Graduate Academic Advisor I and Recruitment Specialist – Ilitch School Graduate Programs

Job Details

Graduate Academic Advisor I and Recruitment Specialist – Ilitch School Graduate Programs

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Graduate Academic Advisor I and Recruitment Specialist – Ilitch School Graduate Programs at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

Position Overview

The Graduate Advisor & Recruitment Specialist for the Mike Ilitch School of Business plays a key role in driving enrollment growth and supporting student success across undergraduate and graduate programs. This position has a strong emphasis on strategic recruitment, relationship building, and outreach designed to attract high-quality prospective students. The Graduate Advisor & Recruitment Specialist provides academic advising, enrollment coaching, and personalized support to ensure newly admitted students transition successfully into their programs.

Key Responsibilities

· Graduate Advising & Student Support

• Provide academic advising and enrollment support for newly admitted and continuing students, including assistance with course planning, registration, program requirements, and academic policies.
• Guide students through the admissions process, from initial inquiry through application completion, decision release, and enrollment confirmation.
• Assist with new student onboarding, including orientation programming, advising workshops, and early-term transition support.
• Identify potential academic or engagement concerns and connect students with appropriate university resources.
• Maintain accurate advising notes and student records within university systems.
• Proactively conduct outreach campaigns to students at risk of non-enrollment or stop-out to support retention goals.
• Provide individualized academic success plans for students needing additional guidance or intervention.
• Monitor student progress toward degree completion and conduct periodic degree audits.
• Host group advising sessions, drop-in hours, and themed workshops (e.g., registration prep, graduation planning).
• Serve as a resource for students navigating university policies such as leave of absence, petitions, or academic standing.

Recruitment & Outreach

• Develop and implement targeted recruitment strategies to increase enrollment across business programs, with a focus on high-yield markets and emerging demographics.
• Represent the Mike Ilitch School of Business at on-campus, off-campus, and virtual recruitment events, including information sessions, graduate fairs, corporate outreach visits, and community events.
• Build strong relationships with corporate partners, community colleges, university departments, and external organizations to expand recruitment pipelines.
• Conduct one-on-one consultations, presentations, and information sessions for prospective students to provide program details, admissions requirements, and enrollment guidance.
• Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications Office to develop recruitment materials, email campaigns, social media content, and digital engagement strategies.
• Track recruitment metrics, analyze prospective student data, and provide regular reports to leadership to inform recruitment strategies and yield improvement efforts.
• Engage with inquiries through phone, email, CRM systems, and virtual platforms to ensure timely and personalized follow-up.
• Develop and maintain communication workflows in the CRM to support lead nurturing across the recruitment funnel.
• Analyze competitor program trends to inform recruitment strategies and program positioning.
• Coordinate follow-up campaigns targeting incomplete applications, admitted-student yield, and re-engagement of past inquiries.
• Manage relationships with external vendors, recruitment platforms, and professional associations to enhance visibility.
• Work closely with international recruitment partners and assist prospective international students with program information and enrollment requirements.
• Participate in pipeline development initiatives with high-yield undergraduate programs to encourage early graduate exploration.

Program & Office Support

• Collaborate with program directors and faculty to stay informed on curriculum updates, program changes, and admission requirements.
• Support university-wide recruitment and retention initiatives as assigned.
• Participate in strategic planning discussions related to enrollment growth, recruitment expansion, and student experience enhancement.
• Assist with event planning, data collection, administrative tasks, and office coverage as needed.
• Assist with updating academic program handbooks, advising guides, and orientation materials.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by gathering student feedback and contributing to process enhancements.
• Assist with budget tracking for recruitment events, travel, and marketing activities.
• Coordinate logistics for departmental events such as open houses, program showcases, and student engagement programs.
• Train student employees, graduate assistants, or new staff on advising or recruitment procedures.
• Serve on school- or university-wide committees related to advising, recruitment, or student success.

Unique duties:

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred, ideally in business, higher education, counseling, or a related field.
• Experience in student recruitment, admissions, academic advising, or enrollment management preferred.
• Strong presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build relationships with diverse student populations and external partners.
• Proficiency using CRM systems, student information systems, and Microsoft Office suite.

Documents required at time of application: Cover letter, resume

· Ability to travel locally and work occasional evenings/weekends for recruitment events.

Preferred qualifications:

School/College/Division: H16 - School of Business Admin

Primary department: H1608 - Business Admin Student Services (H1608)

Employment type:

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Academic/Faculty

Funding/salary information:

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
• Hourly rate:
• Salary minimum: TBD
• Salary hire maximum: TBD

Working conditions: Office and Classroom environment

Job openings:

• Number of openings: 1
• Reposted position: No
• Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
• Prior posting/requisition number:

Background check requirements: University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.