Summary

As a comprehensive performing arts school set in one of the world's finest public institutions of higher education, the School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD) is deeply engaged in the creation, practice, scholarship, and pedagogy of music, theatre, and dance. We aim to provide leadership, nationally and internationally, in all three fields. We assert and celebrate the value of the arts to the mission of the University of Michigan. Further, SMTD is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion as a means of achieving and sustaining excellence.

NOTE: A cover letter is required and should be attached as the first page of your resume. It should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

This position reports to the Assistant Director of Admissions. Significant out-of-town travel is required and may include weekends and evenings. Some overtime hours during the height of the admissions season may be required.

Responsibilities*

Focus is on delivering 1) an effective, sophisticated experience for prospective applicants and their families; 2) a highly organized, efficient, technologically advanced application process for applicants, faculty, and staff. Serve as an influential recruiting representative for SMT

Recruitment, Admissions, and Financial Aid

• Recruitment
• Meet with prospective students and their families in person or virtually to explain School and University admissions policies and procedures and answer questions on academic programs, auditions, School applications, and campus life.
• Travel and represent the SMTD at college fairs, regional auditions, recruitment visits, and receptions, or represent SMTD at similar online events.
  
• Admissions
• Read, review, and render admission decisions on undergraduate and graduate student applications for specific programs in music, theatre, musical theatre, and dance as assigned. Responsible for monitoring admission and yield rates within programs assigned, and meeting enrollment goals.
• Work with faculty annually to determine enrollment targets for assigned programs/departments.
• Consult with the faculty on their particular admissions requirements; learn and use program level benchmarks and measures.
• Following the direction of the Assistant Director, execute business processes related to applications, i.e., processing paper and electronic applications/credentials, checking conduct statement responses, matching application/credentials with portfolio/audition results, and completing batch data entry loads, etc.
• Participate fully in the test and launch processes for our application and CRM environments.
• Support other admissions and financial aid projects as assigned. E.g. degree program changes in M-Pathways
  
• Financial Aid
• Support the merit-based financial aid process by preparing profiles on admitted applicants, participating in meetings with faculty and the Associate/Assistant Deans, and making recommendations within the process for levels of support. Provide active communication with the faculty and with the applicants to encourage enrollment.
• Support the need-based financial aid process by learning the fundamentals of grants, loans, and work-study funding and eligibility requirements; work actively with OFA and the applicants to help students throughout the process.

Administrative Responsibility

• Prepare and maintain periodic reports and surveys related to areas of oversight
• Develop expertise in the Query, Deliver, and Reader portions of Slate
• Other duties as assigned

Special Administrative Assignments

• Organize and execute special project and supervision responsibilities as assigned, which may include some of the following:
• Hire, train, and supervise student workers
• Lead and manage SMTD Visits, Webinars, and Tours programming
• Lead and manage SMTD summer orientation programs
• Lead and manage Non-Rackham Graduate international student I-20 visa request processing; liaison with U-M International Center.
• Lead and manage DEI recruitment efforts in collaboration with SMTD DEI team.
• Lead and manage incoming Study Abroad application processes.

Required Qualifications*

• A Bachelor's degree is required.
• Communication Skills - Candidates must have the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of personnel as well as with prospective students and families. Strong written and oral communication skills are essential, including the ability to exercise tact and diplomacy, and the ability to maintain confidentiality in matters of a sensitive or confidential nature.
• Demonstrated ability to think clearly and speak effectively in difficult situations.
• Cross cultural oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise a positive service-oriented attitude, initiative, independent judgment, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines is essential.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills including the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment is necessary.
• Must have excellent presentation skills, data analysis and interpretation abilities, a strong work ethic, and a high level of professionalism.
• Technology Skills - Excellent command of the use of technology in the workplace is critical. Position requires a detailed knowledge of and sophisticated use of web-based technology. Must have working knowledge of Microsoft products (e.g., Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Google Suite (e.g., Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs/Sheets), as well as familiarity with video conferencing services such as Zoom, Google Meet, WebEx, or similar
• Ability to work weekends and evenings as scheduled.
• Valid Driver's license and willingness and ability to travel by car, public transit, rail, or air. Extensive travel is required during recruitment season (typically summer and fall).

Desired Qualifications*

• One or more years of experience working in admissions, financial aid, and/or student services.
• Professional, collegiate training in music, dance, and/or theatre is preferred.
• Aptitude for and experience with college-bound students in the arts.
• Some experience working with international students and/or speaking ability in a second language is a plus.
• Experience in a Macintosh environment.
• Working familiarity with relational databases, CRM products (e.g. Slate), and/or the M-Pathways Student Administration system.
• An understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultures of the schools and colleges within the University
• Knowledge of University policies and procedures.

Background Screening

A pre-employment background check must be conducted before a candidate may receive a firm offer of employment to a staff position at the University of Michigan.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters when eligible