Assistant Dean of Recruiting and Admissions

Rice University•Houston, TX

72d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Rice Business Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management provides vision and strategic direction for prospect recruiting, enrollment management, and communications. This position has responsibility for development, oversight, and management of all Rice Business enrollment, recruiting and related marketing communications programs, as well as administration. The Assistant Dean manages a team of professionals employed to accomplish these tasks and supports large and complex partnerships with third-party suppliers of student search, enrollment, and recruiting services. Of preeminent importance is substantial expertise in managing others to meet enrollment goals, developing a sales funnel, and setting associated KPIs to measure activity. Thorough knowledge of and experience with current technologies and platforms for managing a funnel of business, which would include a thorough understanding and use of CRM systems. The Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management is responsible for the development of presentations and the training of staff on the successful delivery of those presentations, making sure there is a level of mastery of knowledge and professional delivery. Additional responsibilities include the creation of marketing resources and strategic campaigns for student recruitment, including social media, web-based communications, website management for recruitment purposes, and printed materials. The Assistant Dean reports to the Associate Dean of Degree Programs and is responsible for enrollment stability and strategic enrollment growth in all MBA programs and across all delivery platforms of Rice Business. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in graduate business admissions and a proven ability to lead through change. As a strategic thinker and insightful leader, they will unify and motivate a team, implement data-driven processes, and foster cross-functional collaboration across marketing, student experience, faculty, and advancement. The role demands a leader who can effectively align stakeholders across all levels, foster collaboration within and beyond the recruitment and admissions team, and serve as a visible ambassador for Rice Business-building strategic relationships with alumni, corporate partners, and prospective students to strengthen the applicant pipeline.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree
6+ years of related professional higher education and/or professional corporate experience
In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
Proven leadership and management capabilities, with a track record of overseeing programs, staff, and budgets in complex organizational settings, preferably within higher education admissions.
Exceptional communication and analytical skills, including the ability to deliver compelling presentations, evaluate competitive applicants, and collaborate effectively across diverse teams.
Technologically adept, with experience using CRM systems (e.g., Slate, Salesforce), ERPs like Banner, and project management tools such as Asana to drive enrollment strategies and operational efficiency.
Highly organized and self-directed, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills, time management, and the ability to make data-informed decisions using multivariate criteria in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree. Additional experience may substitute on an equivalent year-for-year basis
Experience working with CRM lead/prospect management processes and systems, including application systems, Slate, Salesforce, and ERPs, including Banner for an educational institution
Working knowledge of project management tools such as Asana
Previous supervisory experience in recruiting and admissions in higher education
Previous experience making admission decisions that use a multivariate decision criteria approach.
Demonstrated successful budget management skills

Responsibilities

Lead a Strategic Transformation in Enrollment Management: The Assistant Dean will have the opportunity to shape and execute a bold, forward-looking enrollment strategy that aligns with Rice Business's institutional priorities. With full ownership of the recruitment funnel across all MBA programs, the new leader will be expected to bring a data-informed, KPI-driven approach to enrollment growth. This includes refining the sales funnel, enhancing CRM utilization, and leveraging analytics to drive decision-making. The Assistant Dean will need to be a visionary who can anticipate market shifts-such as declining MBA interest and international student challenges-and respond with agility and innovation.
Strengthen and Inspire a Dedicated Recruitment & Admissions Team: The Assistant Dean will lead efforts to rebuild through filling open positions a unified, dedicated admissions and recruiting team by clarifying roles, fostering accountability, and promoting collaboration. The ideal candidate will be a hands-on, responsive leader who cultivates a positive work environment, invests in professional development and growth, and inspires a shared sense of purpose. Success in this position requires a leader who listens actively, supports team growth, and empowers individuals to excel.
Drive Innovation in Recruitment and Outreach: Rice Business seeks a visionary leader to amplify its visibility and sharpen its competitive edge in the dynamic graduate business education landscape. The Assistant Dean will be charged with bringing inventive, forward-thinking strategies to student recruitment-particularly by activating alumni networks, expanding engagement with prospective students across the U.S., and deepening corporate partnerships to enrich the enrollment pipeline. This is an opportunity to distinguish Rice's programs through compelling storytelling, strategic deployment of digital platforms, and targeted outreach that authentically reflects the school's values and strengths.
Strengthen Cross-Functional Collaboration and Institutional Alignment: The Assistant Dean will serve as a critical bridge between the recruiting and admissions team and other key stakeholders, including marketing, faculty, student services, and advancement. Success in this role will require political savvy, emotional intelligence, and the ability to manage up, down, and across the organization. The new leader will help break down silos, align messaging and goals, and ensure a seamless experience for prospective students from first contact through enrollment.
Champion the Rice Business Brand and Culture Through Operational Excellence: This role presents a pivotal opportunity to shape and elevate the distinct brand and culture of Rice Business within the recruiting and admissions function. The Assistant Dean will implement structured, student-centered processes, foster clear and consistent communication, and introduce performance practices that reflect the school's values. By modeling best practices and driving continuous improvement, the leader will enhance systems, workflows, and outcomes-ensuring that every touchpoint in the admissions lifecycle reinforces the unique identity and strengths of Rice Business.
Other Duties: Performs additional responsibilities as assigned in support of the school's mission and goals.
Team Leadership: Lead and coach the recruitment and admissions team to build a dedicated, goal-oriented culture through training, observation, and feedback across the recruitment lifecycle.
Strategic Enrollment: Develop and execute strategic enrollment plans aligned with institutional priorities, driving continuous improvement in systems, processes, and outcomes.
Decision-Making: Oversee admissions decisions and scholarship allocation, chairing committees, and shaping class composition through merit-based funding strategies.
Outreach and Engagement: Design and implement recruitment and outreach strategies targeting diverse markets, including partnerships and events to enhance visibility and applicant pipelines.
Recruitment and Performance Management: Manage the enrollment sales funnel and KPIs, applying data-driven strategies to move prospects from inquiry to enrollment and ensure accountability.
Communication & Training: Create and deliver compelling messaging and presentations, training staff to communicate program value effectively across various formats and audiences.
Technology & Systems: Optimize admissions technologies and systems, including CRM platforms, to support recruitment goals and enhance operational efficiency.
Analytical and Financial: Monitor and analyze enrollment data, develop dashboards and reports, and manage the admissions operating budget to inform strategic decisions.
Institutional Collaboration: Collaborate institutionally, serving on senior leadership teams and developing partnerships with faculty, academic leaders, and external stakeholders.
Market Intelligence: Maintain competitive market awareness and make recommendations to enhance Rice Business MBA program positioning and recruitment effectiveness.