The University of Miami, a top-tier private research university with over 12,000 undergraduate students and approximately 7,000 graduate and professional students from around the world, is seeking a professional with high emotional intelligence and deep experience in international recruitment, admission and financial aid leveraging to serve as the Director of International Admission. Under the direction of the Executive Director or Assistant Vice President, the Director of International Admission plays a lead role in recruiting and enrolling qualified students in accordance with all applicable internal and external policies and regulations. In addition to serving on the Admission Leadership Team, this position specifically supports international students and the staff responsible for these populations from prospect through enrollment. For the fall of 2023, nine percent of the entering first year students are international students.
Responsibilities and Priorities
The successful candidate will possess the ability and experience to accomplish the following responsibilities and priorities in these key areas:
- Lead the First Year International recruitment and enrollment strategy for the Office of Undergraduate Admission.
- Guide the First Year and Transfer International Financial Aid strategy to continue the operationalizing Miami’s financial aid policy as a need-aware institution that meets the full need of admitted students.
- Expertly liaise with Enrollment Management’s Financial Aid and Operations offices in order to ensure need-aware international selection is accomplished in a timely manner.
- Utilize Slate (Technolutions) platform to ensure accurate and timely reporting to internal and external constituents and gain context from relationships to evaluate International and Domestic undergraduate applications for admission based on the University’s recruiting goals and standards.
- Independently develop a strategic plan to visit and recruit from a defined territory, which may include domestic as well as the international markets that will be based on needs of the office and candidate strength and experience.
- Coordinate, plan, execute secondary school visits, presentations, and college fairs by working with school counselors, Community-Based Organizations, and other constituent groups.
- Explain educational programs, expected outcomes, student services, and financial considerations to students, parents, and educators within territories.
- Strategically identify areas to host first year recruiting events; secure venues; and process any contracts; travel and serve as host at events throughout the year.
- Achieve annual enrollment goals as they impact net tuition revenue for the University.
- Independently manage a geographic territory and strategically work with students to convert inquiries to applicants and to increase yield.
- Strategically develop new initiatives and events specific to the needs of various key areas.
- Lead and empower an eager and experienced team of admission professionals; perform employee evaluations of direct reports.
- Analyze enrollment reports from all sources and make subsequent recommendations to the rest of leadership.
- Accountable for the staff members that issue I-20’s on behalf of the entire University.
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes
Candidates for this position should have at least seven years of professional experience within higher education (specifically international recruitment and enrollment); prior management experience and a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field is required, while a Master’s Degree is preferred. The successful candidate will join an admission leadership team that is collaborative with a strong sense of community, mission, and purpose.
The person must have the ability to work independently, as well as with teams of colleagues, and possess the aptitude for detail-oriented tasks. The Director will also possess strong time management skills, a sense of humor, and have the ability to prioritize and balance responsibilities. High energy level and ability to work under strict deadlines is imperative.
In addition, the new leader is expected to possess the following knowledge, skills and attitudes:
- Excellent presentation, organizational, and relationship-building skills and the ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
- Ability to establish department goals, and objectives, that support the strategic plan.
- Confidence and experience to effectively plan, delegate, and supervise the work of others.
- Strong interpersonal skills to maintain effective and collaborative partnerships, both internally and externally.
- Ability to direct, manage, implement, and evaluate department operations.
- Possession of time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and balance numerous responsibilities.
- Willingness to travel internationally 4-6 weeks in the fall and 2-4 weeks in the spring (domestic travel may be required as needed), as well as a commitment to evening and weekend obligations.
- Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, as well as Microsoft Outlook to effectively communicate with internal and external constituents.
- Possesses a valid driver’s license and ability (as well as willingness) to drive when needed.
The University
The University of Miami is among America’s top research universities located in one of the most dynamic and multicultural cities in the world. The stunning campus lined with palm trees and well-maintained buildings offers students a comfortable and intimate campus setting with exceptional, cutting edge academic and cultural opportunities.
More than 19,000 students from around the world are pursuing their academic goals at the University of Miami, a vibrant and diverse community focused on teaching and learning, the discovery of new knowledge, and service to the South Florida region and beyond.
Established in 1925 during the region’s famous real estate boom, the University now comprises 12 schools and colleges serving undergraduate and graduate students in nearly 350 majors and programs.
With more than $413 million in research and sponsored program expenditures annually, the University of Miami is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). Only three percent of four-year institutions in the nation are invited to join the AAU, which recognizes breadth and quality of research and scholarship. While the majority of this work is housed at the Miller School of Medicine, investigators conduct hundreds of studies in other areas, including marine science, engineering, education, and psychology.
The University of Miami has three campuses on more than 400 acres throughout Miami-Dade County. The University’s main campus, home to two colleges and eight schools, is located on a 239-acre tract in Coral Gables, approximately seven miles from downtown Miami. These academic units include the School of Architecture, College of Arts and Sciences, Miami Herbert Business School, School of Communication, School of Education and Human Development, College of Engineering, Graduate School, School of Law, Phillip and Patricia Frost School of Music, and School of Nursing and Health Studies. The Division of Continuing and International Education is also located on the campus.
The campus is one of South Florida’s prime destinations for a rich variety of arts and cultural offerings. The Lowe Art Museum houses South Florida’s largest and most varied art collection and hosts traveling exhibitions. The Jerry Herman Ring Theatre offers a rotating lineup of musicals, plays, and other theatrical performances. The acoustically superb Gusman Concert Hall and Clarke Recital Hall host an array of concerts spanning the musical spectrum each year, presented by the Frost School of Music. The Cosford Cinema screens a wide variety of first-run, classic, rare, and art-house films. The Coral Gables campus is also home to the University’s celebrated intercollegiate NCAA Division I athletics program.
In recent years, many major new facilities have been added to the Coral Gables campus—Watsco Center, Perez Architecture Center, Schwartz Center for Nursing and Health Studies, Simulation Hospital Advancing Research and Education, Shalala Student Center, Frost Studios North and South, Schwartz Center for Athletic Excellence, Long and Smith Student Services Building, and the Frost Institutes for Chemistry and Molecular Science. The Lennar Foundation Medical Center, a 200,000-square-foot ambulatory medical facility, opened on the campus in 2016.
To learn more about the University, visit www.miami.edu.
TO APPLY
The University of Miami is partnering with NES to identify a well-qualified professional to fill the position of Director of International Admission. To arrange for a confidential conversation or to nominate someone for this position, please contact Mary Napier or Laura Robinson or Ann Salina-Tucker. To apply, send 1) a resume, 2) a detailed letter of interest regarding your interest in University of Miami, and 3) contact information for five professional references by email to: miami@nessearches.com. For best assurance of full consideration, interested individuals should submit application materials no later than September 25, 2023. Resumes will be reviewed until the position is filled. All applications and nominations will be considered confidential, and notice will be given before references are contacted. Anticipated start date is January 2024; ideally the selected candidate will be located locally in Coral Gables, FL with a hybrid on-campus/work-from home model. Inquire with NES regarding questions about the position requirements and compensation.
The University of Miami values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for all persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by law.