Associate Director, Masters Admissions

University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 72,250 - 93,500; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago invites applications for an Associate Director in the ESA International Admissions team. This role draws on admissions knowledge to support Enrollment and Student Advancement for master’s programs, acting as a key representative in all recruitment and review activities.

Candidates should excel in independent and team settings, manage projects, and communicate effectively with diverse audiences. Occasional travel and evening/weekend commitments are expected seasonally.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher required.
• Minimum 5–7 years in related admissions/recruitment work.
• Experience with portfolio management and event programming.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate master’s admissions applications and manage an assigned portfolio.
• Develop and manage outreach, partnerships, and events to recruit applicants.
• Conduct information sessions and presentations for prospective students.
• Travel for admissions events and visits as needed (4–6 weeks annually).
• Counsel students/parents on admissions processes and timelines.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external constituencies to build pipelines.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Slate CRM

Verbal communication

Written communication

Project management

Team collaboration

Education

Master’s degree or higher

Tools

Slate CRM

Job description

About The Department

Department

ESA International Admissions

The Office of College Admissions has a staff of over 40 people, most of whom are Admissions Counselors. They manage marketing to, and recruitment of, prospective students as well as the admissions process for first year and transfer students into The College, summer programs for high school students, and select master’s admissions programs. The Admissions Office is a forward-facing department often providing the first impression of UChicago to visitors in-person and virtually as well as telephonically and via email engagement. This Office is responsible for bringing to campus a class of students with a diverse set of backgrounds who are prepared to take on rigorous academics while engaging with the University, surrounding neighborhood, and city of Chicago. For more information, please visit our site http://www.collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu.

Job Summary

The ideal candidate for this position will draw on knowledge and experience of the admissions process to support the work of Enrollment and Student Advancement related to admissions for a master’s degree. Associate Directors are expected to work well both individually and in teams, to problem solve, manage projects, and act as a positive representative of the University of Chicago. All Admissions staff members act as a first line of engagement for prospective students and manage general recruitment and application review responsibilities, in addition to managing other projects within various teams.

Responsibilities

• Manages an admissions portfolio and is the primary evaluator of applications for admission related to a specific subject area and/or territory.
• Each Associate Director will have ownership of a portfolio of projects related to master’s admissions with a high level of authority. Portfolios may include marketing and communications, admissions operations, programming and events, strategic partnerships, working with current student employees, and more.
• Recruits and/or evaluates applicants for master’s admission by interviewing, reading applications and summarizing evaluations. Completes these tasks independently or with some guidance and instruction from others.
• Establishes and manages partnerships with external constituencies, including colleges and universities worldwide, to build a robust pipeline of talented candidates into UChicago master’s programs.
• Delivers information sessions and specialized presentations, as well as participates in virtual and on-campus events for prospective master’s students.
• Conducts college and university visits, attends college fairs, and hosts presentations either virtually or by travel. Admissions travel may last 4-6 weeks over the course of a year.
• Maintains relationships with all individuals involved in the recruitment process, including routinely counseling students and parents regarding the admission process.
• Responds to inquiries via phone and e-mail, providing a positive experience for all who interact with the department.
• Weekend and evening availability is expected throughout the year for some aspects of the position including application review, travel, and admissions events.
• May manage student workers and/or full-time staff.
• Expands outreach messaging via alumni clubs and special events and/or reunions. Maintains updated alumni contact records and cultivates new contacts in appropriate industries. Manages portfolio of prospective students that require special handling.
• Manages regional event programming such as receptions and career trek field trips for students. Works independently to expand outreach to employers in the region.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Education

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree or higher.

Certifications

• Valid United States driver’s license.

Technical Skills Or Knowledge

• Familiar with Microsoft Office.
• Familiar with Slate CRM.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Presentation skills.
• Customer service skills.
• Maintain confidentiality.

Working Conditions

• Work will take place in an office setting and remotely, during work-related travel, on and off-campus events, and application review season.
• Some travel.

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

Job Family

Student Affairs & Services

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

Yes

Pay Rate Type

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range

$72,250.00 - $93,500.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.