ABOUT USAC

USAC is a non-profit, university-affiliated study abroad organization headquartered on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno. Since 1982, USAC has provided opportunities for students to gain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to succeed in the global society of the 21st century. USAC sends students to study abroad in more than 50 programs around the world.

USAC’s success is a product of our staff, both in the US and abroad. We are committed to recruiting and retaining the best and seek high-energy individuals who believe in the importance of international education and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit, who is looking to work for an organization that values diversity.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Director of Academic Affairs, the Department Manager has broad planning and operational responsibility for overseeing and carrying out the day-to-day functions of the Admissions and Records department. In addition to staff supervision and training, the position’s primary responsibilities include enrollment management; overseeing and ensuring efficient processes for student engagement, admission, course registration, grade reporting and academic records; and assisting the Director with department planning, strategy development and implementation, and leadership. The position also manages the execution of USAC exchanges and special university admissions agreements.

The Department Manager exercises independent judgment and discretion in the performance of their job duties and ensures that all aspects, services and functions of the department are carried out in accordance with federal and state laws and industry standards, as well as with organizational policies and procedures. Strong leadership, communication, and management skills are a necessity for success in this position. We are seeking a star with patience and initiative who is highly organized, loves people and challenges, solving puzzles and finding win-win solutions, juggling multiple projects/tasks, and who is equally comfortable with structure and flexibility.

General Responsibilities

Department Management and Team Leadership

• Provides leadership, management, and support for the enrollment management efforts of the Admissions and Records department and develops a competent, productive, and effective staff.
• Inspires and leads the Admissions and Records team to engage with prospective students and applicants in new and effective ways with a specific focus on greatly increasing conversion rates year over year.
• Establishes annual department goals with Director and conducts ongoing analysis and management of department processes to ensure goals are being met.
• Collaborates across departments and with schools of record to ensure effective and coordinated organizational workflows and communication plans; resolves problems and enhances department processes and procedures by employing critical thinking skills and creativity.
• Leads training and staff development for the department; monitors and evaluates performance, identifies areas for improvement, and facilitates skills development.
• Ensures departmental communications are engaging, well written and easily understood; staff and student requests are processed quickly, sensitively, accurately, and according to USAC policy; and communicates changes in department policy and procedures to the Central Office and Resident Directors abroad in a timely manner.
• Serves as the department liaison to the University of Nevada Reno’s administrative offices for matters of admission, registration, and financial aid.
• Remains up to date on State, Federal and International privacy laws, (e.g., FERPA, GDPR, etc.) to maintain organizational compliance with standards of good practice for the management of academic records and student information.
  
  

Admissions & Records Management

• Monitors program enrollments and produces enrollment reports, proactively communicating trends and proposed solutions/actions to department director and CEO for consideration.
• Analyzes, researches and proposes to Director of department and CEO strategies to increase applicant conversion and yield. Collaborates with other departments and RDs (as necessary) in this process – with attention to discretion.
• Manages student withdrawal and university notification processes.
• Leads and manages department registrar functions including academic calendars and deadlines, course scheduling, course registration, end-of-term grade reporting processes, and issuance of academic records.
• Oversees School of Record agreements and enrollment processes; manages financial aid consortia agreements; and manages requests for academic accommodations.
• Manages the execution of reciprocal exchange and special university admissions agreements to ensure student enrollment is carried out according to the terms of each agreement.
• Assesses admissions and registration policy exception requests and grants exceptions in consultation with Director and Resident Directors as appropriate
• Serves as content manager for department webpages and other print materials.

Other Duties As Assigned

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education
• Three years’ professional management/leadership experience
• Three years’ experience managing a team of professional staff

Minimum Required Qualifications & Skills

• Familiarity with U.S. higher education system and structures
• Personal study abroad experience, or experience living abroad
• Excellent customer service, human relations, and interpersonal skills
• Strong analytical skills, creative problem-solving, project- and time-management skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Master’s or advanced degree in higher education administration or related field highly preferred
• Five or more years’ progressively responsible experience in university admissions & records with professional experience in education abroad.
• Extensive team management and development.
• Experience with foreign/non-U.S. university systems and credential evaluation
• Demonstrated skill in respectful, sensitive communication with people who are diverse in their cultures, languages and abilities
• Knowledge of the State and Federal codes, statues and regulations that govern U.S. higher education

Work Environment & Physical Demands

The duties of this job are mainly performed in an office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, and at times stand, and walk. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Minimal travel is expected as part of this position, only when necessary.

Benefits

University Studies Abroad Consortium offers a comprehensive benefits package to include: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and LTD along with a generous 401(k) retirement plan. On the first day of employment the employee is eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan. In addition, employees have the following paid leaves: sick, annual and 13 company holidays. A Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume, the employment application, three references, and a cover letter summarizing why you think you would excel at this position through BambooHR.

Selection Procedure

Review of Application: After submission, the application will be reviewed to determine if it is complete and if the qualifications are met. It is essential that applications include detailed information regarding education and experience to enable evaluation of the application.

Interview Process: Only the most qualified applicants will be considered for an interview. The interview process may include an initial panel interview, followed by subsequent assessments, in order to determine suitability for employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University Studies Abroad Consortium is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity as a core value. We support equal access and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to HR@usac.edu.