Position Description:
The Director of Graduate Admission is a pivotal leader within Valparaiso University's Enrollment Management division, responsible for the strategic recruitment, admission, and enrollment of graduate students from both domestic and international markets. This role plays a critical part in advancing the university's global engagement by developing innovative strategies, fostering partnerships worldwide, and delivering an exceptional experience for prospective graduate students. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in international enrollment trends, global outreach, and data-driven recruitment strategies to achieve measurable results in alignment with Valparaiso University's mission and goals.
Major Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Enrollment, the Director will:
- Develop and execute a global enrollment strategy that expands graduate student recruitment efforts domestically and internationally through direct outreach, agency partnerships, and institutional collaborations.
- Lead international recruitment initiatives, including forging partnerships with global institutions of higher education, managing agency relationships, and representing Valparaiso University at domestic and international education fairs and events.
- Collaborate with University Marketing to design culturally responsive campaigns that highlight the value and international appeal of Valparaiso University's graduate programs.
- Leverage data-driven insights to enhance recruitment efforts, optimize lead generation strategies, and monitor key performance indicators across domestic and global markets.
- Serve as a campus thought leader and advisor on international admissions, credential evaluation, and global enrollment trends.
- Integrate Valparaiso University's mission, vision, and values into recruitment strategies while advancing enrollment goals and strengthening the institution's international reputation.
Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities:
Recruitment Strategy and Outreach- 40%
- Develop and implement comprehensive recruitment plans targeting domestic and international graduate students.
- Build and strengthen relationships with international and U.S.-based academic institutions, education agencies, and external stakeholders.
- Collaborate with the University Marketing Office to create culturally responsive campaigns that highlight Valparaiso's programs in diverse markets.
Leadership & Collaboration- 25%
- Supervise and mentor the graduate & international admission team to achieve enrollment goals.
- Partner with academic departments to drive graduate student enrollment and enhance program-level recruitment strategies.
- Coordinate recruitment events and outreach initiatives, including in-person and virtual sessions tailored to global audiences.
International Admission Expertise- 20%
- Establish graduate admissions criteria for foreign education systems and manage the recruitment, admission, and enrollment of international graduate students.
- Stay informed about global trends, ISA regulations, and policy changes that impact international recruitment.
- Monitor trends and best practices in graduate & international education and admissions.
Data-Driven Decision-Making- 15%
- Manage the admissions funnel and track enrollment trends across the U.S. and global markets.
- Implement performance metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of recruitment strategies and yield initiatives.
- Utilize data insights to refine international recruitment and enhance domestic and global enrollment efforts.
Required Knowledge and Skills:
- Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred, ideally in International Affairs, Higher Education, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.
- A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in graduate or international admissions, enrollment management, or a related area, with demonstrated success in developing global recruitment strategies.
- Exceptional leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with proven ability to supervise and motivate a team in a cross-cultural environment.
- Proficiency in CRM systems, admissions tools, and data analysis platforms, with expertise in managing international and domestic student pipelines.
- A global mindset and cultural sensitivity, with deep knowledge of international student recruitment trends and best practices.
- Expertise in international admissions policies, visa regulations, and credential evaluation processes, ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration laws and institutional policies.
Other Qualifications:
This position involves extensive travel, totaling approximately 8-10 weeks in the Fall and 4-6 weeks in the Spring, with additional travel possible during the summer to support global recruitment initiatives. Given the nature of international engagement, early mornings, evenings, and weekend hours may be required to accommodate varying time zones and optimize communication with global partners. While this is a hybrid role, the expectation is to work primarily in-person (minimum 3 days a week) at Valparaiso University to foster collaboration and enhance recruitment efforts.
All offers of employment with Valparaiso University are contingent upon the clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks may include criminal history records, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal and professional references. If applicable to the position, they will also include credit history. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates for employment.
To be considered for this position, you must upload:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- List of 3 professional references
- Answer all application questions
Please address the cover letter to:
Mrs. Rosa Alvarado, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment
Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, Indiana
Required Skills
Required Experience