Job DescriptionThe Director of Evaluations provides strategic leadership and oversight for the comprehensive review and decision-making processes associated with undergraduate admissions at the University of South Florida. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Admissions, the Director is responsible for the administration of first-year and transfer application evaluation and decisioning processes to ensure compliance with university policies, Florida Board of Governors regulations, and applicable state and federal laws.
The Director oversees the review of applications for admission, supervises professional and support staff responsible for credential evaluation and admissions decisions, and ensures efficient, accurate, and student-centered processing of undergraduate applications. The position also provides leadership for document management, Florida Residency, and specialized admissions processes, including Special Talent admissions (e.g., athletics, arts programs, ROTC, and other designated populations), and coordinates the undergraduate admission appeals process through the Faculty Admissions Committee.
The Director plays a critical role in advancing institutional enrollment goals while maintaining the integrity, consistency, and transparency of the admissions process.
ResponsibilitiesLeadership and Management• Provide leadership, direction, supervision, and professional development for the Evaluations team responsible for undergraduate application review and admissions decisioning.
• Establish performance expectations and monitor productivity, quality assurance, and service standards to ensure timely processing of applications.
• Foster a collaborative, student-centered culture focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Develop staffing plans and allocate resources to effectively manage fluctuations in application volume.
Undergraduate Admissions Evaluation and Decisioning• Direct and oversee the review and evaluation of undergraduate applications for first-year and transfer admission.
• Ensure consistent application of university admissions policies, Board of Governors regulations, state statutes, and institutional guidelines.
• Monitor application processing timelines and implement strategies to improve efficiency while maintaining accuracy.
• Review complex admissions cases and provide guidance on policy interpretation and decision-making.
Special Talent Admissions• Oversee all undergraduate Special Talent admissions processes (CAA), including but not limited to:
o NCAA student-athletes:
o Students pursuing majors in the arts requiring auditions or portfolio review;
o ROTC-affiliated applicants;
o Other designated special populations approved by university policy.
• Collaborate with Athletics Eligibility and Compliance, academic colleges, ROTC leadership, and other campus partners to facilitate the timely review of Special Talent candidates.
• Ensure that Special Talent admissions decisions comply with institutional policies and Board of Governors regulations.
Faculty Admissions Committee and Appeals• Serve as the primary administrative liaison to the Faculty Admissions Committee.
• Coordinate the undergraduate admissions appeals process, including the preparation of appeal materials, scheduling of committee meetings, and communication of committee decisions.
• Ensure that appeals are reviewed in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Provide data, analysis, and recommendations to support committee deliberations.
Document Management• Provide leadership and oversight for the receipt, indexing, imaging, verification, and processing of admissions-related documents, including but not limited to transcripts, test scores, residency documentation, conduct records, and supporting admissions materials.
• Establish and maintain procedures to ensure the accurate and timely processing of application credentials in accordance with university service standards.
• Monitor document workflows and processing timelines to support efficient admissions decision-making and exceptional customer service.
• Collaborate with Strategic Enrollment Operations to implement and optimize document imaging systems, workflow automation, and business processes related to credential management.
• Ensure the integrity, security, retention, and appropriate handling of student records in compliance with institutional policies, FERPA, and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Develop quality assurance measures to maintain the accuracy and completeness of admissions records and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate the resolution of complex document-related issues and serve as a resource to staff regarding credential authenticity and interpretation.
Florida Residency Classification and Reclassification• Oversee the initial classification of applicants for tuition purposes in accordance with Florida Statute 1009.21, Board of Governors regulations, and university policies governing residency for tuition purposes.
• Provide leadership and guidance regarding the review and evaluation of residency documentation submitted by dependent and independent students seeking classification as Florida residents for tuition purposes.
• Direct the review and adjudication of requests for residency reclassification submitted by newly admitted and currently enrolled students.
• Ensure the consistent interpretation and application of residency regulations while maintaining compliance with state reporting requirements and audit expectations.
• Develop procedures, training materials, and quality assurance practices related to residency determinations and reclassification decisions.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and institutional resource regarding residency policies, statutory requirements, and supporting documentation standards.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Vice President of Admissions, Financial Aid, the Registrar's Office, General Counsel, and other university stakeholders to address complex residency cases and ensure alignment across institutional processes.
• Monitor changes to state statutes, Board of Governors regulations, and guidance related to residency classification and recommend procedural updates as necessary.
• Review appeals and exceptional residency cases requiring advanced policy interpretation and administrative judgment.
Policy Development and Compliance• Monitor changes in admissions-related regulations, legislation, and best practices and recommend policy modifications as appropriate.
• Develop, document, and maintain evaluation procedures and decision-making guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state laws, including FERPA and applicable Board of Governors regulations.
• Participate in institutional audits and provide documentation related to admissions practices and decisions.
Strategic Planning and Collaboration• Collaborate with Strategic Enrollment Operations to optimize admissions workflows, implement technology enhancements, and improve business processes.
• Partner with Recruitment, Registrar, Athletics, and the academic colleges to support institutional enrollment objectives.
• Utilize admissions data and trends to identify opportunities for process improvement.
Reporting and Data Analysis• Assist senior leadership with providing data to help guide the development and management of the Admissions GRID to achieve both academic profile and headcount goals.
• Analyze operational metrics related to application review, processing efficiency, and decision timelines.
• Support institutional reporting requirements and respond to requests for admissions related data.
• Experience utilizing student information systems and/or customer relationship management systems.
• Excellent communication, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:- Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, student Affairs, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field.
- Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in undergraduate admissions or enrollment management..
- Experience interpreting and applying admissions policies and procedures
- Supervisory experience managing professional staff
- Experience with student information systems and/or CRM systems.
Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor's degree.
• Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
• SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
• A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
• (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
• (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor's degree;
• (c) Six years of direct experience for a master's degree;
• (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
• (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
• Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
• Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.
