Virginia Commonwealth University
Advice for International Applicants Applying to Be the Assistant Vice Provost for International Enrollment at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU):
Are you a global-minded professional ready to transform international enrollment at one of the nation’s leading urban public research universities? If so, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) invites you to apply for the position of Assistant Vice Provost for International Enrollment (AVPIE). Below are strategic tips to help you make a compelling application, emphasizing your international education expertise.
Understand the Core Mission
VCU is firmly committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion while building global engagement across research, real-world learning, and interdisciplinary innovation. When crafting your application, demonstrate how your approach to international enrollment aligns with these values. Highlight specific examples of diversity initiatives you’ve led, as well as how you’ve enhanced university networks globally.
Position Yourself as a Visionary International Leader
The AVPIE role is not just managerial-it requires visionary leadership. Showcase your ability to:
- Develop high-impact strategies for recruiting, enrolling, and supporting international students.
- Navigate the complexities of federal and international regulations on student compliance.
- Lead multi-unit teams and coordinate across departments to achieve enrollment goals.
Emphasize your strategic contributions using data-driven decision-making and stakeholder engagement.
Highlight Multicultural and Multilingual Competencies
Given VCU’s global aspirations, fluency in international communication is a significant asset. If you’re bilingual or multilingual, be sure to include this prominently in your application along with examples of how you’ve used language skills to build global partnerships or resolve cross-cultural challenges. If you’re not fluent in another language, emphasize how cultural competency is embedded in your leadership style.
Explain Your Collaborative Successes
This position requires close coordination with multiple teams-Global Education Office (GEO), Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success (SEMSS), academic departments, and global partners. In your cover letter, describe how you successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams on enrollment strategies. Highlight examples of complex projects where you built consensus among departments with competing priorities. If possible, include measurable results.
Focus on International Regulatory Knowledge
VCU expects applicants to have solid experience navigating compliance with U.S. Department of Homeland Security policies and other immigration regulations. Illustrate your knowledge with specific examples, such as how you designed systems to maintain legal compliance while enhancing student experience.
For international applicants living outside the U.S., emphasize equivalent regulatory experience and familiarity with U.S. policies. Make sure to confirm your lawful permanent resident or citizenship status since this position requires one of the two qualifications.
Presentation of Data-Driven Insights
A key part of this role is driving enrollment strategy using analytical tools, metrics, and budget management. Show evidence of your experience working with databases (e.g., CRM systems like Slate) and enrollment technologies. Include examples of how you leveraged data to enhance your admissions strategy, evaluate the success of recruitment campaigns, or predict enrollment growth trends.
Prepare a Tailored Resume/CV and Cover Letter
Your application materials must seamlessly align with the role’s responsibilities and required qualifications. Use these tips to tailor your resume/CV and cover letter:
- Quantify Your Impact: Specify numbers wherever possible-for instance, increase in international applications, partnerships formed, or retention rates improved.
- Global Leadership Examples: Highlight leadership roles you’ve had in international contexts, such as managing recruitment teams across multiple countries.
- Innovative Practices: Share creative strategies you used to overcome obstacles, like adapting enrollment systems during a global crisis (e.g., COVID-19).
Show Cultural Agility and Community Engagement
VCU thrives on interdisciplinary collaboration and community partnership. Illustrate how you’ve worked with diverse communities, both locally and globally, or implemented programs that combine enrollment success with global engagement. Showcase your ability to foster an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility among teams and students from varied backgrounds.
Consider Preferred Qualifications
While not required, preferred qualifications like fluency in a second language, a terminal degree (e.g., Ph.D., J.D.), or over ten years of international enrollment management experience will distinguish your application. If you possess these credentials, feature them prominently and tie them to the impact you’ve made as a leader in international education.
Application Instructions
- Submit your application online by visiting: VCU Careers Page.
- Stay attentive to deadlines, as the posting may close before the NAFSA job ad expires. Start early to avoid missing out on this opportunity.
- Ensure all application materials are polished and thoroughly proofread.
Final Thought: Be a Global Changemaker
This position is ideal for international education professionals who are not just managers but changemakers with a passion for enhancing student success in a globally interconnected world. Show your leadership potential and global impact strategy, and make VCU’s international enrollment your next bold career step!
When applying for the AVPIE role, think beyond logistics-frame yourself as a thought leader who will elevate VCU’s global profile. Good luck!