Graduate Admissions - Director of Graduate Admissions & Recruitment

Sacred Heart University•Fairfield, CT

About The Position

Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century, offering over 100 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. As a contemporary Catholic university rooted in the liberal arts, SHU cultivates forward-thinking students. The Princeton Review recognizes SHU in its Best 391 Colleges: 2026 Edition and Best Business Schools: 2025 Edition. The university is committed to respecting and embracing differences, recognizing the unique contributions of individuals, and creating a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, they encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world.

Requirements

Master’s degree required.
Minimum of six years of successful admissions and recruitment experience.
Experience with graduate student populations preferred.
Strong self-starter who can work well independently and as part of a team.
Outstanding public speaking ability, writing skills and interpersonal skills.
Experience using an admissions CRM.
Strong customer service orientation and excellent relationship-building skills.
Desire to work flexible hours at times to be responsive to adult students and working professionals.
A valid driver’s license is required.
Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.

Nice To Haves

Slate experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Meet and exceed new student enrollment goals for a portfolio of graduate programs.
Achieve benchmarks for conversion rates throughout the recruitment funnel and work to continually improve conversation at all stages—inquiry, applicant, deposit, enrolled.
Collaborate on the development and continued enhancement of the recruitment plan for a portfolio of graduate programs and successfully execute each plan.
Manage one or more graduate recruitment staff members.
Identify sources for prospective students via pipelines such as external organizations (professional groups, corporations and non-profits), colleges and universities, industry publications, online platforms and others. Develop relationships to support ongoing enrollment benefits.
Identify opportunities for visibility of graduate programs within the market.
Develop and maintain productive relationships with graduate program directors to understand and address unique needs. Work closely with program directors to ensure faculty are effectively involved in the recruitment process.
Deliver an excellent customer service experience for all prospective students, managing coordinated, proactive follow up with each candidate throughout the funnel. Cultivate relationships with each candidate to address their unique graduate enrollment process. Advise and counsel students on program benefits, application processes and requirements.
Represent the University and individual graduate programs at off campus recruitment events, community events, conferences, college fairs and other programs to increase program visibility and generate inquiries. Plan and present at on-campus and virtual recruitment programs and events.
Develop and utilize deep knowledge of all assigned graduate programs to effectively communicate program distinctions and experiences to candidates. Develop deep knowledge of all aspects of the University, including student support services, to assist in effective recruitment.
Develop and maintain expertise in Slate functionality and utilize to inform recruitment strategies, assess effectiveness of recruitment strategies, and track recruitment activities with each candidate.
Develop and maintain current knowledge of competitors for each assigned program and utilize knowledge to inform recruitment initiatives and enrollment communications. Maintain current knowledge of external factors impacting enrollment trends for each graduate program.
Contribute to the development of marketing and communications plans through collaborative engagement with the Enrollment Communications and Marketing teams.
Contribute to a positive, collaborative, results-focused culture and environment as part of the Graduate Admissions team.
Develop and engage with professional networks online (e.g. LinkedIn) to support the achievement of enrollment goals.
Attend divisional and university meetings and gatherings; Participate and be visible in the University community, in particular attending programs within the colleges relating to assigned graduate programs and supporting the activities and achievements of graduate students.
Perform other duties as assigned.