ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, GRADUATE ADMISSION

Ithaca College•Town of Ithaca, NY

3h•$68,500 - $70,650•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Director for Graduate Admission is a strategic student-centered member of the Ithaca College Office of Admission, providing leadership for graduate recruitment, admission, and enrollment strategy. This role manages key components of the graduate admission lifecycle and works closely with academic departments, faculty, and enrollment leadership to deliver a responsive, engaging, and inclusive experience for prospective students. The Associate Director is accountable for advancing graduate enrollment priorities and outcomes through targeted outreach, application review, relationship building, data-informed decision making, and collaborative campus partnerships. This position offers the opportunity to help shape the future of Ithaca College graduate enrollment while building expertise in graduate admission and enrollment management.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and five years of admission or related experience, or a combination of education and experience.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse population and provide a high level of customer service.
Proficiency with standard office software (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite) and the ability to learn additional software systems.
Ability to use data to inform decisions, assess outcomes, and identify opportunities for improvement.
Knowledge of higher education, graduate enrollment and prospective student markets.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Flexibility to work evening and weekend hours during peak admission cycles.
Ability to travel and possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid New York State driver’s license and the approval to operate a college vehicle are required.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with graduate, adult, or professional student populations.
Experience collaborating with faculty or academic leadership in an admission or enrollment setting.
Experience planning and implementing recruitment events, presentations, or outreach initiatives.
Experience using customer relationship management (CRM) systems, preferably Technolutions Slate.

Responsibilities

Direct recruitment, admission, and enrollment activities for assigned graduate programs, populations, or regions.
Develop and implement student-centered outreach and engagement strategies to build awareness and interest in Ithaca College graduate programs.
Plan and execute recruitment initiatives such as open houses, webinars, information sessions, receptions, and campus visits in collaboration with faculty and campus partners.
Represent Ithaca College at recruitment events, fairs, and partner programs, both on and off campus.
Prepare and deliver presentations to prospective students, faculty, campus partners, and external audiences both in-person and virtual formats.
Direct and manage the graduate application review process using Slate and centralized application services.
Serve as a primary point of contact for prospective students throughout the admission process, providing timely, accurate, and individualized guidance.
Collaborate with program faculty and academic leadership to support timely and consistent admission decisions and maintain consistency, equity, and policy adherence across programs.
Maintain working knowledge of graduate admission policies, procedures, and best practices.
Serve as primary graduate admission liaison to faculty, academic departments, and campus offices to support graduate enrollment goals.
Partner with Marketing and Communications to develop and implement targeted recruitment messaging, communication plans and follow-up strategies.
Maintain effective relationships with external partners and vendors to ensure a seamless experience for prospective students.
Lead in cross-functional projects and initiatives that support the continued growth and effectiveness of graduate admission efforts.
Lead the analysis and application of data, reporting, and assessment tools to evaluate and optimize recruitment and enrollment strategies and provide strategic guidance to faculty and administrators on enrollment trends and implications.
Maintain documentation, prepare reports, provide analysis, and translate institutional priorities into graduate admission initiatives.
Use technology and institutional systems to improve efficiency, support recruitment and decision making.
Demonstrate and model a commitment to multicultural awareness, inclusion, and respectful engagement.
Contribute to creating an environment that is flexible, collaborative, inclusive, and supportive of a diverse campus community.
Interact with students, families, staff, faculty, and visitors in a professional, civil, and inclusive manner.
Execute responsibilities in alignment with the service philosophy and student-centered orientation of the Office of Admission.