Associate Director, Evaluation and Selection

Vanderbilt University • Nashville, TN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Director, Evaluation and Selection is part of the Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) unit in the Owen Graduate School of Management (OGSM) at Vanderbilt University and is a manager responsible for assisting in the operational functions of the applicant evaluation and selection process. This role manages key aspects of the evaluation and selection process, ensuring integrity, fairness, consistency, and effectiveness while aligning the selection strategies with the university's enrollment objectives. This position reports to the Senior Director of Evaluation and Selection.

The Owen Graduate School of Management (OGSM) is a professional school at Vanderbilt University, located in Nashville, Tennessee, focused on graduate-level business education. OGSM’s mission is to create opportunities for its faculty, staff, and students to discover, grow, and thrive in business and beyond. OGSM recognizes discovery in traditional forms, such as scholarly research, intellectual curiosity, and curricular learning. But it also celebrates discovery unique to the human experience, that is, the art of becoming, which is lived through a desire to connect with others, to find meaning in work and relationships, and to create something new. OGSM sees transformation as foundational.

The Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) unit is a dedicated team within OGSM focused on optimizing the recruitment, selection, aiding, onboarding, and enrollment of students throughout their academic journey. The SEM unit employs data-driven strategies that align enrollment practices with OGSM’s reputational ambitions, revenue goals, and academic mission.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in admissions, enrollment management, or related field.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills, with the ability to interpret data and assess the impact of evaluation processes on enrollment outcomes.
• Proficiency in utilizing data-driven approaches for decision-making and strategy development.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail in evaluating applicant submissions and upholding the quality of the selection process.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree preferred.
• Prior experience in graduate admissions, including application review, scholarship evaluation, and applicant communication.
• Established network within the higher education landscape, particularly in graduate management education, is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the implementation of a comprehensive evaluation and selection strategy across all full-time and part-time degree programs, as well as pre-college initiatives, that aligns with the OGSM’s enrollment objectives and enhances the quality of admitted students.
• Manage key components of the admissions evaluation process, including named awards administration, waitlist management, decision release procedures, and applicant communications, ensuring adherence to best practices and regulatory standards.
• Assist in the development of metrics and evaluation criteria to assess the effectiveness and fairness of the admissions process. Use findings to make informed recommendations for process improvements.
• Work closely with other departments, including marketing, recruitment, and student services, to ensure a seamless and positive applicant experience throughout the evaluation and selection process.
• Assist in training initiatives for SEM staff to promote best practices in applicant assessment and ensure consistency in decision-making.
• Hire, select and train a team of student workers who interview candidates as part of the admissions process. Maintain high standards for the interview team by conducting regular calibration and training.
• Collaborate with the Senior Director for Evaluation and Selection to develop Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) related to the evaluation and selection process across all programs, analyzing data to measure effectiveness and inform continuous improvement strategies.
• Thoroughly assess student applications, facilitate interviews, and engage with the Selection and Evaluation team to ensure the timely and accurate determination of admissions decisions that align with institutional objectives and priorities.
• Assist in recruitment and outreach efforts to promote the OGSM with prospective students as needed in collaboration with the Recruitment and Outreach team.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager