Residence Specialist

Universities of Wisconsin•Madison, WI

4d•$70,000

About The Position

The Residence Specialist joins a collaborative team in the Office of the Registrar and develops expertise in interpreting and applying the laws, policies, and regulations governing residency for tuition purposes under Wisconsin's Residency for Tuition Law. The role reviews residency claims, determines tuition residency status, and advises students and families on establishing and maintaining resident tuition classification. It provides guidance to students and campus partners and supports consistent and equitable application of state law, including administrative and operational support for appeals reviewed by the Nonresident Tuition Appeals Committee. The position maintains and improves communications, business processes, and administrative systems to support efficient service delivery and a positive student experience. It requires comfort with databases and technology, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement. The position reports to the Assistant University Registrar for Enrollment & Residency in the Office of the Registrar, within the Division of Enrollment Management. The broader listed responsibilities include auditing and serving as a compliance subject matter expert and point of contact, helping leadership develop and publish compliance reports, and collaborating with institutional compliance experts to review procedures and recommend changes. The employee is expected to meet Office of the Registrar standards, participate in professional development and process/system testing, and support the university's mission, including responsiveness to groups underserved by higher education. The minimum annual salary is $70,000; actual salary depends on the selected candidate's qualifications. The role is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, health, dental, vision, and life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System pension fund.

Requirements

Two or more years of work experience in higher education.
Strong attention to detail, accuracy, organization, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
Ability to interpret and apply complex laws, regulations, policies, and procedures to individual circumstances and cases.
Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy in a high-volume work environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to explain complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
Ability to handle sensitive and challenging conversations professionally and with sound judgment.
Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information discreetly and in accordance with applicable policies and requirements.
Strong technological aptitude and a data-informed approach, with the ability and willingness to learn and effectively use new software, systems, and technology.
Eligibility to work in the United States without employer sponsorship by the effective appointment date and throughout employment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with student information systems and other technology or systems used to collect, evaluate, and analyze residency requirements.
Knowledge of and experience interpreting and applying residency determination laws, regulations, policies, and procedures in higher education, preferably at a large, complex institution, or comparable experience applying complex regulatory requirements to individual cases.
Demonstrated experience in administrative process design and improvement.
Bachelor's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Review and determine residency status for tuition purposes in accordance with Wisconsin's Residency for Tuition Law.
Educate and advise students, families, faculty, staff, attorneys, and members of the public about residency requirements, policies, and application of state law.
Provide administrative and operational support for the Nonresident Tuition Appeals Committee, including coordinating residency appeal processes.
Maintain and enhance communications, business processes, and administrative systems to improve service delivery, efficiency, and the student experience.
Audit and serve as a subject matter expert and point of contact for potentially affected units and affiliated organizations, ensuring appropriate compliance notices are issued.
Assist leadership with developing and publishing compliance reports in accordance with established laws and regulations.
Collaborate with institutional compliance subject matter experts to review procedures and recommend changes to leadership.
Meet Office of the Registrar standards for customer service, participation, communications, professional development, and testing of processes and systems; perform other assigned duties.
Demonstrate commitment to the University's mission, including sensitivity and responsiveness to groups underserved by higher education, and participate in related learning activities.