Director, Graduate & Professional Studies Admissions

Location : Nashua

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 202300135

Division: Enrollment Management

Department: Grad & Prof Studies Admissions

Opening Date: 05/14/2025

Description

Rivier University seeks nominations for and expressions of interest for the Director of Graduate and Professional Studies Admissions. The Director is responsible for developing and executing strategic and operational initiatives in the recruitment and enrollment of a broad suite of professional studies, graduate, and doctoral programs offered on campus and online.

The University has an extensive portfolio of academic programs including nursing programs from the associate to doctoral level, master's degrees in business, computer science, education, and counseling, and doctoral programs in Education and Leadership (Ed.D.), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Doctor of Psychology in Counseling and School psychology (Psy.D.).

The Director will work closely with academic divisions, internal marketing staff, and external marketing partners to ensure a streamlined admissions process while fostering innovative recruitment strategies that align with the University's mission and institutional goals.

The Director will lead and manage enrollment functions and partnership development while providing prospective students with exceptional service. This position plays a critical role in shaping Rivier's graduate and adult learner enrollment strategy, enhancing outreach, and optimizing recruitment practices through data-driven insights and collaboration.

Under the direction of the Vice President for Enrollment Management, the Director will develop and implement recruitment strategies, marketing plans, and admission policies for adult learners and will working closely with leadership in financial aid, academic affairs, marketing and communications, and information technology.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Enrollment & Recruitment:

Leads the development and implementation of comprehensive, data-driven recruitment strategies for graduate and professional studies programs.

Establishes key enrollment metrics based on goals and tracks key performance metrics to ensure growth and sustainability.

Collaborates with marketing to maximize the impact of the University's marketing initiatives and strategic partnerships and to create marketing collateral that advances recruitment efforts and maintains University branding.

Utilizes CRM systems to drive enrollment results, optimize outreach efforts, and assess return on investment.

Organizes, executes, and assesses on- and off- campus and virtual recruitment programs.

Remains current on the dynamic process and opportunities related to international enrollment. Admissions Management & Student Engagement:

Oversees the admissions process for graduate and adult learners ensuring a seamless and personalized experience utilizing the University's CRM, Colleague ERP, and partnership with digital recruitment and marketing firms.

Implements multi-channel communication strategies (email, phone calls, direct mail, texting) to engage prospective students.

Works closely with financial aid, student accounts, registrar's office, and academic support services to ensure smooth onboarding and student success.

Fosters relationships with faculty and program directors to align enrollment efforts with academic offerings.

Actively participates in identifying target audiences, messaging options, and communications tools which help align admissions and marketing, boost ROI, and optimize inbound marketing strategy to generate qualified leads.

Consults with deans and program directors to support the review of application credentials. Leadership & Collaboration:

Manages and provides direction, training, and motivation to the graduate enrollment team, including Assistant Directors and Enrollment Counselors.

Works with University leadership to align undergraduate and graduate enrollment strategies, ensuring best-practice approaches are utilized across all divisions.

Supports initiatives related to international student enrollment in partnership with the Office of Global Engagement.

Represents Rivier University as appropriate in external recruitment events, graduate fairs, and industry conferences to enhance visibility and engagement. Qualifications

A strong commitment to Rivier's mission as expressed in the mission statement

An earned master's degree required or a bachelor's degree with significant relevant experience will be considered.

Minimum of five years in higher education enrollment management with progressive leadership responsibilities. Strong preference for candidates with proven success in meeting enrollment and revenue goals.

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to engage students, faculty, and external stakeholders.

Experience with CRM systems, student information systems (SIS), data-driven enrollment strategies and Microsoft 365 applications.

Superior organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

A self-starter with a proven ability to lead teams, identify process improvements, and execute enrollment strategies effectively.

Supplemental Information

Interested candidates should apply at:

Rivier University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, veteran, or marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability in admission or access to, treatment in or employment in its programs and activities.

In addition to a competitive salary, Rivier University offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental and vision coverage, employer paid life and disability plans, retirement plan with employer match, Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution, flexible spending accounts, paid time off, holidays, educational assistance benefits, employee assistance program (EAP) and a variety of additional discounts and services.

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