"Director of Graduate Admissions and Recruitment"

Position Description

Summary: The Office of Graduate Admissions is a vital contributor to the graduate enrollment success at Seattle University through student outreach, recruitment endeavors, and a commitment to providing personalized assistance to students throughout the application and admissions process. Reporting to the Assistant Provost for Graduate Enrollment, the Director of Graduate Admissions and Recruitment will provide leadership and critical operational oversight of admissions and recruitment initiatives for both on campus and online graduate programs at Seattle University.

Primary responsibilities include managing a team of Graduate Admissions Counselors, oversight of recruitment activities and events, delivery of an engaging outreach and communication strategy that aligns with university enrollment goals, and a data-centric approach to the admission and scholarship process. This leader will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Seattle University by attracting and enrolling mission-aligned and talented graduate students into existing, newly launched, and future programs. The incumbent will be charged with developing not only an overall recruitment plan but also focusing on individual programs and proposing strategies to ensure goals are met.

This position will utilize a suite of data tools to assist in enrollment forecast efforts, analyzing trends, and assessing effectiveness of recruitment efforts. The Director will play a key role in developing an entrepreneurial and differentiated recruitment and outreach plan for a growing portfolio of graduate programs with the goal of increasing enrollment. The Director will establish and maintain meaningful working relationships with administrators, faculty, and staff across Seattle University.

• Lead and manage the core operations of graduate recruitment, admissions, and scholarship allocation, while delivering a seamless and engaging experience for prospective students throughout the admission and enrollment journey.
• Design and implement a comprehensive, data-informed recruitment strategy tailored to academic disciplines and program modalities (on campus and online). Monitor for efficiency and effectiveness throughout the enrollment funnel.
• Develop and deliver comprehensive data reports and analyses that support strategic planning and decision-making by senior university leadership.
• Oversee, assess, and refine recruitment initiatives that include virtual and in-person events, SMS/calling campaigns, campus tours, social media, website content, and off-campus engagements.
• Ensure outreach is consistent and compelling with particular emphasis on differentiating communications by audience, program, and modality.
• Provide exceptional leadership for the admissions team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Ensure team members execute recruitment and engagement activities focused on converting prospective students to the next stage of the enrollment funnel.
• Apply deep knowledge of program goals and admissions criteria to select qualified applicants and manage scholarship distributions.
• Develop and implement results-driven strategies, utilizing data analytics to demonstrate effectiveness and inform continuous improvement. Streamline processes and optimize team efforts to significantly increase enrollments across existing, newly launched programs.
• Collaborate with academic departments, the Office of the Registrar, and university committees to support policy development and operational alignment.
• Monitor and analyze emerging issues and trends in graduate education to inform strategic planning and decision-making, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and national best practices.
• Share in the responsibility of elevating the reputation and visibility of Seattle University's graduate programs and faculty through strategic internal and external engagement.
• Build and maintain partnerships with feeder institutions and organizations to expand recruitment pipelines.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in enrollment management, admissions, recruitment, or a related area within a higher education setting, including direct involvement in online program recruitment.
• Demonstrated success in driving graduate enrollment growth.
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic recruitment and admissions plans.
• Substantial experience in team leadership, management, and staff development, with a track record of building a high-performing and collaborative environment. Skills & Competencies:
• Data Analysis & Decision-Making: Advanced ability to interpret data, identify trends, and apply insights to enrollment strategies. Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Slate) and data visualization tools required.
• Student Recruitment & Enrollment: Expertise in managing the full enrollment funnel, including lead generation, admission decisions, and yield strategies.
• Leadership & Management: Ability to inspire and manage diverse teams, fostering a culture of excellence, trust, and accountability.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; adept at building relationships across stakeholder groups.
• Collaboration & Influence: Skilled in cross-functional collaboration and navigating complex organizational structures and new initiatives.
• Problem-Solving: Apply strong analytical and strategic thinking skills to address challenges and implement effective solutions.
• Adaptability & Innovation: Capacity to respond to market shifts and introduce innovative approaches to recruitment.

Application Instructions

Please attach a cover letter with your resume when applying. Job postings are open until filled, unless otherwise specified.

Compensation at a Glance

Salary Range: $105,000 - $110,000

Seattle University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, and not based on a candidate's gender or any other protected status.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Seattle University provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your total compensation package.

Benefits at a Glance

Consistent with its fundamental Jesuit values, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person. Choose from three different medical plans, a dental, and vision insurance programs. Protect your income with life, short & long-term disability coverage. Plan for your future with up to a 10% employer contribution for retirement benefits, comprised of a 5% nonelective employer contribution and an additional dollar-for-dollar match of your voluntary contributions up to a maximum of 5%. You may also take advantage of 100% paid tuition benefits for the employee and dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with free access to an onsite fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events. Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid Holiday break closure in December, vacation and paid sick leave, and paid community service leave. For more information explore the Benefits website at: https://www.seattleu.edu/hr/benefits/

Hybrid Eligible

This position may be eligible for a hybrid schedule after successful completion of an introductory work period of 3-6 months. This may mean that a hybrid eligible role will begin on-campus initially and then will transition to hybrid format following onboarding and training. Flexible work plans are subject to periodic review and may be changed or terminated at any time for any reason at the university's discretion.