Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs

University of Dayton; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in higher education is seeking a visionary leader for the role of Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs. This dynamic position offers the chance to shape the future of graduate education, drive strategic enrollment growth, and enhance the overall student experience. The ideal candidate will lead program innovation and oversee a dedicated team, ensuring excellence in admissions, advising, and career development. If you're passionate about making a significant impact in graduate business education and fostering an inclusive environment, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of leadership experience in higher education or related field.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and budgets effectively.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a vision for graduate programs aligned with market trends.
• Craft data-driven enrollment strategies and enhance student engagement.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Communication

Data Analysis

Event Planning

Education

MBA or related graduate degree

Tools

Excel

Salesforce

Slate

Job description

Apply now Job No: 502670
Work Type: Staff Full Time (1500 hours or greater)
Location: Dayton, OH
Category: University Staff
Department: Grad Business Progs - 209200
Pay Grade: C - Exempt
Advertised: March 19, 2025
Applications close: April 11, 2025

Position Summary:

The University of Dayton’s School of Business Administration (SBA) is seeking a dynamic and innovative leader to serve as Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs. This pivotal role offers an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of SBA’s graduate education, drive strategic enrollment growth, and enhance the student experience.

Position Overview
As a key leader in the SBA, the Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs will be responsible for the strategic direction, operational excellence, and market positioning of the school’s graduate programs, including the Master’s in Business Administration (MBA), Master’s in Business Analytics (MBAN) and Master’s in Finance (MFIN). Reporting directly to the Dean of the SBA, the Assistant Dean will lead a team dedicated to graduate student success, program innovation, and external engagement. This role provides an exciting platform for a visionary leader to make a lasting impact on graduate business education.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Program Oversight
   • Develop and implement a bold vision for SBA’s graduate programs, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and market trends.
   • Drive curriculum innovation, program development, and continuous improvement to enhance program reputation and relevance.
   • Lead faculty collaboration and oversee the hiring of high-impact adjunct faculty to strengthen program delivery.
   • Foster cross-disciplinary partnerships within the university and beyond to expand educational offerings and experiential learning opportunities.
2. Enrollment Management & Market Growth
   • Craft and execute a data-driven enrollment strategy to grow graduate program enrollments.
   • Lead targeted marketing and recruitment efforts, building strong pipelines through partnerships with corporations, industry leaders, and external service providers.
   • Leverage digital and social media platforms to expand outreach and attract a diverse, high-caliber student body.
   • Develop corporate and professional education partnerships to increase employer-sponsored enrollments.
3. Student Experience & Career Success
   • Oversee holistic student support services, ensuring excellence in admissions, advising, and career development.
   • Create and implement initiatives that enhance student engagement, including networking events, leadership development opportunities, and immersion experiences.
   • Support capstone projects and experiential learning initiatives that connect students with real-world business challenges.
4. Accreditation & Institutional Excellence
   • Ensure AACSB accreditation compliance, leading data-driven assessment and continuous improvement initiatives.
   • Oversee reporting for national rankings and external evaluations, including US News & World Report and Fortune.
5. Financial & Operational Leadership
   • Manage and optimize the graduate program budget, ensuring responsible financial stewardship.
   • Collaborate with university leadership to identify funding opportunities that enhance graduate program offerings.
6. Engagement & Representation
   • Serve as the face of SBA graduate programs, representing the school to internal and external stakeholders, including corporate partners, alumni, and professional organizations.
   • Strengthen alumni relations and cultivate donor engagement to support program growth and scholarships.

Minimum Qualifications:

• MBA or related graduate degree.
• Proven leadership experience (5+ years) in higher education or a related field.
• Ability to build and execute strategic plans that drive growth and program innovation.
• Evidence of the ability to manage many complex, time sensitive projects independently, carefully, and efficiently.
• Experience managing budgets and optimizing financial resources.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills to engage with faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
• Experience with event planning and recruitment initiatives that enhance student enrollment and engagement.
• Proficiency in data analysis and decision-making tools, including Excel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Leadership experience in an AACSB-accredited business school.
• Expertise in higher education enrollment management, marketing, and CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Slate).
• Track record of success in growing and managing graduate business programs.
• Strong faculty and staff leadership experience.
• Effective interpersonal skills.
• Effective public speaking and presentation skills to engage diverse audiences.
• Commitment to the University of Dayton’s Marianist values, emphasizing whole-person education, service, and community engagement.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

To apply please submit a cover letter addressing each minimum qualification and any applicable preferred qualifications that you meet.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The University does not provide work visa sponsorship for this position.

Closing Statement:

Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity, achieve equitable outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. As an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, we will not discriminate against minorities, women, protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, or on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.