Graduate Recruitment and Admissions Director | Office of Enrollment Management

American University of Sharjah; Sharjah; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Sharjah is seeking a Graduate Recruitment and Admissions Director responsible for attracting and admitting graduate students locally and internationally. This pivotal role involves developing strategic recruitment plans, managing admissions operations, overseeing enrollment activities, and representing the institution at events. The ideal candidate will have a master's degree, extensive experience in admissions, and exceptional skills in communication and planning. The position offers an opportunity to impact students' educational journeys significantly.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required, PhD preferred.
• More than 7 years experience in recruitment or admissions.
• Familiarity with CRM systems and admissions software.

Responsibilities

• Develop annual recruitment strategy for graduate programs.
• Expand recruitment markets through analysis.
• Manage AUS profile on recruitment websites.
• Achieve annual enrollment targets.
• Counsel graduate applicants during admissions process.

Skills

Strategic planning and market development

Data-driven decision-making

Good communication skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Event management

Customer service orientation

Education

Master's degree in Business Administration or related field

Tools

CRM systems

Admissions software

Microsoft Office or Google Workspace

Job description

Position Summary

The Graduate Recruitment and Admissions Director is responsible for leading efforts to attract, recruit, and admit graduate students to the university, both locally and internationally. This includes developing and executing strategic recruitment plans, managing digital campaigns, coordinating media efforts, and representing the university at events. The role oversees day-to-day recruitment and admissions operations, including evaluating applications, supporting new students through the admissions process, and maintaining systems like ERP and CRM. The director also contributes to event planning, creates promotional and informational materials, delivers presentations, and represents the Office of Enrollment Management (OEM) in various internal and external forums, including the Graduate Programs Council. This role reports to the Executive Director of Enrollment Management.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an annual recruitment strategy and plan for AUS graduate programs in alignment with enrollment targets and university priorities, and in partnership with other administrative and academic units.
• Identify and expand recruitment markets (local, regional, international) through market research and trend analysis.
• Manage AUS’s profile on major student recruitment websites and oversee social media campaigns to increase awareness and generate leads.
• Oversee enrollment-related activities such as responding to inquiries via calls, emails, chats (Infodesk platform, CRM, etc.), and walk-ins.
• Achieve annual enrollment targets and maintain efficient application processing timelines.
• Represent the Office of Enrollment Management at events; deliver presentations.
• Oversee the processing of graduate applications, including screening, evaluation, issuing admission offers, communication, and decision execution on ERP and CRM systems.
• Provide file completion support to new applicants at the start of each semester.
• Collaborate with AUS’s academic and administrative units to organize and support student recruitment events and activities.
• Assist in developing informational literature for the Office of Enrollment Management (OEM) and contribute to annual operational and event planning.
• Generate, analyze, and present reports; create and update presentations for various purposes.
• Counsel graduate applicants and provide guidance throughout the admissions process.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed for events.

Qualifications and Skills Required

• A master's degree (PhD preferable) in Business Administration, Mass Communication, Public Service, or any related field.
• Strategic planning and market development
• Data-driven decision-making
• Process and workflow optimization
• Good communication skills – verbal, written, and active listening
• Solid interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity
• Reasonable knowledge of sales and marketing techniques
• Able to adjust to workload and possess problem-solving skills
• Event management and networking
• Prioritize customer service and ethical business practices, while respecting cultural sensitivities
• Familiarity with CRM systems, admissions software, and tools like Microsoft Office or Google Workspace

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• More than 7 years of experience in student recruitment, admissions, or a related field (e.g., sales, marketing, or customer service).
• Experience working in an educational institution is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in spoken and written Arabic is an advantage.

How to Apply

• Interested applicants should fill out the form.
• AUS alumni are encouraged to apply. Applicants who do not meet the specified requirements will not be shortlisted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• AUS is an equal opportunity employer. We adhere to a policy of making employment decisions without regard to race, color, age, gender, religion, national origin, disability or marital status. Opportunities for employment are based solely upon one’s qualifications.