Deputy Registrar

Rice University•Houston, TX

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of the Registrar (OTR) at Rice University supports the educational mission of the university by working with the Rice community to maintain the accuracy and integrity of educational records, provide quality service, and support innovative systems that enhance academic support. The Deputy Registrar is a critical leadership position within the Office of the Registrar (OTR). Serving on the Registrar's leadership team as second-in-charge, the Deputy Registrar manages, maintains, and safeguards the academic records of all students enrolled at the University, ensuring the accuracy, confidentiality, security, and integrity of those records and the Rice University degree. The Deputy Registrar provides critical support at the intersection of office operations, technology, business process, and policy. Acting as a big-picture thinker and thought partner, this role contributes to setting the strategic and operational vision for the OTR, while planning, prioritizing, advising, and managing staff and resources in alignment with the goals and mission of the university.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree
Seven or more (7+) years of related experience.
Demonstrated competency in administering complex academic administrative services in a highly decentralized college/university environment, with a strong commitment to high-quality customer service.
Extensive experience managing a team, including hiring, retaining, training, and developing exempt and non-exempt employees; setting goals; delegating tasks; determining appropriate deadlines; and conducting performance reviews.
Intermediate to advanced proficiency in data stewardship, database concepts, and querying skills (SQL). Experience using enterprise software systems, Oracle database querying tools and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau) to manage, analyze, and report on large data sets.
Track record of successful leadership in utilizing and optimizing student information systems, catalog management, classroom scheduling systems, and electronic degree audits. Project management experience is required.
Extensive knowledge of the legal requirements governing student records confidentiality, including FERPA and related higher education regulations. Ability to interpret, explain, and implement complex academic policies and procedures.
Advanced skills in analyzing and developing complex business processes, translating them into technical solutions, and leading effective project and change management initiatives.
Strong understanding of educational academic curriculum, including the relationship between degrees, majors, concentrations, minors, and certificates.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Proven ability to work harmoniously and collaboratively with team members, students, faculty, staff, and senior administrators.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Demonstrated ability to meet critical deadlines individually and lead effective teams to meet deadlines with minimal oversight.
A high level of business acumen and maturity, including the ability to maintain strict confidence with sensitive student records information.
Advanced-level proficiency with PC computers, including the Microsoft Office suite of standard applications.

Nice To Haves

Advanced Degree
Nine or more (9+) years of related experience.
Experience and history in participating in professional organizations (e.g., TACRAO, SACRAO, AACRAO) and contributions to the registrar profession.
Experience and knowledge of current trends and best practices with enrollment reporting to the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) and the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).
Experience with enrollment reporting to the U.S. Veterans Affairs Office (VA) and VA funding.
Experience and knowledge of the process of NCAA student-athlete eligibility, and compliance requirements.
Experience supporting innovative credentialing and non-traditional academic programs (e.g., micro-credentials, digital badging, and joint-degree programs)

Responsibilities

Serves as second-in-charge and a key thought partner to the Registrar, university leadership, and the community. Assists in setting the strategic direction, operational vision, goals, and priorities for the OTR.
Directs and oversees the core functions of the office and the Associate Registrars. Monitors operational efficiency, manages applicable budgets and resources, plans for depth and expertise to ensure coverage during absences or turnover, and leads the office in its support for overall student success.
Assists in the establishment and implementation of OTR policies and practices. Analyzes complex business processes, leads change management initiatives, translates needs into solutions, and ensures adherence to established standards across the office.
Oversees the management, maintenance, and security of academic records for a diverse university population (undergraduate, graduate, international, and non-traditional learners), ensuring strict adherence to FERPA and other legal requirements.
Directs the graduation auditing process, degree clearance, and logistical support for commencement operations to ensure the integrity of the Rice University degree.
Performs highly detailed analyses and routine data integrity audits of student records and academic administration data. Utilizes advanced database query skills (SQL) and tools (Tableau, SQL Developer, etc.) to review, analyze, and correct data consistently.
Creates and maintains documentation on processes and application configurations (including the OTRwiki, monthly task schedules, and annual production calendar). Identifies trends, writes proposals, and implements continuous process improvements for student records reporting.
Assesses and manages current and future technologies to maximize operations, ensuring the optimal use of the student information system (Ellucian Banner 9) and related integrated systems.
Participates in the creation, design, and testing of new software, upgrades, and system enhancements.
Coordinates closely with the Office of Information Technology (OIT) on applicable software upgrades, system performance issues, and technical troubleshooting.
Provides leadership in the integration and interoperability of the student information system (Banner) with enterprise platforms and third-party applications, including API-based data exchanges and identity management systems. Partners with campus stakeholders to ensure secure, scalable, and efficient data flows across systems. Supports the development and adherence to institutional data governance frameworks, ensuring consistency, integrity, and appropriate use of academic data across reporting, compliance, and operational needs. Contributes to the advancement of automated reporting solutions that support institutional, state, federal, and accreditation requirements.
Manages direct reports and their respective teams of exempt and non-exempt staff responsible for the office's functional operations and core services.
Proactively provides professional development and mentorship. Creates an internal learning program, sets clear goals and objectives, delegates tasks, and regularly reviews team performance.
Motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and fosters a welcoming, professional environment.
Communicates and presents effectively to senior administration, faculty, faculty senate leadership, and autonomous school-level stakeholders in a decentralized environment. Serves as an OTR customer service representative and backup to other professional staff as needed.
Serves as an active participant on committees, working groups, and task forces discussing trends in enrollment, new academic programs, credentials, and academic policies.
Maintains current professional knowledge of student records management and technology; actively participates in and contributes to professional organizations (e.g., TACRAO, SACRAO, AACRAO).
Shares responsibility for the content on the Office of the Registrar web pages and other communications; contributes toward the development and editing of website informational text and other communications to communicate policies and procedures.