Executive Director, Graduate Enrollment Greater Cincinnati, OH Area

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Executive Director, Graduate Enrollment

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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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

To ensure consideration, qualified/interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume on Xavier University's website. Review of applications will start on November 16, 2026 and applications will be accepted until the position closes at the University’s discretion.

Candidates selected for the final stages of the interview process will be asked to provide the names and contact information of three professional references.

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. Our campus is located in the vibrant and thriving city of Cincinnati, which has an array of neighborhoods and activities to suit many interests.

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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.