Mercy University invites nominations and applications for a highly strategic, innovative, results-driven leader to join a fast-moving, fast-growing institution for the position of Registrar. The Registrar is an innovative leader who will help shape the future of student success at Mercy University. The Registrar is responsible for the integrity, accuracy, security, compliance, and service effectiveness of academic records, registration, degree progress and conferral processes, and related student-facing academic administrative services. Reporting directly to the Associate Vice President of Data Analysis, AI and Strategy, and Executive Director of Financial Planning and Academic Operations within the Office of the Provost, this position provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, continuous process improvement, and a high level of service to Mercy’s students, leading the Office of the Registrar at Mercy University. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in Ellucian Banner and demonstrated experience using the system effectively to support day-to-day operations and institutional needs.
THE POSITION
The Registrar will serve as the steward of student data and be responsible for managing all processes related to the student life cycle, from enrollment to degree completion. This position will also ensure that all regulatory reporting requirements are submitted on a timely basis. The Registrar will report directly to the Associate Vice President of Data Analysis, AI and Strategy, and Executive Director of Financial Planning and Academic Operations within the Office of the Provost. The ideal candidate will be able to leverage technology to improve registrar processes in order to enhance the student experience and promote student success. This individual will also demonstrate key team-building qualities and be able to provide training and guidance to junior team members. Direct reports to the Registrar include:
- Deputy University Registrar
- Associate Registrar for Commencement & Curriculum
- Associate University Registrar for Data Analysis and Reporting
The 3 direct reports are currently supported by:
- Assistant University Registrar for Strategic Scheduling, Calendaring & Curriculum
- Assistant University Registrar for Conferral, Commencement & Compliance
- Assistant University Registrar for Records, Registration & Processing
- Registrar Scheduling Specialists
- Student Record Specialists
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES
Regulatory Compliance, Records & Reporting
- Interpretation and enforcement of current federal regulations related to student records management and regulatory reporting requirements
- Regulatory reporting to Student Clearinghouse, New York State and Federal agencies
- Provide FERPA training to all employees with access to student records
- Maintain the University’s student records, including archived student records, in all formats according to industry standards and the requirements of accreditation agencies
- Oversight of the preparation and dissemination of student Dismissal, Probation, and Dean’s List data
- Review and strengthen data gathering and reporting systems
- Lead necessary change management to make systems more efficient and functional
Office Leadership, Operations & Staff Development
- Hiring, training, mentoring, and assessment of Registrar Office staff
- Development of Standard Operating Procedures and calendar for Registrar Office processes
- Lead assessment and effectiveness of the organizational structure on a regular basis
- Lead professional development activities and represent the University to outside organizations
Academic Operations, Scheduling & Graduation
- Participate on academic committees such as Undergraduate Curriculum Committee, Graduate Curriculum Committee, etc.
- In coordination with the Office of Academic Affairs, set up procedures to ensure the college’s academic policies are complied with consistently, including classroom scheduling, degree audit, graduation, transfer credit entry, transcript processing, record-keeping, and related reporting including revisions of polices as necessary
- Ensure the academic course schedules meet the demands of Mercy’s students while balancing fiscal resources
- Assist academic administrators in the development and publication of semester course schedules
- Oversee the preparation of the Academic Calendar and Catalogs
- Lead all Registrar Office Commencement activities that include managing degree conferrals, providing honors designations, commencement and program preparation
- Other duties related to the functions of the Registrar’s Office, as well as additional responsibilities assigned by the supervisor
Technology, Data & Institutional Collaboration
- Effectively utilize Ellucian Banner to manage, maintain, and access information accurately and efficiently in support of operations, processes, and institutional objectives.
- Lead all IT projects related to Registrar Office processes and reporting requirements
- Manage key elements of the University’s student information system and other software applications used to support the Office of the Provost
- Monitor, analyze, and report on data trends that may impact strategically on existing or future projects/processes.
- Work closely with other college offices, including Admissions, Enrollment Services, Academic Affairs and Technology Services, to assist in the recruitment and retention of students
- Lead efforts to increase and enhance automation
QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will be committed to the mission of Mercy University and have a passion for fostering student success and a deep understanding of the complexities of higher education.
- Minimum of seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience with academic records and registration, including a minimum of five years of experience in a senior leadership role, or equivalent combination of experience and education
- Thorough knowledge of federal and state laws and mandates related to enrollment and student records with an understanding of institutional compliance responsibilities, including FERPA
- Strong commitment to delivering excellent customer service to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other constituents
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong management skills, including the ability to direct and motivate staff responsible for time-sensitive, customer-oriented processes
- Strong Communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex registrar operations at a high level to non-subject area leaders
- Excellent analytical, reasoning, and organizational skills and an affinity toward and with technology
- Proven ability to relate effectively to a wide variety of people of diverse backgrounds, including an understanding and respect for cultural, ethnic, and individual differences
- Expert-level proficiency with Banner is essential
- Prior experience with Banner, Coursedog, SLATE, DegreeWorks, Parchment/Instructure, and Tableau is a plus
- Ability to travel within multi-campus environment
- Able to work beyond normal working hours as needed. May require irregular work hours, such as evenings and/or weekends
- Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred
REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Salary for the role is currently anticipated to range from $140,000 to $175,000, commensurate with experience. Mercy University also offers a highly competitive and comprehensive benefits package. Please submit your CV and cover letter as soon as possible using our Talent Profile. Nominations or inquiries can be directed to the search team below.
Steve Leo, Managing Director
Mark Halligan, Senior Associate
DSG | Storbeck