Job Description Summary

In this leadership role, the Director of Automation and User experience will serve as a key partner in the Enrollment Marketing & Communications department. They will develop and implement a comprehensive user experience strategy that directly supports the university's enrollment marketing goals. This includes creating intuitive, accessible, and engaging experiences for prospective students throughout their journey, from initial website exploration to application submission, deposit, registration, and enrollment.

Job Description

DUTIES AND TASKS:  

• Develop and lead a marketing-focused user experience strategy. This involves partnering with the Enrollment Marketing & Communications department to identify user needs and pain points at every stage of the student journey (awareness, consideration, decision, and enrollment). 

• Employ hands-on user experience expertise. This includes conducting user research (interviews, usability testing, and journey mapping) to understand student needs and expectations throughout their decision-making process. 

• Lead the design, prototyping, and testing of user interfaces (UIs) relevant to student recruitment and enrollment. 

• Optimize the marketing funnel by leveraging data-driven insights from user research and analytics. Identify and address usability issues that may hinder student conversion rates and contribute to a decreased melt rate. 

• Develop user stories to enhance student journey and increase enrollment numbers. 

• Establish and maintain user experience best practices. Collaborate with the Enrollment Marketing & Communications department to ensure user experience principles are seamlessly integrated into all marketing materials and digital initiatives. 

• Manage and mentor a user experience focus within the division. This includes fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation within the user experience team, while providing guidance and mentorship to team members. 

• Stay up to date on user experience trends. Continuously research and implement the latest trends and best practices in user experience design and technology. 

• Effectively contribute to initiatives that directly support student recruitment and enrollment goals. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Proven track record of successfully developing and implementing user experience strategies for complex digital products and services in the higher education space. 

• Strong understanding of user research methodologies, including user interviews, journey mapping, usability testing, and A/B testing. 

• Experience with data analysis tools and the ability to translate user research findings into actionable insights. 

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including, but not limited to financial aid, marketing and communications, academic departments, student affairs, students success, IT services. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 

• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines. 

• Passion for higher education and a commitment to creating a positive user experience for all, with a specific focus on student success. 

Special Instructions

Required Documents

In addition to a resume, the following documents are required for consideration. Please upload documents in the second step of the application packet process: 

• Cover Letter
• Values Statement - (500 words or less), should highlight how your philosophy and practices fit the Mission and Core Values of Saint Leo University. The University Mission Statement and Values are available on the Saint Leo website at “https://www.saintleo.edu/about/mission-values”.

ENVIRONMENT:   

The work environment characteristics described here are a representation of those an employee encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The term “qualified individual with a disability” means an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of this position. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate professionally in person, over the telephone, through email and other electronic means, move about the office and University, handle various types of media and equipment, and visually or otherwise identify, observe, and assess. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 10 pounds unless otherwise specified in the job description. 

NOTICE: 

The intent of this job description is to provide a representation of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. Saint Leo University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity as a critical step in ensuring employee, student, and graduate success.

Why Work at Saint Leo?

What it’s Like to Work Here: Ask our employees and the one word they’d use to describe working at Saint Leo University is “Community.” Our team members all share the Saint Leo core values, positive attitudes, and problem-solving abilities, enabling them to provide excellent student centered service. Our mission is educating and preparing students for life and leadership in a challenging world.  Thank you for your interest in joining the Saint Leo PRIDE!

We are committed to providing our employees with the support they need. At Saint Leo, we offer an array of medical, dental, and vision packages as well as several add-on perks to make your benefits package truly customizable to you and your family needs. Available benefits based on employment status (Full Time vs Part Time).

• FREE Tuition - Employee, Spouse, and Dependents*
• Tuition Exchange Opportunity - Dependent of Employees*
• Generous Paid Leave - Sick, Vacation, and Holidays
• Comprehensive Group Health Plan (Medical, Dental, and Vision)
• Group Medical Plan includes Teledoc, Surgery Plus, Wellness Incentive Program and more!
• 100% Employer-Funded Health Reimbursement Account
• 100% Employer-Paid Short Term Disability Insurance
• 100% Employer-Funded Employee Assistance Program (healthcare and dependent options)
• Employer-provided life insurance
• Discounted On-Campus Dining Meal Plans
• Nationwide Pet Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 403b Retirement Plan
• Wellness Center

*Eligibility based on meeting required service period