Assistant Director, Graduate Enrollment

Xavier University • Cincinnati, OH

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About The Position

Xavier University seeks a dynamic, relationship-driven Assistant Director for Graduate Recruitment to recruit and enroll prospective students across its graduate portfolio, including certificates, online programs, professional programs, and doctoral degrees. Reporting to the Executive Director for Graduate Enrollment, this front-line recruitment and business development professional guides prospective students from initial inquiry through confirmation of enrollment. The role partners with academic program directors, university colleagues, and external vendors to communicate the value of Xavier’s graduate programs, build prospect relationships, and convert interest into enrollment. It calls for a proactive, sales-oriented approach, knowledge of the competitive marketplace, and the ability to explain compelling reasons for students to choose Xavier.

The Assistant Director manages an assigned portfolio of graduate programs and recruitment funnel, develops program-specific value propositions, cultivates employer and community partnerships, collaborates on recruitment content and outreach, and represents the University at events and meetings. The role also collaborates across the Graduate Enrollment team and university partners, maintains accurate CRM records, and hands confirmed students off to the Student Success team for registration and follow-up through the start of their programs. Occasional evening and weekend commitments and local or regional travel are required.

Xavier University is part of the Jesuit Catholic tradition and describes its commitment to academic excellence, open inquiry, multiple perspectives, and a campus where everyone feels a sense of belonging. The position is based in Cincinnati, Ohio; the posting does not specify whether it is onsite, hybrid, or remote.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience in sales, recruitment, business development, admissions, or relationship management.
• Ability to build relationships, communicate value propositions, influence decisions, and achieve measurable results.
• Strong written and verbal communication, presentation, negotiation, and follow-up skills.
• Proficiency with CRM systems and digital communication tools, and ability to use data-informed recruitment practices.
• Ability to manage a broad portfolio of programs, collaborate across departments, and adapt to changing priorities in a team-oriented environment.
• Willingness to travel locally or regionally as needed and work occasional evenings and weekends.

Nice To Haves

• Higher education experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage the recruitment and enrollment funnel for an assigned portfolio of graduate programs, guiding prospects from inquiry through application, admission, and enrollment confirmation.
• Engage prospective students through personalized email, phone, text messaging, virtual meetings, recruitment events, and other outreach.
• Follow up consistently, identify enrollment barriers, and develop strategies to improve engagement, application completion, and conversion.
• Meet recruitment activity, pipeline development, and enrollment goals using CRM systems and performance metrics.
• Develop knowledge of assigned programs and communicate program-specific value propositions that distinguish Xavier from competing institutions.
• Explain the benefits of Xavier graduate education, including academic quality, career advancement, flexibility, affordability, professional outcomes, and the Jesuit mission.
• Collaborate with academic program directors, Deans, and faculty to understand program strengths, market demand, student needs, and career opportunities.
• Maintain working knowledge of graduate programs to provide backup recruitment coverage, support team initiatives, and promote a consistent prospective-student experience.
• Cultivate relationships with regional employers, corporations, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to expand recruitment pipelines and enrollment opportunities.
• Work with Marketing & Communications and academic partners on program websites, recruitment materials, email communications, and other prospect-facing content.
• Coordinate with third-party marketing and recruitment vendors on outreach strategies and initiatives, and evaluate their effectiveness.
• Represent Xavier at graduate recruitment events, employer meetings, information sessions, and other engagement opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director for Graduate Enrollment, fellow recruiters, academic units, and university partners to achieve enrollment objectives and maintain recruitment coverage.
• Maintain accurate CRM documentation and prospect tracking, and ensure a smooth handoff to Student Success after enrollment confirmation.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription insurance plans.
• Health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, and dependent care accounts.
• Life and long-term disability insurance, accident and illness insurance, and retirement savings plans.
• Paid time off options, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Tuition remission for employees and eligible dependents.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level