Associate Dean of Admission - Director of Diversity Initiatives and Partnerships

Wesleyan University, founded in 1831, is a diverse, energetic liberal arts community where critical thinking and practical idealism go hand in hand.

Position Details
Located in Middletown, Connecticut, Wesleyan University is one of the nation’s premier colleges of liberal arts and sciences with 3,000 undergraduates and 200 graduates. Established in 1831, Wesleyan University is known for its rich open curriculum of interdisciplinary opportunity combining Humanities, Sciences, and Social and Behavioral Sciences. Wesleyan students make their mark in the world through creativity, intellectual independence, risk-taking, and drive to improve the world. The University has a long-standing commitment to providing underrepresented students from all racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds access to our dynamically diverse campus.

The Office of Admission at Wesleyan University serves as the hub of activity and point of first contact for the University for thousands of prospective students and families. The admissions team is responsible for generating, processing, and reviewing more than 15,000 first-year and transfer applications and hosts over 15,000 individual visitors on campus annually. In addition, the office promotes the university virtually and hosts admission events all over the world.

The Associate Dean of Admission reports to the Director of Admission and participates as a key member of the admission office team.

The Associate Dean will be involved in all aspects of the admission program including recruitment travel, interviewing, public speaking, and evaluation of applications. In addition, they will lead diversity initiatives and partnerships as related to recruitment and enrollment efforts to attract, retain and support students of color, first generation, low income, and international students.

Admission Responsibilities include:

• Manage an admission region and participate fully in the selection processes of first-year and transfer candidates.
• Travel up to 7 weeks per year, including traditional recruitment travel and professional meetings representing the university.
• Supervise staff and key strategic projects; budget management.

Director of Diversity Initiatives and Partnerships include:

• Provide leadership and support to the Diversity Initiatives and Undergraduate Outreach teams
• Plan and manage on-/off-campus, and virtual recruitment and yield programs.
• Develop and execute strategic and sustainable initiatives and communications to support division and institutional priorities.
• Serve as a member of the senior leadership team and provide counsel to Director and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid.
• Represent the University nationally and internationally; and cultivate, manage, and maintain relationships with existing and new Community Based Organizations.
• Develop collaborative relationships with students, families, team members, and other members of the University community, Including the Office of Equity and Inclusion, and the Office of International Student Affairs.
• Advise the Dean and Director on strategies related to the promotion of access, equity, and belonging.
• Facilitate spaces for dialog and support for BIPOC members and allies on the Admission team around the recruitment and retention process.
• Other duties and projects as assigned by the Director and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of 5 years of progressively more responsible experience in a selective admission setting or the equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Experience in higher education, secondary school, community based organization or with managing diversity initiatives.
Excellent communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to work on multiple projects effectively and simultaneously, in a fast-paced environment.
Experience as a supervisor and/or managing others in a team or project-based environment.
Proven ability to exercise initiative, set priorities, and work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
Demonstrated data-driven decision- making and familiarity with database management.

Demonstrated professional judgement, integrity, and diplomacy.
Ability to connect with students and co-workers from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences.
Ability to mentor, motivate, and inspire peers and colleagues and be a part of a talented and hardworking team.
Valid driver’s license, ability to travel 5-7 weeks during the year, and drive for extended periods of time in various traffic conditions.
Preferred Qualifications
BA in Liberal Arts field or ability to articulate the merits of a liberal arts education.
Graduate degree in related field such as higher education, management or communications.
DEI Certification.
Close identification with and understanding of the aims and benefits of a highly selective liberal arts institution.
Quantitative skills and analytic orientation.
Experience in a paperless admission operation and or/systems implementation projects.

Familiarity with Slate/Technolutions.

Fluency in a second language.
Special Instructions to Applicants
The position is open until filled. For full consideration please apply by May 8, 2022 , when the first review of applications will begin.
Additional Information
Any and all offers to external applicants are contingent on the candidate’s completion of a pre-employment background check screening to the satisfaction of Wesleyan University.

Wesleyan requires all employees to be vaccinated against Covid 19 unless they meet the criteria for a medical or religious exemption. New employees must be vaccinated prior to their start date. If an employee needs an exemption for medical or religious reasons, they must submit a request to Wesleyan and be approved before their start date.

Wesleyan University, located in Middletown, Connecticut, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, political belief, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or non-position-related criminal record. We welcome applications from women and historically underrepresented minority groups. Inquiries regarding Title IX, Section 504, or any other non-discrimination policies should be directed to: Alison Williams, Vice President for Equity & Inclusion/ Title IX Officer, 860-685-3927, awilliams@wesleyan.edu.