Vice President for Enrollment Management

Bethel College (KS) seeks a Vice President for Enrollment Management (VPEM) who will bring vision, leadership, and integrated strategic planning to the College’s student recruiting and retention efforts. The VPEM reports to the College President and serves as a member of the president’s cabinet. This is a full-time, exempt position that begins in Fall 2020.

INSTITUTIONAL CONTEXT

Bethel College was founded in 1887 with the goal of being, ‘a nonsectarian but religious college’ that would ‘open wide the doors’ of the institution for diverse students from many denominations and backgrounds. The College welcomes all people to the campus and prizes individuals for their unique personalities, talents, and life experiences. Bethel is recognized as the oldest Mennonite-affiliated institution of higher education in the United States. The College is rooted in Christian theology, sustained by Anabaptist distinctives, and guided by Mennonite values. Although affiliated with the Mennonite Church, Bethel is an independent institution of higher education, enjoying mutually beneficial and freely chosen relationships with organizations that are supportive of the mission and vision of the College.

The mission of Bethel College is to prepare students for meaningful lives of work and service through faith formation, the liberal arts, and practical experiences in career pathways. Students are expected to articulate their faith to others in a classroom setting; complete a Common Ground curriculum that emphasizes peace and social justice, cross-cultural learning, and undergraduate research; and understand what it means to have high expectations in the workplace. The vision of Bethel is to graduate students who increase human flourishing (shalom) in society by owning and enacting their faith, demonstrating compassion for the powerless, engaging in critical thought, and bringing value to the workplace. The College has over 14,000 alumni.

An all-time high student enrollment close to 750 in the early 1980s has given way to, in recent years, one that hovers around 500. The Fall 2019 incoming first-year class was the largest in 31 years. The student body grew by 3% in Fall 2020 because of above- average retention and solid recruiting of first-year students. The Admissions enterprise recently underwent digital transformation and gained national visibility. The VPEM will be expected to grow and maintain the digital approach (i.e., Slate) while simultaneously recognizing the importance of personal interactions that characterize the small private college sector. Recent increases in student retention are the result of strategic investments in student support services and personnel.  The VPEM will be expected to work closely with the Director of Student Success and Retention to manage the overall enrollment profile of the college.  The College benefits from dedicated coaches and faculty who multiply the efforts of an enthusiastic admissions staff. An abundance of diverse student scholarships and a recent emphasis on student employment and career development have further set the stage for sustained growth in the student body.

The student body at Bethel College comes from 26 states and 13 countries and has an average GPA of 3.0. The College is recognized for its successful forensics teams; fine choral and instrumental music; a broadly held reputation for high-quality programs in mathematics and natural sciences; highly regarded nursing, teacher education, and social work programs; and commitment to academic freedom and inquiry. Several emerging academic programs and an ongoing comprehensive campaign will benefit the recruiting efforts. Successful athletic programs in 17 NAIA sports attract students and are an exciting source of support within the local community.

Bethel College was recently re-accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The process highlighted the need for careful and thoughtful financial management. The VPEM - the first in the history of Bethel College - will need to manage net tuition revenue in cooperation with a talented administrative cabinet and dedicated Board of Directors. The ability to work comfortably and collaboratively with the administrative cabinet and members of the broader college community will be critical to the success of the VPEM and Bethel College as a whole.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Direct, plan, coordinate, and manage the implementation and effectiveness of enrollment services for Bethel College.  Specific responsibilities include developing the recruiting strategy for the college in coordination with the President and Cabinet members, planning and deploying the Slate-based digital recruiting campaign, planning campus visits (in-person and virtually), reviewing academic scholarships, working with the athletic representatives and academic affairs to identify recruiting goals, working with Financial Aid to leverage institutional and endowed funds, and representing the college in conversations and spaces where recruiting students is a primary objective.  Constantly improve the efficiency and quality of enrollment services at Bethel College through data-driven reports and analysis. Cultivate relationships with faculty, staff, and cabinet members through trust and communication.  Bethel College is a small community where clear communication and trust are highly valued. Serve as the primary resource for enrollment questions and help resolve issues while maintaining compliance with internal/external policies and federal laws. Communicate institutional enrollment targets and priorities to advancement, academic affairs, financial aid, student life, business affairs, and marketing and communication. Interface with the Director of Student Success and Retention to identify specific areas of improvement aimed at managing the college’s overall student body size and composition. Serve as a member of the president’s administrative cabinet and represent enrollment services on college committees and in the general public. Satisfy the duties of a Campus Security Authority (CSA) relating to Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (“Clery Act”) and satisfy the duties of an Official with Authority (OWA) and Mandated Reporter relating to Title IX and the Bethel College Equal Opportunity, Harassment, & Non-Discrimination Policy and Procedures.  

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS

Perform additional and related responsibilities as assigned by the College President.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervise the work activities of the Financial Aid Director and Admissions staff, including Counselors, Directors of Admissions, clerical staff, and student assistants/interns. Perform various personnel actions including, but not limited to, recruiting, performance reviews, professional and skill development, and hiring/dismissal (in collaboration with the Office of Human Resources). Provide timely feedback, inspiration, information, and elements of accountability (e.g., weekly metrics) to the entire team on a regular basis.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. Strong leadership skills that can motivate cross-functional teams of people toward project outcomes. Superior oral and written communication skills. Effective interpersonal skills. Experience in organizing and leading multiple projects at once with different timelines, work teams, and modalities with outstanding problem solving skills and critical thinking. Experience with technology in admissions (e.g., Slate platform). Demonstrated record of success in recruitment, admissions, and related enrollment activities. Knowledge of best practices in admissions, financial aid, and enrollment management. Comfort with accountability to goals and performance monitoring. Develop and adhere to a budget. Diplomatic, sensitive, and respectful communication with a variety of college constituents. Think and plan creatively and strategically considering goals, times, and budget specifications.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

A Master’s degree or higher. At least five years of experience in progressively responsible positions in admissions or enrollment management. Familiarity with the accreditation process in higher education. Completion of certifications, licenses, and continuing education units that enhance the capacity to carry out the duties of the position. A proven ability to motivate, influence, and manage a diverse array of dedicated professionals, while emphasizing a high level of quality in all deliverables. Ability to work effectively with populations representing diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and abilities. The qualifications listed are guidelines for selection purposes; alternative qualifications may be substituted if sufficient to perform the duties. Familiarity with the Mennonite and Anabaptist history of Bethel College.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Extended sitting and working at a computer terminal, occasional lifting and carrying of materials up to 50 pounds, ability to work in a general office environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND CONDITIONS

All the essential job functions are subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform other job-related instructions as requested by the supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation. This position description is not all-inclusive and may change at the option of the College President. Any major change will result in the position being reviewed for reclassification.

BETHEL COLLEGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

Bethel College reserves the right to revise job responsibilities as the need occurs.  This position announcement does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment; rather, it is a clarification of the responsibilities of the position.

Bethel College does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on basis of race, religion, color, sex/gender, pregnancy, political affiliation, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin (including ancestry), citizenship status, physical or mental disability (including perceived disability), age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran or military status (including disabled veteran, recently separated veteran, active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran, and Armed Forces Service Medal veteran), predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, or any other protected category under applicable local, state, or federal law. The College also prohibits retaliation against any person opposing discrimination or participating in any discrimination investigation or complaint process internally or externally. Reports of misconduct, questions regarding Title IX, and concerns about noncompliance should be directed to the Director of Human Resources & Compliance (Title IX Coordinator). For a complete copy of the policy or for more information, please contact the Director of Human Resources & Compliance (Title IX Coordinator) or the Assistant Secretary of Education within the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Website: https://www.bethelks.edu/about/consumer-information/nondiscrimination-statement