Job Description

The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), an internationally renowned college of art and design, business and technology of the State University of New York, invites applications and nominations for the position of Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success.

The Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success provides innovative and visionary leadership in the design and implementation of college-wide recruitment, retention, and enrollment activities, as well as all other student success-related operations.

The Vice President, supported by 2 Deans and a Director, oversees enrollment services including a redesigned Office of Admissions and Strategic Recruitment, the Registrar’s Office, Financial Aid, the campus card initiative, the Office of Disability Services, and the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP).  The Office of Institutional Research, which is dedicated to data analysis and research in support of enrollment planning and other institutional initiatives, will also be a part of this division.  In addition, the Vice President oversees all student affairs offices including: counseling, student life, athletics, residential life (including the 4 residence halls), and health services.  The Vice President maintains a high internal and external profile and is a member of the President’s cabinet.

The Vice President reports to the President and must be committed to collaborating with key FIT stakeholders, including the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the academic deans, to develop and implement the College’s comprehensive enrollment and retention plans.  S/he leads research-based, outcome-oriented assessment and strategic planning activities to attract and enroll a highly qualified student body.    S/he will work with the Vice President for Advancement and External Relations to develop comprehensive marketing, communications and scholarship strategies that will promote the College to prospective students.  In addition, the Vice President will design and implement co-curricular and other student programs that will enhance students’ campus and residential experience at FIT.

The Institution:

With name recognition around the world, the Fashion Institute of Technology is a college of art and design, business and technology of the State University of New York. Its hallmark is extraordinary career education, exemplified by significant and far-reaching connections to industry.  The College has remained true to its original mission to educate individuals for careers in the fashion industry, while simultaneously expanding its offerings to include a wide variety of business and design professions—from computer animation and interactive media to advertising and marketing communications, from toy design to international trade and marketing, and from interior design to cosmetics and fragrance marketing.  The College offers more than forty (40) programs leading to the AAS, BFA, BS, MA, and MPS degrees. Many curricula, including, cosmetics and fragrance marketing and menswear, are unique to FIT; others, such as fashion merchandising management, visual presentation and exhibition design and toy design, were the first of their kind. FIT infuses every major with a comprehensive liberal arts education, providing our students with a global perspective, the capability to communicate effectively, and the ability to think critically.  FIT is committed to blending a premier educational experience with a career-focused curriculum.

As part of SUNY, FIT is a selective institution which provides an exceptional educational value, especially for the residents of New York State.  There are 6500 full time students and another 3500 take class’s part time. Nearly 45 percent of full-time students are from New York City; 20 percent come from New York State; 27 percent are from other states in the country; and 8 percent represent some 65 countries. The College has four residence halls accommodating approximately 2,300 students. The alumni, totaling some 70,000, count among its members such industry superstars as Calvin Klein, David Chu (founder of Nautica), Ralph Rucci, Nanette Lepore, and many other leaders in a range of business professions. FIT receives its principal financial support from the State and City of New York. The College is governed by its own Board of Trustees, most whom have made the design and related industries their lifes’ work, and are committed to the development of talent to renew and strengthen those industries.

Institutional Environment – New York City: The College’s location on Seventh Avenue at 27 Street in New York City plays a vital role in an FIT education. Just as New York City has set the standard for innovation in the arts, business, communications, fashion, and culture, FIT has set the standard in education in art and design, business and technology. The city is the College’s extended campus, and FIT makes good use of it. Faculty, guest speakers, and critics come from the City and from around the globe to the FIT campus every day, bringing a wealth of current knowledge, contacts, and experience with them. Students go to industry locations through field trips, mentorship’s, and internships. Real-world projects in the classroom and out in industry studios, showrooms, and offices provide hands-on work experience for students to develop their talents and expand their interests.

A master’s degree (PhD preferred) in higher education administration, psychology, or a similar field and a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in enrollment management is required.  The successful candidate must possess expertise in implementing strategies for outreach to new students and knowledge of strategic enrollment management theory, including recruitment and retention planning, as well as national trends and current best practices in the field. Experience in the design and implementation of enrollment management systems, student information systems and other institutional databases, predictive modeling and scholarship programs is required.   In addition, senior-level experience in managing other areas of student affairs is required. Strong written and oral communication skills, the ability to develop a collaborative enrollment environment and a commitment to diversity and inclusion are a must.

Supplemented by a generous benefits package, the salary range for this position is competitive and will be dependent on experience and qualifications. The Vice President is expected to be available on a regular basis in the evenings and weekends.  On-campus housing is provided. To be considered, submit an electronic application in Word format.   It must include a cover letter, current resume and salary, and the telephone numbers and email addresses for five professional references.   Applications and nominations should be emailed to:

FIT Search

Attn: Dr. Scott Healy, President

Scott Healy & Associates

scott@scotthealy.com

Preference will be given to applications received by April 10, 2009. However, applications will be accepted until the position has been filled.

FIT has a strong commitment to the principles of diversity and is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.  Applications from minorities, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged.