Career Center

Washington University, a private research university located in St. Louis, Missouri, is seeking a collaborative and strategic Deputy Director of Admissions to serve as a senior member of the Office of Admissions leadership team and provide operational leadership and supervisory management in areas including recruitment, yield, staff and team development. As a senior leader in the admission office, the Deputy Director will report to the Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions and provide direct supervision and support to a staff of 16, including three direct reports. The Deputy Director will ensure that staff are meeting objectives and goals; provide leadership in supervision and project management oversight; and is responsible for developing and implementing programs and initiatives.

In partnership with the Vice Provost, the Executive Director and an additional Deputy Director- Selections, the chosen candidate will provide oversight, strategic direction, and support to the efforts to recruit, select, and yield a talented and diverse class. The new Deputy Director will challenge staff to think creatively and innovatively and to use and process data to inform, improve, and implement projects and programs. The Deputy Director supports admissions efforts to standardize procedures, expand professional development, and nurture a culture of collaboration across the unit. The Deputy Director works closely with the Executive Director to develop and execute strategic plans related to recruitment and yield.

Full position announcement: https://nessearches.com/dda-washu/

TO APPLY
Washington University in St. Louis is partnering with NES to identify the best professional to fill the position of Deputy Director of Admissions. To arrange for a confidential conversation or to nominate someone for this position, please contact Mary Napier (mary.napier@nessearches.com) or Laura Robinson (laura.robinson@nessearches.com).  To apply, send 1) a resume, 2) a detailed letter of interest regarding your interest in Washington University, and 3) contact information for three professional references by email to: wustl@nessearches.com.  For best consideration, submit materials by June 23, 2023; the search will remain open until the position is filled. The expected start date will be in the summer of 2023. All applications and nominations will be considered confidential, and notice will be given before references are contacted.

EEO/AA Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.

A bachelor’s degree and a minimum of eight years of experience and demonstrated success in admission are required. The preferred candidate will likely hold an advanced degree. Additionally, candidates must have a demonstrated record in successfully managing and supervising a professional staff, should have familiarity with the evaluation and selection process in a selective admissions environment and experience managing projects and processes, as well as creating and implementing solutions. In the absence of the Executive Director, the Deputy Director must be able to serve as second in command and represent the Executive Director internally and externally as needed. 

This position requires someone who is resourceful, solution-oriented, an excellent problem solver, has strong supervisory and management skills, and is a strong team player, capable of implementing and managing change. Although no one person will embody them all equally, the successful candidate will also be expected to demonstrate many of the following professional skills, experiences, and personal qualities:

• Experience developing, implementing, and assessing strategies and recruitment programs.
• Willingness to be available, responsive and engaged, and lead with a sense of humor and a positive attitude.
• Ability to see the “big picture” and understand the interconnectedness of the multiple aspects of admissions, including technology, reporting and data analysis, recruitment, evaluation and selection, access and inclusion, on-campus programming, staff training, budget management, and staff development.
• Strong technical and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data; experience with Slate CRM preferred.
• Excellent management skills; empowerment of others to manage projects and accomplish goals; willingness to delegate projects and processes with an appropriate level of oversight and to educate others in effective delegation and management skills.
• Strong long-term and short-term project management skills, as well as budget management experience.
• Ability to implement change, develop new initiatives, and establish priorities.
• Cross-cultural competency and experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and a passion for promoting diversity and inclusion in recruitment in a selective or highly selective college environment.
• Excellent decision-making skills, with the ability to independently exercise good judgment as well as direct and develop others’ decision-making.
• Desire to work in a collaborative work environment with strong communication across cross-functional teams.
• Ability to be resourceful, resolve conflicts and exhibit excellent problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to lead others to solutions.
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills; attention to detail with timeliness and clarity of communication to team members and external partners.
• Engagement with a variety of audiences and to conduct compelling admissions presentations that communicate WashU’s core values.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.