Assistant Vice President of Graduate Admissions Initiatives

Lesley University•Cambridge, MA

23d

About The Position

Lesley University is seeking an experienced graduate admissions leader to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for its Graduate Admissions team. The Assistant Vice President leads the execution of data-driven, student-centered recruitment strategies to expand graduate recruitment pipelines, improve conversion rates, and achieve enrollment goals. The role oversees graduate recruitment, admissions operations, team performance, and prospective student engagement. Working closely with the Vice President of Enrollment Initiatives, the AVP identifies enrollment opportunities, strengthens recruitment strategies and partnerships, enhances recruitment channels, and implements data-informed initiatives to support sustainable graduate enrollment growth. The AVP collaborates with academic leadership, institutional stakeholders, external partners, recruitment vendors, and consulting agencies to advance the University's graduate enrollment goals. Lesley University is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Its programs focus on education, the arts, and applied social sciences. The University describes its environment as creative and committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The position offers a base pay range of $133,034–$151,175 annually. Applicants must submit a letter of interest, a CV or resume, and a statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion through teaching, professional activity, and/or service.

Requirements

Master's degree in higher education administration, public administration, business administration, or a related field.
Seven or more years of enrollment management experience at the director level or higher, with a demonstrated record of meeting or exceeding enrollment goals.
Strong knowledge of current higher education trends, enrollment challenges, and best practices in graduate admissions and recruitment.
Expertise in enrollment data analysis, CRM platforms, and admissions funnel management to inform recruitment strategies and improve conversion rates.
Proven ability to lead, supervise, coach, and develop a diverse team of enrollment professionals.
Experience working with external strategic partners, recruitment vendors, and consulting agencies.
Ability to build relationships across academic and administrative departments and contribute effectively to a team-oriented environment.
Strong initiative and organizational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, projects, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent public speaking, presentation, relationship-building, and written communication skills, with the ability to engage prospective students, faculty, institutional leadership, and external partners.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, resolve conflicts, and respond professionally to sensitive situations.
Commitment to advancing the University's mission, vision, and values through collaborative leadership and student-centered enrollment practices.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading graduate admissions or enrollment management operations within a private university; experience at a similar institution is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Graduate Admissions team.
Lead data-driven, student-centered graduate recruitment strategies to expand recruitment pipelines, improve conversion rates, and achieve enrollment goals.
Oversee graduate recruitment, admissions operations, team performance, and prospective student engagement.
Work with the Vice President of Enrollment Initiatives to identify enrollment opportunities, strengthen recruitment strategies and partnerships, enhance recruitment channels, and implement data-informed initiatives for sustainable graduate enrollment growth.
Collaborate with academic leadership, institutional stakeholders, and external partners to advance graduate enrollment goals.
Lead, supervise, coach, and develop a diverse team of enrollment professionals while fostering accountability and a collaborative, results-oriented environment.
Work with external strategic partners, recruitment vendors, and consulting agencies to support enrollment initiatives.
Build strong relationships across academic and administrative departments and contribute effectively to a team-oriented environment.