Executive Director, Graduate Enrollment

XU01 Xavier University; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive insurance plans

Tuition remission

Paid time off

Job summary

Xavier University is seeking an Executive Director for Graduate Enrollment to lead strategy and execution across all graduate programs, including online and professional tracks. The role partners with academic leadership to translate priorities into measurable recruitment results and drives growth through data-informed marketing and relationship management.

The position requires executive-level leadership and hands-on engagement in recruitment and business development, reporting to the Vice

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
• Significant experience in graduate enrollment, admissions, recruitment, sales, or related field with growth results.
• Proven ability to develop strategic partnerships and recruit through multiple channels.
• Experience using CRM, enrollment analytics, digital marketing, and performance metrics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute graduate recruitment strategies aligned with university priorities and market demand.
• Lead enrollment forecasting, pipeline management, prospect conversion, and performance reporting.
• Partner with Deans and program leadership to identify enrollment opportunities and share accountability for revenue objectives.
• Lead, develop, and manage a small graduate enrollment team; oversee vendors and budgets.

Skills

Strategic enrollment management

Leadership

Data-informed marketing

Stakeholder management

CRM proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

CRM systems

Enrollment analytics

Marketing automation

Job description

Current Xavier University employees must apply to the internal career site by logging into Workday.

Executive Director, Graduate Enrollment

Join Xavier University as our next Executive Director for Graduate Enrollment and play a pivotal role in advancing the university's graduate enrollment goals.

The Executive Director for Graduate Enrollment provides strategic and operational leadership for the recruitment and enrollment of graduate students across Xavier University’s full portfolio of graduate programs, including certificates, online programs, professional programs, and doctoral degrees.

Reporting to the Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management, this individual serves as the university’s senior leader for graduate recruitment, driving enrollment growth through strategic planning, business development, data-informed marketing, and relationship management.

Working in close partnership with the Provost, Deans, academic program directors, and university partners, the Executive Director translates academic priorities and market opportunities into measurable enrollment results.

This is a hands‑on leadership role requiring both executive-level strategy and direct engagement in recruitment and business development.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 1. Graduate Enrollment Strategy & Performance
  • Develop and execute comprehensive graduate recruitment and enrollment strategies aligned with university priorities, academic program goals, and market demand.
  • Lead enrollment forecasting, pipeline management, prospect conversion, and performance reporting, establishing measurable goals and key performance indicators.
  • Partner with Deans and academic program leadership to identify enrollment opportunities, strengthen recruitment plans, and share accountability for achieving enrollment and revenue objectives.
• 2. Business Development & Recruitment
  • Build and cultivate strategic partnerships with corporations, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, and other employers to expand graduate enrollment pipelines and workforce development opportunities.
  • Lead recruitment initiatives across digital, direct outreach, events, information sessions, and individual prospect engagement, personally participating in recruitment activities as needed.
  • Identify emerging markets, prospective student audiences, and new opportunities to grow enrollment across graduate programs and delivery formats.
• 3. Marketing, Analytics & Enrollment Optimization
  • Define and continuously refine Xavier’s value proposition for graduate students, translating the university’s academic strengths, career outcomes, flexibility, affordability, and mission into compelling program specific messaging that differentiates Xavier in the marketplace and drives recruitment and enrollment.
  • Collaborate with Marketing & Communications and enrollment technology teams to develop targeted, data-informed recruitment campaigns and optimize the prospect-to-enrollment funnel.
  • Use CRM platforms, market intelligence, purchased prospect lists, and analytics to improve outreach, conversion, and return on recruitment investment.
  • Partner with Financial Aid to evaluate tuition pricing, scholarship strategies, and financial aid leveraging to support enrollment objectives while advancing institutional financial sustainability.
• 4. Team, Vendor & Operational Leadership
  • Lead, develop, and manage a small graduate enrollment team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and results.
  • Direct third-party recruitment, marketing, and enrollment vendors, establishing clear performance expectations and evaluating effectiveness and return on investment.
  • Manage recruitment resources and budgets strategically, continuously assessing processes, technologies, and tactics to improve efficiency and enrollment outcomes.
  • Supervises direct reports along with the management of third-party vendors.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred. Significant experience in graduate enrollment, admissions, recruitment, sales, business development, or a related field, with demonstrated success achieving measurable growth goals. Proven ability to develop strategic partnerships, build recruitment pipelines, influence diverse stakeholders, and convert prospects into enrolled students. Experience using CRM systems, enrollment analytics, digital marketing strategies, and performance metrics to drive results. Demonstrated leadership and team management skills, including experience managing external vendors, budgets, and multiple concurrent initiatives. Strong communication, negotiation, analytical, and relationship-building skills, with a willingness to engage directly in recruitment and business development activities.

Xavier University is part of the 500-year-old Jesuit Catholic tradition of academic excellence in the liberal arts. Guided by our mission and values, we welcome and support members from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. We unreservedly commit to open and free inquiry, deliberately seek out multiple perspectives, and create a campus where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Benefits - applies only to full-time positions:

• Xavier University offers a wide array of complementary and affordable benefit options to meet the financial, educational, health, and wellness needs of you and your family.
• Eligibility varies by position and employment class:
• Comprehensive insurance plans including medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage.
• Tax advantaged accounts including health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, and dependent care account.
• Financial security via life and long-term disability insurance, accident and illness insurance, and retirement savings plans.
• Generous paid time off work options including vacation, sick leave and holidays.
• Tuition remission for employees and their eligible dependents.

At Xavier University, we are more than an academic institution — we are a mission-driven community grounded in the Ignatian tradition. Our values of reflection, service, and the pursuit of justice inspire everything we do, from our teaching and research to the way we treat one another. We believe in the power of collaboration, and we cultivate an environment where every voice is valued and diverse perspectives enrich our shared work. Our faculty, staff, and students form a vibrant, inclusive community united by a commitment to excellence, compassion, and a greater good. Whether you're applying for your first role in higher education or bringing years of experience, we invite you to explore how your journey might align with ours. Come be a part of something meaningful.