Job Summary

Note: To be considered for this position, candidates must include a cover letter specifying their interest in and qualifications for this position. The cover letter should be the first page of your resume and uploaded as one document.

As a comprehensive performing arts school set in one of the world's finest public institutions of higher education, the School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD) is deeply engaged in the creation, practice, scholarship, and pedagogy of music, theatre, and dance. We aim to provide leadership, nationally and internationally, in all three fields. We assert and celebrate the value of the arts to the mission of the University of Michigan. Further, SMTD is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion as a means of achieving and sustaining excellence.

The Assistant/Associate Director of Admissions will play a vital role in the recruitment and enrollment of students at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. The STMD Office of Admission strategically guides SMTD efforts in recruiting, admitting, and enrolling an artistically and academically talented, geographic, socioeconomic, and holistically diverse undergraduate and graduate class currently representing thirty one states and eleven countries. The Assistant/Associate Director for Admissions will provide leadership, strategic development, and deployment of policy and procedures centered around SMTD's enrollment management plan and educational mission.

This position reports directly to the Assistant Dean of Admissions, Financial Aid & Enrollment Management. The selected candidate will be responsible for aiding the Assistant Dean in management of all recruitment efforts while overseeing the office day-to-day operations. The Assistant/Associate Director will directly supervise the team charged with prospective undergraduate and graduate student recruitment, admission review, travel, and yield with the ultimate management for an office of approximately five full-time professional employees. The selected candidate will have artistic programs of primary focus, but will need to be adaptable to serve as a representative for all programs as needed.

As a key member within the Enrollment Management team, the Assistant/Associate Director will work closely with offices including but not limited to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, the Office of Financial Aid, Rackham Graduate School, and SMTD Advancement and Marketing to design, implement and assess successful marketing efforts, recruitment strategies and maintain data integrity. The ideal candidate will have a deep commitment to student success, a dedication to working with applicants from diverse backgrounds, and the adeptness to navigate technologies used to support student recruitment and enrollment.

Responsibilities*

There are five essential areas of responsibility including leadership, recruitment, supervision of the admissions team, financial aid and business administration. Brief description and details are below. To review the full job description please use THIS link.

Leadership

Serve as a collaborative thought partner on the Admissions, Financial Aid & Enrollment Management leadership team.
In collaboration with Ast. Dean of Admissions, hire and manage enrollment management staff teams. Provide mentorship and continued development of the team through presence, regular meetings, and other opportunities.

Recruitment

Oversee, delegate, supervise, and assess SMTD recruitment and outreach efforts.
Travel and represent the SMTD at college fairs, regional auditions, recruitment visits, and receptions.

Admissions

In consultation with Ast. Dean of Admissions, lead and train counseling team on the review of applications and rendering of admission decisions on undergraduate and graduate student applications for programs in music, theatre and drama, musical theatre, and dance. Responsible for monitoring admission and yield rates overall and meeting enrollment goals.
Consult with the faculty on their particular admissions requirements; learn and use program level benchmarks and measures and communicate those with faculty so they have a better understanding of admissions requirements.
In consultation with Ast. Dean of Admissions, set application caseloads and goals and provide functional supervision for counseling and audition staff teams. Provide annual evaluation(s) for permanent staff direct report(s).
Provide active communication with the faculty and with the applicants to encourage enrollment.

Financial Aid

Consult with the Scholarships and Financial Aid Team for incoming student appeal responses.
Support the Scholarships and Financial Aid Team by learning the fundamentals of grants, loans, and work-study funding and eligibility requirements for the purposes of communicating with prospective students.

Admissions Business Processes

Supervise business processes related to applications, i.e., processing hard copy and electronic credentials, enabling methods for communicating admissions and financial aid information and decisions with applicants.
Create and maintain procedure documentation for application business processes; communicate and/or provide training for regular and seasonal staff to implement new and/or updated processes.

Required Qualifications*

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required. Minimum of 3 years of student services experience in admissions/enrollment management/recruitment.
Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Enrollment Management. Inclusion, collaboration and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at SMTD; we are in search of a team member who is able to effectively interact and sensitively communicate with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity.
Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills including the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment is necessary.
Experience using a customer relationship management system (CRM); ability to learn new software and technology. Working familiarity with Slate and/or the M-Pathways Student Administration system is a plus.
This position routinely moves promotional materials weighing up to 50 lbs to various locations.
Ability to work evenings and weekends as scheduled. This position involves a willingness and ability to travel by car, public transit, rail, or air. Pre-scheduled out-of-town travel is required during recruitment season (typically summer and fall).

Desired Qualifications*

A Master's degree or graduate studies is welcome. Collegiate study, experience in, and/or understanding of music, theatre, and/or dance is a plus.
An understanding and appreciation of higher education and the diverse cultures of the schools and colleges within the University is welcome.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

This position is eligible to work a hybrid work model. Schedule to be determined by the Assistant Dean of Admissions, Enrollment Management and Financial Aid.

Underfill Statement

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. Rank and salary will be determined by select candidates overall experience and qualifications.

Additional Information

Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Background Screening

A pre-employment background check must be conducted before a candidate may receive a firm offer of employment to a staff position at the University of Michigan.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.