Assoc Dean-Admissions/Fin Aid

Position Summary

Reporting to the Dean of Student Life, the Associate Dean will play a key role in decision making and policy formulation and will serve as consultant and adviser to the Dean and Dean of Student Life in all matters related to admissions and financial aid.  The incumbent must have current knowledge of major trends in professional journalism and emerging career paths for novice and mid-career journalists.

Responsibilities

Key Functions:

• Formulation of a strategy designed to maximize the school’s ability to attract and enroll the most qualified and diverse students from across the United States and around the world
• Directing the planning, evaluation, design and implementation of the Graduate School of Journalism’s recruitment programs to meet the stated goals for attracting and enrolling students
• Implementing strategic recruitment of candidates to align with designated gift agreements
• Developing and implementing the Graduate School of Journalism’s financial aid policies and procedures
• Overseeing the processing of approximately 1500 applications
• Developing and implementing the most appropriate technical systems for document handling, the creation of admissions files and the paperless review of admissions folders; ensuring the proper training of faculty and staff who process or read files.
• Overseeing the smooth, effective and efficient operation of the Admissions and Financial Aid team, including all day-to-day administrative functions and technical operations 
• Travel in support of the recruiting and admissions process as required

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES     

Admissions

Oversees recruiting and works with Assistant Dean to identify and staff strategic recruiting opportunities, including directly interviewing and counseling applicants regarding admissions and financial aid packages.  Markets the School of Journalism to prospective students and personally represents the School at functions and/or ensures appropriate School representation at applicant recruitment events, online and virtual gatherings, professional conferences, alumni activities, on-campus open houses, visitation to corporate and individual gift sponsors, etc. 

Directs the development, implementation, and direction of admissions policies and procedures, including but not limited to, technology options and requirements and timely and informative reporting.

Oversees applications processing and develops and implements new strategies for the evaluation of applications for admissions.

Develops marketing strategies and products for use in recruiting efforts in concert with Director of Communications, Associate Dean for Development and Alumni Relations, Director of Career Services and others.

Serves as a Member of the School’s Admission Committee and ensures the timely preparation and accuracy of materials, as well as scheduling and deadlines. 

FINANCIAL AID RESPONSIBILITIES

Develops, sets policy and establishes procedures defining the financial aid packages and distribution of financial aid funds.

Oversees the process for the determination of student/applicant eligibility for federal, state and institutional loans, grants and scholarships, as well as, financial aid packages to international students.

Oversees the authorization, assignment and administration of loan, grants and scholarship funds, including governmental loan programs.

Directs the development of reporting systems to ensure accurate, timely and informative reporting detailing the allocation of stewarded and governmental funds and availability of funds for current and future use.

Serves on Financial Aid Committee and makes recommendations for funds allocations to students.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:     Minimum: Bachelor’s Degree   -   Desired: Master's degree in Student Personnel Services, Higher Education Administration or related field

Experience:    Minimum 7 – 9 years’ progressively responsible management experience in admissions, financial aid programs or a related field

Other Skills: * Computer Skills including: Knowledge of Student Information Systems [SIS], use of databases and analysis tools, Microsoft Office.

* Budget management

* Innovative, strategic thinker who can develop original solutions to a changing environment.

*Outstanding interpersonal and public speaking skills.

* A strong work ethic and sense of team dynamics, maturity, patience, listening skills, attention to detail, and an ability to work with culturally diverse constituencies

* The ability to interpret and effectively communicate policies and procedures both verbally and in writing.

* Ability to organize and analyze data and present analyses in a useful manner. 

Preferred Qualifications

*  Experience with adult students

* In depth knowledge and understanding of the School’s courses, awards and programs

* Journalism or other professional school admissions experience

Other Requirements

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.