Enrollment Assistant

Department: School of Professional Studies
Salary/Grade: NEX/12

Target hiring range for this position will be between $22.00 - $25.00 per hour. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Job Summary:

The enrollment assistant's primary role is to support the enrollment operations team in the decision and application management process.

• Support seamless and flawless processing of applications for all undergraduate, graduate and select non-credit and summer programs at Northwestern SPS.
• Responsible for the ongoing monitoring and tracking of incoming and received application materials.
• Ensure that all applicants adhere to appropriate University policies for application and admission.
• Maintain and be the expert in technology associated with the application and admission process (including Anthology Reach and CAESAR) and provide recruiters with the appropriate information to support applicants and newly admitted students.
• Responsible for reporting ongoing metrics and providing data concisely for analysis by the Associate Director of Enrollment Operations and Senior Director of Marketing and Enrollment Management.
• Support Enrollment Operations team with any special projects or tasks when required.

Please note: Occasional weekend and/or evening events may require attendance.

Specific Responsibilities:

Enrollment Management Operations

• Under the direction of the Associate Director of Enrollment Operations, and in coordination with the Enrollment Management team, support goals for all programs requiring application.
• Coordinate both application processing and decision administration for select non-credit and summer programs.
• Disseminate admission requirements and application information to prospective students, in collaboration with and through the enrollment adviser and academic teams.
• Contribute to the weekly, monthly, and quarterly applicant and enrollment goals through strategic collaboration with the enrollment advisers and academic teams to help advance relationships by providing knowledge and information in a timely and proactive fashion.
• Implement program-specific application processes and procedures for domestic and international applications with enrollment management colleagues. Maintain knowledge of peer institution policies to inform SPS policies.
• Maintain strong relationships with the NU Office of Undergraduate Admission, The Graduate School, International Office, Student Accounts Office (Chicago Campus), Financial Aid Office (Chicago Campus) toward facilitating future SPS outreach in the global higher education market.
• Collaborate with SPS Registrar, Academic teams, and Enrollment Adviser team to lead efforts to achieve a seamless transition for matriculated students, including accurate and timely student record creation and handoff to student services.
• Collaborate with entire enrollment management team, SPS registrar, student services, and academic teams to set performance standards and expectations that yield excellence in student and enrollment services.
• Perform strategic planning with colleagues in support of enrollment management outcomes.

Data Management and Analysis

• On a regular and ad-hoc basis, gather, analyze, and accurately report lead, recruitment, applicant and admissions and intent-to-enroll data.

Policy and Compliance Operations

• Manage the implementation, monitoring and development of procedures in compliance with the University (including partners, e.g. Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, School of Communication, Medill) and SPS policies and regulations.

Information Technology Operations

• Manage the development and implementation of advanced technological applications and web-based interfaces for improved services, including, but not limited to, student information systems and workflow management for document imaging, new student admission, enrollment, matriculation, articulation, and transfer credit evaluation.

Matriculation

• Through research, analysis, and resolution, manage student disputes that relate to admission and matriculation.
• Provide information to enrollment advisers to assist in denial counsel and, if appropriate, next steps for strengthening academic record or better programmatic fits.

Professional Awareness and Engagement

• Represent SPS and enrollment management at select state, regional and national meetings, conferences, and programs as budget allows.
• Provide model leadership, participation, guidance, and information when serving on university-wide and School academic and operational committees

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 1 year work experience in a university admission, recruiting, human resources, registrar and/or marketing office.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Detail oriented, excellent organization skills.
• Information technology aptitude, a demonstrated ability to learn and leverage software systems.
• Exceptional verbal and written communications skills.
• Previous experience working in continuing education, for-profit education, admissions, or distance education.
• Ability to develop strong relationships with colleagues, faculty and students.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends, participation may be expected at evening and weekend information sessions and other events.
• Willingness to align with the mission of SPS as a partner of adult learners who seek a superior educational experience at Northwestern University.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a wide range of people and commitment to diversity.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Excellent analytical, decision-making and problem solving skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for large group presentations, one-on-one phone interaction, in-person and electronic communication.
• Strong organization and time management skills; ability to multi-task, coordinate tasks and responsibilities with colleagues effective, recognize, set and respond to priorities appropriately and independently.
• Ability to research and consolidate information into executive reports.
• Ability to initiate, build and maintain strong professional relationships and partnerships.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently, exercise good judgement with attention to details.
• Ability to document and organize workflows and business processes.
• Ability to collaborate effectively and collegially with others.
• Ability to work cooperatively within a team, quickly identifying and resolving conflict ina professional manner.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to succeed in a fast-paced environment, meet deadlines and demonstrate eagerness to learn new things while maintaining a positive and flexible demeanor.
• Ability to maintain a strong work ethic in a performance-driven and results-oriented environment.
• Open to coaching and constructive feedback toward enhancing job and team performance.
• Intermediate knowledge and proficiency utilizing MS Office and student information systems and web-based communication.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in education or student counseling; or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired.
• Three (3) or more years combined worked experience in university admissions and marketing.
• Knowledge of enrollment planning strategies, recruitment/admission policies and procedures, budget processes.
• Experience leading and managing a selective application review process.
• Experience working with university financial aid staff to identify financial aid options for prospective students.
• Experience with admission for post-baccalaureate professional development programs; particularly professional health.
• Experience with part-time professional master's programs; particularly programs offered online or in a blended online and on-ground setting.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Demonstrated credibility in terms of possessing theoretical insight, practical knowledge and demonstrated skills grounded by and emerging through trustworthy communications and actions.
• Demonstrated commitment in terms of maintain focus, and persisting toward an articulated vision with tenacity and authenticity that is aligned with the SPS mission and values.
• Demonstrated collegiality in terms of demonstrating respect for other's abilities and commitment toward the achievement of a common purpose and public good.
• Demonstrated understanding of enrollment management practices toward successful recruitment, admission and enrollment of adult students.
• Familiarity with growth industries, including, but not limited to: STEM, management and business, analytics and tech.

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.