatives for traditional undergraduate, graduate, adult, and online students.
• Utilize data and market research to inform recruitment strategies, geographic outreach, and target populations.
• Ensure the effective use of technology and CRM systems to enhance communication, tracking, and reporting across the recruitment funnel.

Data-Driven Decision Making

• Collaborate with Institutional Effectiveness to monitor key enrollment metrics such as application volume, yield rates, and student demographics.
• Conduct regular analyses of market trends, demographic data, and program performance to inform decision-making.
• Present enrollment data, projections, and insights to the President's Cabinet, Board of Trustees, and other stakeholders.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Provide visionary leadership and mentorship for the enrollment management team, cultivating a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Promote cross-departmental collaboration to strengthen the student experience from first inquiry through matriculation.
• Serve as an active member of the President's Cabinet, contributing to institutional planning, culture, and mission advancement.
• Represent RCU at external events, professional associations, and community partnerships to enhance the University's visibility and reputation.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong leadership and team-building abilities with a collaborative and inclusive management style.
• Data-informed mindset with the ability to translate analytics into actionable strategy.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Deep understanding of the Christian mission and a commitment to advancing faith-based education through enrollment initiatives.
• Supportive of the University mission.  Indicators of this support include a demonstrated personal faith in Jesus Christ and being active in a local church.