What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Graduate Admissions position at Hamline University?
Founded in 1854, Hamline was the first university in Minnesota and among the first coeducational institutions in the nation. Hamline University provides a world-class education for undergraduate and graduate students. Our faculty, staff, and students cultivate an ethic of civic responsibility, social justice, and inclusive leadership and service.
Hamline University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Hamline University does not discriminate on the basis of race; color; religion; creed; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity; gender expression; national origin; marital status; familial status; status with regard to public assistance; membership or activity in a local human rights commission; disability; age; protected veteran status; or any other status protected by applicable law in its education or employment programs or activities. The University will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.
Founded in 1854, Hamline University was the first university in Minnesota and among the first coeducational institutions in the nation. Hamline University provides a world-class education for undergraduate and graduate students. Our faculty, staff and students cultivate an ethic of civic responsibility, social justice and inclusive leadership and service.
JOB SUMMARY
The Director of Graduate Admission leads a data-driven and student-centered recruitment strategy to achieve enrollment targets for Hamline University’s graduate programs. The role involves strategic planning, collaboration with academic and administrative partners, and oversight of graduate admissions processes to enhance student recruitment, retention, and overall enrollment success.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership and Strategy
- Develop and execute a strategic recruitment and enrollment plan for graduate and online degree completion (ODC) programs to meet institutional enrollment goals.
- Provide vision, leadership, and day-to-day management of the graduate and ODC admissions team, ensuring a high-performing, service-oriented culture.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to inquiry generation, applicant conversion, and yield to drive continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with academic leadership, program directors, and the Vice President for Enrollment Management to align admission strategies with institutional priorities and program needs.
Recruitment and Admissions Management
- Oversee the recruitment and admission process for ODC, graduate degree, graduate certificate, and post-baccalaureate programs, managing 4,000 new inquiries and 600 applicants annually.
- Develop and implement comprehensive recruitment strategies, including targeted outreach, partnerships, and personalized engagement, to attract and enroll a diverse pool of students.
- Represent Hamline University at external recruiting events, conferences, employer partnerships, and professional organizations to build networks and increase visibility.
- Lead follow-up engagement efforts with prospective students, ensuring timely and personalized communications to enhance conversion rates.
- Direct the planning, execution, and evaluation of recruitment and outreach events, including virtual and in-person information sessions, campus visits, and webinars.
Technology and Data Analytics
- Oversee the use of Slate CRM to track prospective students, manage the admission funnel, and ensure a seamless application experience.
- Leverage data analytics and CRM tools to drive outreach and conversion strategies.
- Analyze enrollment trends and market data to develop data-informed strategies for student recruitment and yield management.
- Leverage digital marketing tools and analytics, working in collaboration with Marketing, to optimize outreach efforts, paid search strategies, and social media campaigns.
- Manage and maintain admissions data integrity across platforms, including Slate, Workday, and other enrollment-related systems.
- Generate and distribute admission reports to program personnel, senior leadership, and other stakeholders to support decision-making and strategic planning.
Collaboration and External Partnerships
- Partner with academic deans, department chairs, and program directors to assess program capacity, competitive positioning, and admissions criteria.
- Engage and collaborate with external vendors, including enrollment solutions partners, to enhance recruitment strategies, optimize lead generation, and support conversion efforts through data-driven insights and best practices
- Work closely with Marketing to shape promotional strategies, advertising campaigns, and recruitment materials tailored to adult learners and graduate students.
- Serve as the primary liaison between the Office of Admission and internal partners, including faculty, international student services, and IT, to streamline the admissions process.
- Establish and maintain partnerships with corporate, nonprofit, and community organizations to expand the university’s reach and attract prospective students.
International Student Recruitment & Enrollment
- Oversee international graduate student recruitment and admission, ensuring compliance with institutional policies and federal regulations.
- Manage relationships with external credential evaluation organizations (e.g., ECE, WES, GLI) to assess international transcripts and English language proficiency.
- Collaborate with Global Engagement Center (GEC) on student visa processes, ensuring a smooth transition for international students from admission to enrollment.
Team Management and Development
- Recruit, hire, train, and provide ongoing professional development for graduate admission staff and student employees.
- Set clear performance expectations, conduct regular evaluations, and provide coaching and mentoring to enhance team effectiveness.
- Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and service excellence within the admissions team.
Operational and Budget Management
- Manage the day-to-day operations of the Graduate Admission office, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in all processes.
- Oversee the review of admission files, ensuring thorough evaluation of credentials and alignment with program admission criteria.
- Make admission and tuition discounting decisions in consultation with faculty committees and leadership.
- Develop and manage the graduate admissions budget ($1–1.1 million), ensuring fiscal responsibility and optimal allocation of resources.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies regarding admissions, data privacy, and FERPA regulations.
Other Duties as Assigned
- Perform additional work-related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
This position reports to the: Vice President for Enrollment Management
This position supervises 3-5 Admission Staff
This position supervises 0-5 Student Workers
BUDGET MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
This position is responsible for the following budget: CC00431 Graduate Admissions. Budget Range: $1 to 1.1 million.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND KEY COMPETENCIES
- Ability to set priorities, problem solve and address complex questions related to admission and enrollment process.
- Excellent writing, speaking, networking and presentational skills
- Creative problem solver
- Understand the benefits of a liberal arts education within a private educational institution
- Ability and eagerness to work with a diverse population of students
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Google, Google Apps
- Understanding of marketing options for adult students such as paid search and social media advertising
- Experience and sensitivity working with students from diverse backgrounds
MINIMUM EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
- Master’s degree from an accredited university
- 5 years experience in graduate admissions, enrollment management, student recruitment OR transferable skills from corporate recruiting, sales, or marketing
- Demonstrated ability to use CRM systems (e.g., Slate) for lead generation, applicant tracking, and reporting.
- Experience developing recruitment strategies tailored to adult learners, professional students, or graduate programs.
- Proven ability to analyze enrollment data and develop action plans based on insights.
- 3 years Budget management experience
PREFERRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
- 5 years of progressively responsible experience in graduate admissions.
- Experience working with faculty to align recruitment efforts with program development.
- Familiarity with Student Information System (e.g., Workday) and data reporting tools.
- Experience developing partnerships with external organizations to support recruitment.
- Evidence of increasing levels of responsibility in admissions/higher education.
- 5 years supervisory or budget responsibility.
WORKING CONDITIONS / EQUIPMENT
- Must be able to work on a computer for extended periods of time.
- Ability to travel on and off campus locations, including overnight travel.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- This is a full time, 1.0 FTE, exempt position, 12 months a year.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range: $70,000 - $80,000
Full-Time Benefits:
We offer a comprehensive benefits package which may include:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Short- and Long-Term Disability
- Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity
- 403(b)
- 403(b) matching
- Paid Time off, including vacation time, paid holidays and safe and sick leave time off
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account (FSA)
- Health savings account (HSA)
- Tuition waiver
EEO/DIVERSITY STATEMENT
Hamline University does not discriminate on the basis of race; color; religion; creed; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity; gender expression; national origin; marital status; familial status; status with regard to public assistance; membership or activity in a local commission; disability; age; or protected veteran status in its education or employment programs or activities.
All questions marked ‘Required’ need to be answered in order to submit the application. It is important that your application show all of the relevant education and experience you possess. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. If rejected, you must reapply for the position in order to be considered. A resume or curriculum vitae, a cover letter outlining your qualifications for and interest in the position, contact information for 3 current, professional references, as well as copies of transcripts (if required) must be uploaded with each application.
About Us
Since 1854, Hamline has set the standard for excellence in education, and we continue to do so today with the help of driven individuals who are dedicated to Hamline’s tradition of doing all the good we can in all the ways we can. Our community of students, faculty, and staff take seriously the ideals of the university—scholarship, leadership, and fellowship—and work together to enact positive change locally, nationally, and globally. Join us and see how you can take the lead here at Hamline.
Salary : $70,000 - $80,000
