Director of Strategic Planning and Support

Introduction (Description of School/College/Dept/Program)

As Wisconsin’s only public urban research university, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has established an international reputation for excellence in research, community engagement, teaching and entrepreneurism. Designated an R1 research institution, UWM educates more than 26,000 students and is an engine for innovation in southeastern Wisconsin.

Founded over 60 years ago in the belief that Milwaukee would need a great public university to become a great city, UWM has a dual research and access mission aimed at serving the diverse needs of Wisconsin’s largest metropolitan area by furthering opportunities at all levels for students who may be financially or educationally disadvantaged. More than one-third of its students are the first in their families to attend college, and 30 percent are students of color. In all, the university educates more than 27,000 students on its three campuses. It is the largest educator of veterans in Wisconsin, with more than 1,000 enrolled each year under the federal G.I. Bill. The Princeton Review named UWM a 2018 Best Midwestern university based on overall academic excellence and student reviews. The UWM is committed to the full inclusion of LGBT+ campus constituents. In 2018, Campus Pride Index named UWM as one of the Best of the Best Top 30 LGBTQ-friendly postsecondary institutions in the United States. UWM was the first university in the nation to implement an inclusive housing policy.

As UWM’s newest division, the Division of Enrollment Management is responsible for providing guidance in vision, policy direction and operational oversight in enrollment of students and their progress to graduation. With particular emphasis on student retention and graduation, the Division of Enrollment Management is founded on the belief in every student’s ability to succeed.

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Milwaukee. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

Join the UWM family and the Milwaukee community and grow professionally and personally in your career and life. We make learning accessible at every age, stage of life and location. At UWM, we all share the motivation to learn and to excel. We value unique perspectives and possess the talent and desire to nurture ideas that make global impact. The comforts and connections of a major metropolitan city meet the resources and expertise of a world-class research institution at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Chief Enrollment Officer (CEO), the Director of Strategic Planning & Support (DSPS) is integral to the productivity and effectiveness of the Division of Enrollment Management. Serving as a senior advisor, strategist, and project manager, the DSPS oversees and manages a wide variety of administrative duties, enrollment initiatives, and special projects contributing to the priorities and goals of the division and University. Utilizing project management skills, the DSPS will ensure projects are streamlined, well-executed, and aligned with the priorities of the CEO. The DSPS is responsible for project management, preparing and/or contributing to reports, presentations, and proposals, and coordinating division affairs and events. The DSPS also manages scheduling and associated planning for the CEO.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • At least five (5) years of progressive experience in administrative leadership, which demonstrates a broad understanding of higher education, enrollment management or related area

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior experience serving in a higher-level administration position
  • Demonstrated experience working with high level executives in a collaborative setting
  • Demonstrated experience responding to student needs/interests within operational/administrative initiatives or projects
  • Demonstrated experience in analyzing and resolving complex issues, both logical and interpersonal
  • Evidence of strong communication (verbal & written), relationship-building, and leadership skills
  • Demonstrated project management skills
  • Experience managing schedules for higher-level administrative staff
  • Demonstrated experience in promoting and growing an inclusive environment for students and staff
  • Experience at a multi-campus university

Deadline to apply is October 20, 2019.  

UWM is an AA/EO employer: All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or protected veteran status.