Associate Vice President of Online Operations

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Company: Virginia Commonwealth University

Location: Richmond, VA 23223

Description:

Associate Vice President of Online Operations

Benefits of working at VCU

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU's robust benefits package that includes: comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefit, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more. Learn more about VCU's benefits here.

Job Code
13516

Recruitment Pool
Direct Appointment

Posting Number
req7075

Unit
Offc of Strategic Enrollment Mngmnt

Department

Department Website Link
https://semss.vcu.edu/

Location
VCU

Address
907 Floyd Ave, Richmond, VA 23284 USA

Duties & Responsibilities

Summary:

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) seeks a highly experienced online higher education professional to serve as the Associate Vice President (AVP) of Online Operations. Reporting to the Vice President of Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success (SEMSS), this position works closely with Enterprise Marketing & Communications and academic departments to lead the infrastructure, strategy, and growth of VCU's fully online programs. The AVP will develop and manage an in-house online operational unit dedicated to ensuring alignment and success of online programs in collaboration with Deans, Program Directors, students, and other central services.

Aligned with VCU's commitment to expanding online education, this role focuses on innovative enrollment management, retention, and marketing strategies while enhancing the online student experience to ensure quality education and academic excellence.
Core Responsibilities
Strategic Online Leadership & Enrollment Growth
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive online enrollment strategy aligned with institutional goals.
  • Set and achieve enrollment targets for online programs, including recruitment, retention, and graduation rates.
  • Collaborate with deans, faculty, and academic leadership to expand online program offerings.
  • Lead the dedicated VCU Online Operations Unit, cultivating partnerships across the university to ensure consistent strategic online enrollment success.
  • Utilize data analytics to develop and execute strategic online enrollment management plans in collaboration with SEMSS leadership, Admissions, and Student Success.
  • Partner with the Budget Office and SEMSS budget team to develop multi-year net tuition projections and optimize tuition and fee structures.
Student Experience & Retention
  • Ensure a seamless student journey from inquiry to graduation through enhanced advising, orientation, and support services.
  • Collaborate with Student Affairs, academic support, and career services to develop engagement strategies tailored to online learners.
  • Implement technology solutions to enhance student recruitment, retention, and success.
  • Work closely with Student Services leadership to develop strategies that bolster online student retention and completion rates.
Partnerships & Collaboration
  • Work closely with faculty and academic leadership to ensure quality online learning experiences.
  • Coordinate with IT, finance, and legal teams to ensure compliance with state, federal, and accreditation regulations.
  • Provide executive-level support for university-wide online initiatives and serve on assigned committees and task forces.
  • Collaborate with Enterprise Marketing & Communications to align marketing strategies with VCU's online program growth objectives.
  • Conduct and analyze market research to assess the competitiveness of online programs and recommend enhancements.
Operational & Financial Oversight
  • Manage the budget for online enrollment initiatives, ensuring strategic allocation of resources.
  • Oversee vendor relationships, including Online Program Management (OPM) companies and marketing agencies.
  • Establish data and technology platform requirements for enrollment planning, budget development, forecasting, assessment, and reporting.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives informed by key performance metrics and student feedback.
Marketing & Recruitment
  • Lead digital marketing campaigns, leveraging SEO, paid ads, social media, and CRM tools to attract prospective students.
  • Oversee recruitment efforts, including outreach to adult learners, military students, corporate partnerships, and other key demographics.
  • Utilize data analytics to assess campaign effectiveness and optimize lead conversion rates.


Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
  • Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in online higher education.
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in online marketing, enrollment management, and leadership.
  • Proven experience developing and executing online program marketing and recruitment strategies.
  • Excellent communication, organizational, and time management skills.
  • Ability to multitask, prioritize, and lead in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proficiency with database systems, CRM platforms, and digital marketing tools.
  • Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Other Position Details
  • This position is 100% remote, with availability for on-campus work as needed.
  • This full-time position is eligible for VCU'srobust benefits package, including comprehensive health benefits, paid annualand holiday leave, retirement planning options, tuition benefits, employeediscounts, well-being resources, and career development opportunities.


FLSA
University Employee

Job FTE
1

Exemption Status
Exempt

Restricted Position
No

E-Class
UF - University Employee FT

Job Category
Executive and Senior Leadership

ORP Eligible
Yes

Salary Range

Compensation Type
Salaried

Target Hire Date
3/31/2025

Contact Information for Candidates

Documents Needed to Apply

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