The Director of Graduate Admission will represent and serve all graduate programs at PLU in the recruitment field and graduate admission community. This position will assist in the identification of graduate student marketing and admission best practices and work closely with the Dean of Admission and the Admission Office in order to attract, recruit, admit, enroll, and retain an appropriately-sized cohort of graduate students each year. Reports to the Dean of Admission.
Work closely with the Dean of Admission regarding graduate admission goals and recruiting/admission processes by developing and implementing an annual strategic admission/enrollment plan.
Work directly with the directors and coordinators of the various graduate programs in support of overall graduate student enrollment goals.
Consult with the Assistant Director of Admission and Campus Visit Coordinator regarding the planning, implementation, and review of all PLU hosted visit activities including open house events, graduate fairs, virtual programming and graduate information sessions.
Represent all PLU graduate programs at off-campus events including college fairs and employer based professional development service events.
Individually recruit and communicate with prospective graduate students.
Monitor graduate admission websites, forms and applications to ensure quality, accuracy, and effectiveness of content.
Assist in the development of centralized graduate marketing materials, including digital advertising, and collaborate with various graduate programs and Marketing & Communications to ensure ongoing accuracy and effectiveness.
Supervise regular staff, temporary, and student employees as needed. Supervisory responsibilities include hiring processes, setting of expectations, training and professional development, performance management and evaluations, and disciplinary processes including termination of employment.
Evaluate and provide recommendations about potential resources, process improvements and vendors and negotiate with vendors as needed to strengthen OGA.
Budget oversight and management
Serve on the Office of Admission leadership team to collaborate on shared goals and initiatives
Maintain accurate and up-to-date data in our Client Resource Management (CRM) system Slate, including thorough and accurate recruitment records of each interaction with prospective graduate students.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Strong organizational skills, ability to work independently, and handle multiple tasks with strong attention to detail.
Sound appreciation for the values of a comprehensive liberal arts education; strong commitment to the university’s goals and mission.
Ability to work with diverse and multicultural student populations.
Ability to work well under pressure, independently and as part of a team.
Ability to follow through consistently on inquiries, requests, and suggestions.
Ability to resolve problems and to develop relevant alternatives and recommendations.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; to establish positive public relations for the university; and to interact effectively with a wide variety of people.
Ability to form strong coalitions with internal and external constituencies. Must be positive in interaction with prospective graduate students and constituents.
Strong interpersonal communication skills and initiative.
Knowledge of standard higher education marketing and communication strategies.
Ability to work with information databases and web-based resources.
Required Qualifications:
Master’s Degree.
3 years of progressively responsible job-related experience including admission and/or higher education experience.
Valid Driver’s License (Must have had a valid driver’s license for at least 2 years).
Finalist candidates must satisfactorily complete pre-employment background check, provide an original copy of their Driving Record (5yr. Employment Abstract), and pass PLU’s internal Driver’s Certification Training.
