Special Assistant to the Vice President of Enrollment Strategy

Fordham University Portal•Rose Hill, VA

12d

About The Position

Position Summary Reporting to the Vice President for Enrollment Strategy, the Special Assistant acts as a strategic partner and force multiplier for the division. This role goes beyond administrative support to proactively align the Vice President’s time and focus with the division’s highest priorities. The Special Assistant manages complex workflows, monitors and advances key initiatives, and independently resolves high-level student and stakeholder issues, ensuring that only matters requiring executive attention reach the Vice President. This position may require evening and weekend work. Essential Functions Manages the strategic operations of the Office of Enrollment Strategy to ensure efficient workflows, effective communication, and high-level coordination across the division and the broader University. Convenes senior leadership groups to facilitate decision-making and drive project momentum through strategic agenda-setting, the preparation of comprehensive briefing materials, and proactive follow-up to ensure resolution. Translates the Vice President’s high-level goals into actionable project plans and tracking systems, supporting the initial scoping of partnership pipelines, such as dual enrollment and international programs, flagging potential delays in deliverables. Serves as the primary point of contact and liaison for the Office, independently managing and resolving escalated inquiries from students, parents, faculty, and external partners while exercising high discretion. Orchestrates the Vice President’s complex calendar and email communications, prioritizing time-sensitive needs, protecting blocks for strategic planning, and determining necessary escalations or follow-up. Provides fiscal oversight for the division, including assisting with annual budget development, monitoring expenditures, and conducting variance analysis to identify opportunities for resource reallocation. Handles executive administrative logistics including booking travel, making purchases, reviewing payments, and processing expense reports and reconciliations in accordance with University policies. Prepares and distributes agendas, reports, presentations, and background documents for meetings, conferences, and travel to ensure the Vice President is fully briefed and prepared for all engagements. Plans and coordinates internal and external in-person and virtual meetings and events for the Vice President and the Enrollment Management senior leadership team. Maintains flexibility to work outside normal office hours and travel as needed to support key enrollment events and special assignments.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Public Administration, Business, or a related field strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Manages the strategic operations of the Office of Enrollment Strategy to ensure efficient workflows, effective communication, and high-level coordination across the division and the broader University.
Convenes senior leadership groups to facilitate decision-making and drive project momentum through strategic agenda-setting, the preparation of comprehensive briefing materials, and proactive follow-up to ensure resolution.
Translates the Vice President’s high-level goals into actionable project plans and tracking systems, supporting the initial scoping of partnership pipelines, such as dual enrollment and international programs, flagging potential delays in deliverables.
Serves as the primary point of contact and liaison for the Office, independently managing and resolving escalated inquiries from students, parents, faculty, and external partners while exercising high discretion.
Orchestrates the Vice President’s complex calendar and email communications, prioritizing time-sensitive needs, protecting blocks for strategic planning, and determining necessary escalations or follow-up.
Provides fiscal oversight for the division, including assisting with annual budget development, monitoring expenditures, and conducting variance analysis to identify opportunities for resource reallocation.
Handles executive administrative logistics including booking travel, making purchases, reviewing payments, and processing expense reports and reconciliations in accordance with University policies.
Prepares and distributes agendas, reports, presentations, and background documents for meetings, conferences, and travel to ensure the Vice President is fully briefed and prepared for all engagements.
Plans and coordinates internal and external in-person and virtual meetings and events for the Vice President and the Enrollment Management senior leadership team.
Maintains flexibility to work outside normal office hours and travel as needed to support key enrollment events and special assignments.