At Carnegie Mellon University, “My heart is in the work” is more
than a slogan — it’s a reflection of who we are. CMU is seeking an
inaugural Director of Graduate Admission Operations who will bring
this passion and dedication to the sphere of graduate enrollment at
the institution.
The Director of Graduate Admission Operations will help advance the
university's dynamic graduate portfolio in order to attract, admit,
and enroll exceptional graduate students in an increasingly complex
and competitive landscape. In this role, the director will provide
expert leadership and coordination of a dynamic academic network in
the areas of new student enrollment planning, admission policy
development, operations strategy, and technology oversight in
support of achieving Carnegie Mellon University's graduate
enrollment goals.
Reporting to the Executive Director of Admission, and working
closely with the Vice Provost of Enrollment Management, other
members of Enrollment Management and Academic Leaders across
campus, the Director will serve as a key partner to graduate
programs at the university, orchestrating the development and
implementation of critical admissions policies and practices as
well as the key systems and platforms that enable a high-quality
student experience throughout the graduate admissions
process.
Core responsibilities include:
Serve as a strategic enrollment planning partner to a network of graduate colleges and programs, supporting the Colleges’ enrollment goal-setting process, helping to align goals with institutional priorities, and creating awareness around trends and market movement that impact student enrollment. Collaborate closely with academic leadership to develop data-driven enrollment targets, monitor admission progress, and make recommendations to adjust strategies in response to market conditions and…
changing priorities.
Lead the development, implementation, and stewardship of
university-wide graduate admission policy and practice, promoting
transparency, equity, regulatory compliance, and a high-quality
applicant experience across graduate programs. The Director will
document, consensus-build, and, where appropriate, harmonize
admission policy/practice as it relates to application form
development/management, fee structures, system support, record
retention, international credential evaluation, English language
proficiency, etc., while ensuring academic autonomy and
individuality is preserved.
Serve as steward and subject matter expert for the university's
central admissions platform, managing daily oversight of
development, implementation, optimization, and governance, ensuring
the system meets the diverse needs of stakeholders while
maintaining data accuracy and security. In close collaboration with
academic leaders, the role will work to reduce redundancy,
streamline workflows, and enable real-time visibility into
application data, trends, and outcomes, as well as other analytics
that inform recruitment and selection strategies, and College- and
university-level planning. As SME for the system’s functionality,
the director will create a platform development plan that expands
and matures the graduate admission instance, maximizing capacities
that support Colleges’/programs’ effective recruitment, review,
yield, and enrollment processes.
Build and coordinate a university-wide community of practice
for graduate admission and enrollment management. Convene
stakeholders, facilitate knowledge sharing, and promote effective
policies, practices, and tools that support programs in achieving
their enrollment and academic goals while respecting their
disciplinary autonomy. Through effective collaboration with
graduate stakeholders, the director will increase institutional
agility, enabling the university to respond nimbly to emerging
trends, including changes in the domestic market, international
student mobility, new program development, and other competitive
pressures.
You should demonstrate:
- Ability to build relationships, collaborate, and work well with
faculty, academic leaders, campus administrators, and balance
multiple stakeholder needs and requirements
- Ability to build consensus in decision-making and execute on
decisions
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Excellent organizational and decision-making skills
- Curiosity and interest in building dynamic and sustainable
operational frameworks
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree
- At least 10+ years experience in admission, enrollment
management, or other closely aligned higher education
administrative function
- Experience in decentralized university structures and shared
governance model
- A combination of education and relevant experience from which
comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered
Requirements:
- Successful pre-employment background check
Additional Information:
- Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently
legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will
not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for
this opportunity. Carnegie Mellon is not a qualifying employer for
the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at
Carnegie Mellon.
Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional
benefits.
Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of
benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and
vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer
contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits , take well-deserved breaks with
ample paid time off and observed holidays , and rest easy with life and accidental
death and disability insurance.
Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus
pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate
childcare needs, fitness center access , and much more!
For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore
our Benefits page .
At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending
offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and
responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge
gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique
skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about
more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your
professional growth and personal aspirations.
Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an
exceptional organization?! Apply today!
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Job Function
Admissions and Financial Aid
Position Type
Staff – Regular
Full Time/Part time
Full time
Pay Basis
Salary
More Information:
- Please visit “ Why Carnegie Mellon ” to learn more about
becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change
the world.
- Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
- Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity
Employer/Disability/Veteran .
- Statement of Assurance
