Job Abstract

PAY GRADE: 33E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB :

The Office of Admissions at the University of Delaware receives more than 40,000 first year and transfer student applications per year, hosts on-campus and off-campus recruitment events and maintains a prospect list of nearly one million students nationwide and throughout the world. The inaugural Deputy Director of Admissions for Communications will oversee the implementation of new initiatives in alignment with the multi-year enrollment plan for the University which focuses on the growth of Associates and transfer pathway, development of a comprehensive tactical plan and enacting the plan with the campus community and externally, with a dotted reporting line into the Office of Communications and Marketing.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops and implements strategic communications plans and initiatives in support of University’s strategic enrollment plan priorities and goals across multiple channels including print, web, and social media.
• Develops internal planning via Slate and overall organization of admissions priorities.
• Advises senior college/school administrators on the effective communication of goals, priorities and actions to stakeholders and media.
• Operates as the primary interface between the college/school and other University constituencies to enforce the institution’s brand image and messaging while promoting the mission, goals, priorities, and accomplishments of the University
• Establishes and implements short- and long-range communications and marketing strategies, objectives, and policies and develops plans for support for college-level Communications Directors.
• Interacts regularly with external and internal constituencies, including but not limited to communications units in other UD colleges, UD's Office of Communications and Marketing, UD's Office of Development and Alumni Relations, and UD Admissions to ensure that information on programs is communicated effectively and favorably to internal and external audiences at local, regional, national, and international levels.
• Works with communications liaisons from relevant departments and centers to ensure continuity across all printed and electronic materials.
• Works closely with key college systems (e.g.. Slate, and People Soft) to ensure accurate transfer of data.
• Manages, reports, and analyzes data from the prospect stage to enrollment.
• Serves as the lead manager for priority communications projects across the college(s)/school.
• Writes, edits and oversees production of communications pieces for print and electronic media promoting the accomplishments of faculty, staff, students, and alumni.
• Serves as the direct supervisor of communications staff. Manages staff and staff assignments and coordinates activities to meet the communication needs .
• Develops and nurtures inquiry pool from search prospects and other sources.
• Oversight of CRM systems and other technology platforms in college student recruitment.
• Serves as the college's point person for strategic communications, new initiatives, and implementation strategy particularly in emergent situations or major developments that receive media or stakeholder attention.
• Provides strategic communications direction for major events.
• Tracks and assesses marketing/communications activities and identifies methods of improvement and presents alternatives.
• Develops and implements innovative methods of communication, marketing, and interaction with alumni, current and potential students, and other constituents including external partners.
• Creates, iterates and ensures the effectiveness of email drip campaigns and related marketing content used in the CRM system overseeing all aspects of interactions in the CRM including the development of email campaigns, application development. Ensures that effective content represents the unique attributes of UD.
• Determines strategy and has responsibility for outcomes related to A/B testing, assessment of open/click rates, conversions, and other marketing-related metrics through data analytics, reporting and collaboration.
• Serves as a member of the Admissions Committee, reviews credentials process and makes systematic recommendations.
• Networks and develops collaborative relationships with high school counselors nationally and internationally.
• Represents the University of Delaware Admissions Office at conferences and college fairs and develop counselor representation documentation at fairs.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Marketing or other related discipline, and at least 7 years of related experience managing and delivering communications activities, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in a research-oriented institution of higher education is preferred
• Ability to effectively manage multiple clients and projects simultaneously and under tight deadlines.
• Ability to switch gears multiple times a day among a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community while managing competing priorities and overseeing the day-to-day effort of supporting professional staff, partners and/or vendors.
• Ability to lead a team and develop new teams.
• Superior written, verbal, interpersonal, organizational and public speaking skills with strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to apply knowledge, best practices, policies and procedures to specific communications and marketing plans and activities.
• Demonstrated collaborative approach with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Experience coordinating and managing staff to develop high quality communications materials.
• Knowledge of communications concepts, principles, methodology and techniques.
• Knowledge and understanding of current issues and trends applicable to higher education institutions.
• Demonstrated understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value.