Graduate Admissions - Director of Graduate Admissions & Recruitment

Job description

About Sacred Heart University As one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities and among the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. Nearly 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Performing Arts; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; School of Computer Science & Engineering and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic universities as it was established to be led by the laity. This contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts and, at the same time, cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 391 Colleges: 2026 Edition and Best Business Schools: 2025 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio; a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. View SHU’s Faculty Experts Here To apply Qualified candidates are invited to submit a completed application and résumé through the University's online application system. Applications submitted outside of the official Careers at SHU website will not be considered. Applicants should not apply through third-party or external job sites, as such postings may be fraudulent or may misrepresent opportunities that are no longer available at the University. A cover letter or statement of interest is preferred for all staff positions. Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. 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. Position Summary Meet and exceed new student enrollment goals for a portfolio of graduate programs. Principal Duties & Responsibilities • 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. • On an ongoing basis, 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. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes • 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. Slate experience preferred. • 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. Unusual Working Conditions • Some evening hours required to engage with/outreach to prospective students, participate in recruitment events, and meet deadlines. • Some weekend hours are required for recruitment events and activities. • Some travel required. Resume and statement of interest/cover letter required. This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied. Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.