PAY GRADE: 30E          

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

The University of Delaware’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is a top-ranked 2.5-year accelerated program. The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of Delaware is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). As an accredited program this position must take initiative, exercise sound judgment, and provide accurate reporting and records to remain in compliance with accreditation standards.

The graduate program receives approximately 600- 800 applications (300 to 500 submissions) per year and is highly competitive. The admissions process is managed and coordinated within the Department of Physical Therapy, which hosts or participates in a variety of on- and off-campus recruiting events that include, but are not limited to, DPT open houses, information sessions, tours, interview days and UD Decision Days.

Under the supervision of the Business Administrator and general direction of the Department Chair and DPT Program Director, the Academic Program Manager manages the DPT admission process. The Academic Program Manager reviews applications, serves as a member of the Admissions Committee, serves as ambassador at recruitment events and builds relationships with prospective students. The Academic Program Manager serves as an advisor and partner with UD undergraduate programs to enhance recruitment of undergraduate students at the university. The Academic Program Manager works independently and autonomously, displays exceptional attention to detail and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop enrollment management strategy with consultation from Admissions Committee, including setting priorities in student recruitment, admission, and scholarship, implementing pivots in strategy as needed.
• Monitor the enrollment funnel to identify weak spots and develop course correction plans.
• Conduct standard application pool management activities such as completing and distributing app pool management reports to stakeholders and managing prior year deferrals and waitlists.
• Stay abreast of trends in graduate enrollment management; implement best practices in recruitment, interviewing, and yield strategies.
• Monitor federal and State guidelines and physical therapy admission traffic rules, implementing appropriate procedures to maintain compliance.
• Direct efforts to enhance advising of UD undergraduate students interested in UDPT and the physical therapy profession in collaboration with CHS Undergraduate Student Services and academic units.
• Develop scholarship strategy to enhance high qualified applicant yield.
• Oversee and manage all operational aspects of the DPT admissions cycle; establish timelines for the admissions cycle including all phases of recruitment, interviews, and committee meetings.
• Conduct outreach at the individual applicant level to drive applicants to: apply, complete, interview, deposit, and enroll.
• Maintain communication with prospective students through all stages of the recruitment and admission process.
• Review transcripts to ensure coursework is being fulfilled; follow up as needed to circumvent potential issues.
• Manage admissions data and provide reports in compliance with CAPTE Accreditation records.
• Screen, review, and score all applications in national PTCAS database.
• Analyze data to generate informative reports for the Admissions Committee using PTCAS and WebAdmit.
• Compile and maintain accurate data on all applicants including offers and scholarships.
• Prepare financial projections for the annual scholarship budget.
• Serve as a member of the Admissions Committee; conduct meetings, present data and make recommendations for admission and scholarship offers.
• Advise prospective DPT students and undergraduate students on educational opportunities, admission requirements, coursework, policies, procedures, and financial assistance.
• Cultivate relationships with prospective students and their families; respond to inquiries from a pool of approximately 600- 800 applicants using a high level of independent judgment.
• Host and coordinate on-campus events for prospective students and parents including receptions, tours, observations, open houses, college nights, and information sessions.
• Develop collaborative relationships with high school guidance counselors, college academic advisors, and instructors.
• Develop and deliver presentations to students at career fairs.
• Develop recruitment materials, and coordinate and manage content updates on the Physical Therapy website to ensure all forms, requirements and documentation are up to date, following UD communications best practices and working in partnership with the CHS communications team.PHYT420- PT Professional Seminar. Course coordination, lectures and advisement meetings with students who are interested in UDPT. 
• Administrative Management for Early Entry Program Development.
• Manage PT Admissions Emails
• Monitor recruitment and scholarship budgets and communicate forecasted spending to the Business Administrator.
• Manage department new student orientation and onboarding requirements.
• Prepare ad hoc reports using VGER, UDSIS, UDataGlance, Smartsheets, and Access.
• Develop statistical analysis of program data for Commission on Accreditation in PT Education (CAPTE) annual report.
• Manage DPT student volunteers for admissions events and mentorship opportunities.
• Liaison with Registrar's Office, Graduate Office, Center for Health Professions, Undergraduate Student Services, and other units on campus, as needed.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICAITONS:

• Bachelor’s degree and four years of direct experience in college admissions or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to develop and implement processes and/or initiatives relative to physical therapy admissions.
• Ability to independently manage an admissions program.
• Knowledge of student recruitment, retention issues and admissions standards.
• Knowledge of academic admissions policies, procedures, systems, regulations, and standards.
• Effective analytical skills and technical skills.
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, and Outlook with an emphasis on data management and manipulation (pivot tables, filters, formulas), accuracy and timely results.
• Ability to prioritize appropriately and handle multiple assignments concurrently and deliver accurate results in a fast-paced environment within strict deadlines.
• Self-motivated with initiative and exceptional attention to detail.
• Effective organization skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to interact well with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to present effectively to small and large groups.

Special Requirements:

• Some weekend and evening work is required.
• Due to the large number of applicants, peak times throughout the admissions process will require extended hours.