Founded in 1891, Central Washington University (CWU) is a master’s degree granting institution with a residential campus and seven regional centers enrolling approximately 10,900 students, about 92 percent of whom are state residents. CWU oversees an $18 million GEAR UP grant, the state’s largest, and provides dual-credit instruction to thousands of high school students around the state. CWU also provides more full degree programs online than any other Washington public institution.
The university’s central and beautiful location is a powerful recruitment tool, as is the welcoming and supporting campus climate. Since 2008 CWU has invested more than $430 million in state funds in academic facilities and infrastructure. Regionally and nationally recognized teaching faculty and small classes also help to convince students to choose CWU. Affordability is another persuasive factor. The state reduced tuition rates for fall of 2015 by 5%; tuition will decline another 15% in fall 2016. State, federal and institutional aid combine to reduce average out of pocket tuition for resident undergraduates to less than $3,000.
Recent designations include:
- #1 in Washington return on investment, The Economist
- Washington Monthly Top 100 "Best Bang-for-the-Buck" Schools in in the Nation
- #1 in Washington State in the "Educate to Career" College Ranking
- The only baccalaureate in Washington to receive the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity award.
Modernization of recruitment processes and application of market research resulted in a 21% increase in freshman enrollment in fall 2015. The board of trustees have recognized the importance of strong enrollment recruitment and have invested significant resources in this work. Some investments have included brand update, tuition waiver optimization, application scoring, application generation, website enhancement and increased advertising.
The Position
The Vice President for Enrollment Management (VPEM) provides leadership for the enrollment management effort for the Ellensburg campus and the seven centers. The VPEM is responsible for defining and developing the strategic enrollment management plan incorporating retention and recruitment activities in order to provide a long-term strategic and sustainable growth plan for CWU.
The VPEM is responsible for enrollment programming/research, budget development, staff leadership and development, implementation of academic policy and procedures, response to admissions appeals and petitions, and program implementation.
The Vice President for Enrollment Management reports to the President and is a member of the President’s Cabinet. The VPEM serves as a trusted advisor to university leadership on all enrollment management matters, particularly ROI strategy, budget, data analytics, and policy development. The VPEM supervises the offices of admissions, enrollment management and student financial service and oversees a budget of more than $4.3 million.
Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree is required and a master’s degree preferred. At least seven years of progressive experience in enrollment management is required. The VPEM must be a highly efficient, results-oriented and data-driven individual with strong business acumen, proven ability to lead and knowledge of best practices and current trends in the field of enrollment.
The position requires experience in management, strategic planning and implementation, admissions, recruitment, financial aid leveraging, communications and retention. The successful candidate will be a visionary, a strategic thinker and a data-driven decision maker. Excellent written and verbal communications skills, demonstrated experience working effectively in a diverse environment, ability to lead a diverse team, strong data and technology skills and experience working with third-party vendors are also required. The VPEM must be an enrollment management professional capable of engaging with various departments of the University --- including academic affairs, student affairs, and public affairs and communications --- in long-range enrollment planning, marketing, recruitment, and retention.
Application and Nomination
Review of applications begins February 26, 2016 and continues until the position is filled. Interested candidates should apply for this position online via the Williams & Company website at: www.williamscompany.net. Confidential inquiries and/or nominations may be directed to Martha Smiles at: Martha@williamscompany.net or (802) 497-0151.
Please visit Central Washington University’s website at www.cwu.edu. See the virtual campus tour at http://www.cwu.edu/#virtualtour. Central Washington University is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity, Title IX institution.