Assistant Vice President of Graduate Admissions Initiatives

Lesley University•Cambridge, MA

1d•$133,034 - $151,175

About The Position

Lesley University is seeking an experienced graduate admissions leader to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Graduate Admissions team. The Assistant Vice President leads data-driven, student-centered recruitment strategies designed to expand graduate recruitment pipelines, improve conversion rates, and achieve established enrollment goals. The AVP collaborates with academic leadership, institutional stakeholders, and external partners to advance the University's graduate enrollment goals. The position provides leadership and oversight for graduate recruitment, admissions operations, team performance, and prospective student engagement. Working closely with the Vice President of Enrollment Initiatives, the AVP identifies new enrollment opportunities, strengthens recruitment strategies and partnerships, enhances recruitment channels, and implements data-informed initiatives to support sustainable graduate enrollment growth. Lesley University is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and has 6,400 students and 90,000 alumni. The university offers a competitive benefits package, including health, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance, paid time off, a retirement plan, and tuition programs for employees and their dependents. Applicants must submit a letter of interest, CV/resume, and a statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion through teaching, professional activity, and/or service for full consideration.

Requirements

Master's degree in higher education administration, public administration, business administration, or a related field.
At least 7 years of enrollment management experience at the director level or higher.
Demonstrated track 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.
Ability to lead, supervise, coach, and develop a diverse team while fostering accountability and collaboration.
Experience working with external strategic partners, recruitment vendors, and consulting agencies.
Ability to build strong 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.
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

Lead the execution of data-driven, student-centered graduate recruitment strategies to expand recruitment pipelines, improve conversion rates, and meet enrollment goals.
Provide leadership and operational oversight for graduate recruitment, admissions operations, team performance, and prospective student engagement.
Collaborate with academic leadership, institutional stakeholders, and external partners to advance graduate enrollment goals.
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.
Lead, supervise, coach, and develop a diverse team of enrollment professionals, fostering accountability and a collaborative, results-oriented environment.
Use enrollment data analysis, CRM platforms, and admissions funnel management to inform recruitment strategies and improve conversion rates.
Work with external strategic partners, recruitment vendors, and consulting agencies to support enrollment initiatives.
Build relationships across academic and administrative departments and contribute effectively to a team-oriented environment.
Manage competing priorities, projects, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Engage prospective students, faculty, institutional leadership, and external partners through public speaking, presentations, relationship-building, and written communication.
Exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, resolve conflicts, and respond professionally to sensitive situations.
Advance the University's mission, vision, and values through collaborative leadership and student-centered enrollment practices.