"Director of Graduate Admissions"

Job Details

Shenandoah University’s Office of Admissions is accepting applications for a Director of Graduate Admissions. This is a full-time benefited position located on our main campus in Winchester, Virginia.

General Description and Responsibilities

The Director of Graduate Admissions plays a pivotal role in the recruitment and enrollment process of new graduate students at Shenandoah University. This individual is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to attract and admit a diverse and talented pool of applicants. The Director of Graduate Admissions oversees the entire graduate admissions process, from initial outreach to final enrollment, managing all the Slate systems and key staff members in between, collaborating closely with colleagues both within the Office of Admissions and with various departments and stakeholders within the institution, particularly graduate program directors, faculty, and financial aid.

Primary responsibilities:

• Admissions Strategy and Planning:
  • Along with the AVP for Recruitment and Admissions, develop and execute a comprehensive admissions strategy to achieve enrollment goals and support the institution's mission and objectives.
  • Conduct research and analysis to identify target markets, emerging trends, and effective recruitment strategies for graduate applicants.
  • Collaborate with academic departments and faculty to understand and communicate the unique features and benefits of the institution's programs to prospective students.
  • Along with senior leadership, work closely with admissions vendors to help develop strategy and ensure that follow-through is happening appropriately.
  • Execute and evaluate university financial aid strategy in collaboration with the AVP, VP, graduate program faculty and coordinators.
• Outreach and Recruitment:
  • Alongside senior leadership, plan and execute recruitment events, such as graduate school fairs, community events, conferences, as well as virtual and on-campus information sessions, to attract a diverse pool of applicants.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with feeder institutions, community organizations, and other key influencers to increase awareness and generate interest in the institution.
  • Coordinate recruitment travel with admissions team members as well as graduate program coordinators and faculty, particularly within the School of Health Professions and Pharmacy, to ensure maximum effectiveness as well as efficient use of university resources.
  • Ensure that the graduate recruitment team and program coordinators are communicating in a timely and effective manner with all relevant constituencies.
  • Direct and expand relationships with external vendors, including but not limited to, graduate marketing and graduate recruitment for online and on-campus programs. Collaborate with those entities to recruit and provide seamless service to prospective students.
• Admissions Process Management:
  • Oversee the entire admissions process for graduate applicants, including application review, evaluation, and decision-making in a way that serves applicants at a high level. This includes monitoring the Slate workflows for any irregularities and ensuring that counselors and faculty are making decisions in a timely manner.
  • Oversee and collaborate with graduate program coordinators and faculty managing Centralized Application Systems. Coordinate their integration and consistent management with our Slate CRM in collaboration with the Admissions Operations team.
  • Ensure the graduate admissions process is efficient, transparent, and adheres to all relevant policies and regulations.
  • Develop and implement strategies to improve conversion rates and yield by engaging admitted students through phone, email, text, and events.
  • Collaborate with other departments on campus to ensure streamlined admission and enrollment processes for graduate committed students.
  • Lead and serve on campus-wide committees and groups to enhance graduate enrollment and retention, such as the Graduate Working Group.
• Staff Management and Development:
  • Lead and mentor a team of admissions professionals, providing regular guidance, training, and performance feedback.
  • Foster a positive and inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration, professional growth, and excellence in customer service.
  • Establish and maintain effective communication channels within the admissions team and across other departments.
• Data Analysis and Reporting:
  • Utilize data analytics and reporting tools to assess the effectiveness of recruitment strategies and admissions processes.
  • Monitor data related to enrollment, applicant demographics, and conversion rates, and provide regular reports to senior leadership.
  • Use data insights to identify areas for improvement and implement data-driven initiatives to enhance the admissions experience.

Required Skills

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required; a master's degree is preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in college admissions, with a focus on graduate recruitment.
• Strong knowledge of current trends and best practices in college admissions and enrollment management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a team effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Data-driven mindset with proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools.
• Familiarity with Ellucian Colleague and Technolutions Slate
• Understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles in admissions practices.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability and willingness to work evening hours, weekends and overnight travel.
• Valid driver’s license with good driving record and ability to pass a DMV check.

How to Apply:

The complete application will include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. Applications will be reviewed immediately and will continue until a qualified candidate is selected.

Note: A pre-employment background check will be required, and a satisfactory driving record may be required as a condition of hire.

Authorized to work in the United States is a pre-condition of employment. At this time, Shenandoah University is not in a position to sponsor international visas.

Shenandoah University values individuals and communities' unique and diverse perspectives locally and globally. It seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcome and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or on any other basis protected under applicable law.