Senior Assistant Dean for Law Enrollment

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via ConnectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

The University of Mississippi

"The University of Mississippi — fondly referred to as Ole Miss — stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where every member — student, faculty, and staff — can achieve their fullest potential.”

Department Summary

The University of Mississippi School of Law is consistently recognized for its experiential learning opportunities. Through clinical programs, externships and advocacy organizations, such as the School of Law’s Pro Bono Initiative (PBI), students work with licensed attorneys to represent real clients. With this practical experience, students are able to make a seamless transition from the classroom to their profession. The University of Mississippi School of Law also has several nationally recognized programs, centers and institutes, such as the only ABA accredited program in air and space law. Finally, the School of Law has received many recognitions and accolades, including the following:
● Best Value Law School by National Jurist
● Honor Roll for Business Law by National Jurist
● Nationally Recognized Wellness Program by the American Bar Association
● Ranked #20 for Federal Clerkships by Percentage
● Leader in Access According to A Study in Rutgers Law Review

Role Specifications

Below you will find classification and compensation information.  For additional details behind the University of Mississippi classification system please visit Human Resource Compensation Page

Family -  Communications and Marketing

Sub-Family - Communications

Career Track / Level - M4

Grade - 14

Role Summary

Directs strategic planning of communications and provides approval and guidance for communications in support of institutional or departmental communication goals.

• Proven track record of developing and deployment of successful enrollment management strategies.
• Strong understanding of enrollment trends, data analytics, and digital marketing tools.
• Exceptional leadership, management, and interpersonal skills; a desire to work in a collaborative and transparent work environment with strong communication across all members of a team.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders; engagement with a variety of audiences, with the ability to conduct compelling presentations that communicate the School of Law’s core values and outcomes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate positively, effectively, transparently and authentically with leadership, colleagues, staff, and students.
• An appreciation of and commitment to further a culture that prioritizes diversity, access, opportunity and engagement.
• Strong project management skills, as well as budget management experience, and the ability to implement change, develop new initiatives, and establish priorities.
• Broad and deep knowledge of the higher education industry including knowledge of law school recruitment and contemporary marketing trends.

Examples of Work Performed

Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a comprehensive enrollment management strategy including enrollment marketing, recruitment activities, data analysis, applicant evaluation and advising, and scholarship awards aligned with the law school’s goals and objectives of student access, opportunity and success and collaborate with law school leadership to establish enrollment targets and priorities.

Enrollment Marketing: Lead the development of strategic marketing and communication initiatives to designated audiences and internal and external stakeholders, including digital, print, and social media channels, to effectively communicate the law school’s value proposition in a way that aligns with the university’s brand and resonates with target audiences. Enhance the law school’s online presence through targeted digital marketing and communication initiatives, website and search engine optimization, social media marketing, and content marketing. Oversee the creation of admissions and law school marketing materials, to include brochures, digital ads, blogs, video content, and other traditional and digital assets aimed at prospective students and key stakeholders. 

Admissions and Recruitment Management: Direct strategy and implementation of programs and procedures involved in the recruitment, evaluation, and selection of applicants seeking entrance to the law school. In support of achieving enrollment-related strategic goals, lead comprehensive recruitment efforts by implementing innovative on-campus events and virtual outreach, and attending local, regional and national law school fairs, conferences, and other relevant events to attract and enroll an academically strong student body. Analyze admissions files, make recommendations, and serve as a voting member on the Admissions Committee. Administer the scholarship award process in compliance with scholarship agreements. Supervise prospective student counseling and applicant engagement. Develop and coordinate the annual recruitment calendar. Engage yield strategies to convert admitted students into enrolled students, including campus visit programs and personalized follow-up. Collaborate with the alumni and giving office, the career services office and law school faculty to leverage alumni success stories, employer partnerships, and faculty research and expertise to use in marketing efforts.

Data Analysis and Insights: Utilize data analytics to assess effectiveness of marketing, recruitment, and scholarship strategies, including LSAC data, website traffic, social media and other first party data to improve performance and make data-driven recommendations for continuous improvement of enrollment efforts. Monitor enrollment trends and market conditions to adapt strategies continuously. Prepare reports on marketing and enrollment performance, sharing with the law school’s leadership.

Essential Functions

These essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following.  Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring department.

1. Provides strategic guidance for communication initiatives to designated audiences and internal and external stakeholders to maximize engagement and to strengthen collaboration efforts.
2. Determines unit personnel needs and the unit personnel resource allocation plan.
3. Examines current practices and suggesting/implementing improvements, establishing new processes and clearly communicating goals/plans at both the strategic and operational levels.
4. Oversees creative efforts including conception, development, creation, editing, production, and implementation of promotional communications, educational communications, and/or scholarly publications.
5. Provides recommendations that significantly influence University policies or programs.
6. Builds an effective team of leaders by providing guidance and coaching to subordinate managers.

Minimum Education/Experience

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Experience:  (10) Ten Years Experience, (6) Six Years of Supervisory Experience

Application Procedures

To arrange for a confidential conversation or to nominate someone for this position, please contact Laura Robinson (laura.robinson@nessearches.com) or Mary Napier (mary.napier@nessearches.com).

To apply, send 1) a resume, 2) a detailed letter of interest regarding your interest in the position of Senior Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management at University of Mississippi, and 3) contact information for five professional references by email to: olemiss@nessearches.com.

For best consideration, submit materials by December 12, 2024; the search will remain open until the position is filled. The expected start date will be late February, 2025. All applications and nominations will be considered confidential, and notice will be given before references are contacted.

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.

Minimum Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements:  These physical requirements are not exhaustive, and additional job-related physical requirements may be added to these by individual agencies on an as needed basis. 

Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

Physical Exertion:  The incumbent may be required to lift up to approximately 10 pounds.

Vision:  Requirements of this job include close vision. Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

Motor Coordination:  While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is frequently required to talk and hear; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The incumbent is periodically required to sit. The incumbent is occasionally required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.