The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) seeks an experienced and forward-thinking enrollment leader to be its Assistant Vice President for Admissions and Recruitment (AVP).
Reporting directly to Amanda Vasquez-Vicario, Vice President of Enrollment Management, the new AVP will serve as a senior campus leader with the responsibility of managing a $1.35 million budget and a team of 27 staff with three direct reports: the Directors of Admissions and Recruitment, New Student Orientation and Campus Visits, and Enrollment Success Initiatives. The AVP will provide innovative leadership and vision to support UTEP’s unique student population, largely first-generation students from socioeconomically underprivileged backgrounds. This role is integral to facilitating the successful transition of undergraduate students through a student-centered approach that promotes a sense of belonging and offers exemplary customer service.
The AVP will be responsible for the overall quality and integrity of undergraduate student recruitment and admissions activities. This leader will oversee the successful execution of several aspects of the university’s strategic enrollment plan, including the identification of key markets, collaborative establishment of annual goals, and implementation of initiatives to promote enrollment growth. The AVP will also serve as a primary point of contact for community partners, nurturing relationships and achieving buy-in for key initiatives. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of students and the university community.
The successful candidate will have at least five years of progressively responsible leadership in student services in a higher education setting, extensive knowledge of undergraduate recruitment, and a proven track record of implementing recruitment strategies and increasing new student enrollment from both primary and secondary markets. Ideal candidates will also demonstrate ability and experience with supporting first-generation students of socioeconomically underprivileged status to navigate and resolve issues that impact student matriculation. Spanish language fluency and a doctoral degree are preferred.
UTEP is America’s leading Hispanic-serving university and ranked in the top 10 nationally for social mobility. Located at the westernmost tip of Texas, where three states and two countries converge along the Rio Grande, UTEP is a public research university that transforms lives. Ninety-four percent of UTEP’s nearly 25,000 students are from historically underrepresented backgrounds, and many are the first in their families to go to college. At UTEP, students have access to 171 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in eight colleges and schools. UTEP is the only open-access, top-tier research university in the United States, yet its retention rates exceed those of many selective institutions. UTEP’s strategic goals are outlined in American’s Leading Hispanic-Serving University: 2030 Strategic Plan.
El Paso is a highly livable, bi-cultural community with affordable homes and attractive neighborhoods. Approximately 2.2 million people live in the combined metropolitan area of El Paso and Ciudad Juárez. Surrounded by stunning mountains, El Paso experiences more than 300 days of sunshine annually with a dry climate and is regularly ranked among the safest large cities in the United States. The city also boasts a robust economy and strong job market in various sectors, is home to several Fortune 500 company sites, and offers numerous arts, cultural, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Inquiries and nominations may be directed to WittKieffer consultants Rob Springall and Jessica Cummings at UTEPAdmissions@Wittkieffer.com. Candidates should provide, as two separate documents: a resume and a letter of application that addresses the themes described in the Leadership Profile.
For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be submitted promptly; UTEP will review candidates until a final selection is made. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal.
In keeping with its access, excellence, and impact mission, The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all. We seek to attract faculty and staff who share our commitment.
The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity in employment or the provision of services in accordance with state and federal law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes an employee’s or prospective employee’s right to be free from sexual harassment under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972.
