Director for Pre-College Programs

JOB TITLE: Director for Pre-College Programs

DEPARTMENT:  Pre-College

REPORTS TO:  Assistant Vice President for Admissions

Summary:

The Director for Pre-College Programs will play a key role in shaping and implementing programs that provide high school students with a transformative and immersive experience in the arts and ensuring programs align with the mission and goals of the University. The Director for Pre-College Programs serves as part of the Admissions leadership team and assists the AVP with market research, development of marketing and outreach strategies, enrollment activities, and administrative policies and procedures. This position is directly responsible for the implementation, monitoring, and assessment of fall and spring Saturday School and Summer Institute Pre-College programs, serving 300-500 high school students each year.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Designs and oversee the development of innovative and engaging Pre-College programs in various artistic disciplines that serve a diverse cohort of students.
  • Collaborates with faculty and staff to ensure program content is academically rigorous and aligned with industry standards, and that surrounding offerings support student success.
  • Maintain open and transparent communication channels with academic leaders to ensure a shared vision for Pre-College programs. Regularly update academic departments on program developments, achievements, and challenges.
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for Pre-College programs that aligns with the university's mission and goals. Identify new opportunities for growth and expansion of Pre-College offerings.
  • Leads efforts to recruit a diverse and talented pool of high school student
  • Serves as liaison for secondary schools, community organizations, and funding organizations, developing and maintaining long-term relationships.
  • Works closely with the Assistant Director for Visitor Experience and Administrative Assistant to execute administrative processes to support all pre-college programs, events, enrollment, and reporting needs.
  • Addresses and resolve student and parent concerns in coordination with other offices as needed.
  • Collaborates with the marketing and admissions teams to coordinate all print materials, email communication, advertising, website content, and social media content related to Pre-College programs.
  • Develops and manage the budget for Pre-College programs, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
  • Develops and implement effective admissions processes, including application review and selection criteria.
  • Explores scholarship and financial aid opportunities to make programs accessible to a broad range of students. Manage scholarship allocation, criteria, documentation, and tracking.
  • Hires and ensure accurate, timely payments are made for all faculty, program coordinators, program and classroom assistants, temporary staff, student employees, and all other associated staff, guest artists, models, etc who contribute to the Pre-College programs.
  • Establishes and monitor key performance indicators to assess the effectiveness of Pre-College programs; prepare regular reports for university leadership and donors on program outcomes and achievements.
  • Serves as the primary contact to campus offices and departments in support of Pre-College initiatives, including advancement, title IX, housing, health services, student affairs, academic departments, human resources, facilities, finance, dining services, public safety, and others.
  • Assists the AVP with special projects, research, and initiatives as needed.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the incumbent; they do not purport to describe all functions.  Incumbent may be assigned other duties, and the essential functions may change from time to time as necessary.

Education:

  • Bachelor’s Degree required.
  • Preferred: Master’s degree in visual or performing arts, higher education or arts administration, or education; or 5+ years directly-related experience in program development for high school population

Experience:

  • 3+ years of progressive experience in a non-profit college/university or community-based organization.
  • 3+ years of high school program development, recruitment, and implementation experience.
  • Leadership or mentorship experience in a professional setting.
  • Preferred: Experience contributing to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in an educational setting.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:          

  • M-F, 9AM-5PM
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
  • Must be able to work an often modified schedule during Saturday School (Oct-Dec and Feb-April) programming, ex: Tues-Saturday.
  • Ability to conduct thorough and meaningful research and data analysis, informing actionable goals.
  • Ability to plan and execute academic and social programs with a focus on outcomes.
  • Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of successful program implementation, growth, and management.
  • Experience in budget development and management, including financial planning, budgetary oversight, and exploring financial aid options or scholarship opportunities for program participants.
  • Computer skills including proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite, customer relationship management systems, student information systems, and the ability to learn new systems quickly and thoroughly.
  • Familiarity with Slate or another admissions CRM is preferred.
  • Capacity to work independently, to assess needs, and to provide creative solutions; excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
    • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
  • The Director will need to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, external partners, and diverse stakeholders.
  • Strong presentation skills and the ability to articulate the value of Pre-College Programs are critical.
  • The ability to establish and nurture relationships with high schools, community organizations, and arts institutions is crucial.
  • Candidates should have a proven ability to build partnerships that enhance program offerings and broaden the reach of Pre-College Programs.
  • Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and opinions.
    • Flexibility, and quick-responsiveness to new situations and changes.
    • Interest in, and commitment to, the goals of higher education.
    • Ability to work evenings and weekends, travel, with current driver’s license.
    • Ability to work some Saturdays during fall and spring programs.

Supervisory Responsibility:

  • On a temporary basis, the Director for Pre-College Programs will supervise program faculty, temporary staff, and accompanists.

About The University:

The mission of the University of the Arts is to advance human creativity. With a history stretching back to 1876, UArts believes creativity is the most essential skill for success in today’s society, and has educated generations of innovative artists, performers, designers, and creative leaders for nearly 150 years. After being granted university status in 1987, University of the Arts became the largest institution of its kind in the nation, offering programs in design, fine arts, media arts, crafts, music, dance, theater, and writing. It now features 28 undergraduate arts majors, 12 graduate programs, and the nation’s first PhD program in Creativity. UArts is also home to innovative centers across disciplines, including the Philadelphia Art Alliance, Rosenwald-Wolf Gallery, and the Center for Immersive Media. Learn more about UArts.

 

TO APPLY: Interested, qualified applicants should submit letters of application and resumes to the Human Resources Department via email to jobs@uarts.edu. Please ensure job title is in the Subject line.
 

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, The University of the Arts publishes its Annual Safety Report at the following link for your reference:

http://www.uarts.edu/about/campus-crime-fire-reports

 

THE UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Title IX Statement: The University of the Arts prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in its programs and activities, including admission and employment, in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The Director for Title IX, Equity, & Compliance is responsible for overseeing compliance with Title IX and other civil rights laws and regulations. To contact the Director for Title IX, Equity, & Compliance, e-mail titleix@uarts.edu, visit The University of the Arts, 320 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102, or call 215-717-6362. To learn more about the University's Title IX policy and response to sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence, please visit www.uarts.edu/titleix. Inquiries may also be directed to the Federal agency responsible for enforcing Title IX, the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

 

 

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