Director of Graduate Admissions and Enrollment Management - GCSU

Georgia College & State University (GCSU) is the state's designated public liberal arts university, where students learn the essential skills to compete in a fast-paced and technology-driven global society. The university prepares students for successful careers, leadership in communities, problem solving and life-long learning through personalized attention in a residential setting with opportunities for a variety of transformational experiences through its award-winning, high-impact practices. One of only three selective universities within the University System of Georgia and a top 10 ranked public university in the Southeast, GCSU offers undergraduate degrees in more than 40 majors, more than 30 graduate programs, doctorates in education and nursing, professional certificates, and continuing education programs.

As a member of the prestigious Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC), GCSU is committed to fostering a liberal arts environment that values academic preeminence, interdisciplinary inquiry and an inclusive learning community. GCSU enjoys a strong reputation for academic excellence and nationally ranked programs according to US News & World Report, The Princeton Review and Colleges of Distinction - among other ranking sources.

Georgia College & State University takes great pride in combining the educational experience of a private liberal arts college with the affordability of a public university. Faculty and staff are dedicated to student engagement and experiential learning through high-impact practices such as internships, service- and community-based learning, leadership development, study abroad opportunities, mentored undergraduate research and a capstone project that fosters intellectual curiosity, reasoned inquiry and critical thinking.

The university's beautiful and historic campus is located downtown in Milledgeville, Georgia, a charming, diverse college town of approximately 19,000 residents in Central Georgia, and only 90 miles southeast of Atlanta. Milledgeville is also the home of noted American author and alumna, Flannery O'Connor, '45, and the college community enjoys many exciting literary arts programs at O'Connor's former home, Andalusia, a National Historic Landmark owned by the university. Milledgeville is located on the banks of beautiful Lake Sinclair and Lake Oconee, allowing faculty, staff and students to take full advantage of the environmental and recreational benefits of being part of a lake community. For cultural, educational and leisure opportunities beyond Milledgeville - Macon and Atlanta are located within easy driving distances.

Georgia College & State University is dedicated to protecting academic freedom in addition to supporting freedom of expression as outlined in the University System of Georgia's Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom<https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653> policy and its Ethics Code of Conduct<https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct>. For more information, visit us online at gcsu.edu.
 

Multifaceted position involves various responsibilities ranging from recruitment and marketing to budgeting and student support. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills along with a passion for higher education, successfully identifying, recruiting and enrolling graduate students in established and new markets.

Leadership - 40%
Provide leadership and supervision for the Office of Graduate Admissions including recruitment, admissions processing (with program specific requirements), adult learner needs, and recruitment.

Enrollment Planning - 20%
Develop and implement a comprehensive recruitment plan that includes data driven strategies, tactics, and best practices designed to meet enrollment goals.

Recruitment - 20%
Identifying internal and external recruiting opportunities; working with deans, faculty, chairs, and graduate coordinators to support recruiting efforts; working with graduate coordinators in developing strategic recruiting plans; identifying and developing partnerships to enhance sustainable recruiting pipelines; recruiting for graduate assistantships.  Oversee a comprehensive communication plan designed to build affinity for Georgia College. Guide events designed for prospective graduate students.

Collaboration - 10%
Collaborate with university administration, graduate coordinators and faculty, students and external organizations and institutions in implementing a holistic recruitment strategy.

Other Duties - 10%
Other duties as assigned. -10%

Educational Requirements
Master's Degree

Other Required Qualifications
Software Qualifications - Ability to use CRM, Student Information System, DegreeWorks, and WebXtender, Microsoft Office, videoconferencing, and Adobe Acrobat software tools.

Required Experience
8 plus years of progressive leadership experience in university admissions, recruitment, and /or enrollment required

Additional Preferred Qualifications
Professional Development Knowledge
- Participate in professional development opportunities when available.
- Participate in NAGAP, The Association for Graduate Enrollment Management certifications.

Preferred Experience
Social Media and Website Maintenance:
Manage and update the graduate school's social media and website with relevant content. Engage with followers and respond to inquiries. Analyze traffic and engagement to optimize content and user experience.

Records Management Knowledge:
Maintain accurate records for prospective and admitted students using CRM systems like Slate. Track applicant interactions and manage communications. Maintain graduate student records, including time sheets and payroll for assistants. Use tools like Slate, Banner, DegreeWorks, and WebXtender.

Advising and Support Experience:
Guide prospective students through the application process and provide orientations. Advise undergraduates on Double Bobcat options. Build relationships with students to foster persistence and retention.

Leadership and Strategic Planning:
Contribute to long-term recruitment strategies and align them with institutional goals. Collaborate with the Senior AVP of Enrollment Management, admissions staff, and others to meet objectives. Stay updated on graduate admissions trends and recommend improvements. Work with program coordinators to ensure enrollment viability and set goals. Prepare reports to track progress.

• List of References

ABILITIES
Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with various stakeholders
Capacity to make difficult decisions under pressure
Ability to adapt strategies in response to changing market conditions
Talent for developing and implementing innovative recruitment approaches
Capability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Skill in mentoring and developing admissions staff
Ability to represent the institution positively to external constituencies
Capacity to analyze complex data and translate it into actionable strategies
Talent for balancing institutional goals with student-centered approaches

KNOWLEDGE
Comprehensive understanding of higher education admissions processes and best practices
In-depth knowledge of enrollment management principles and strategies
Familiarity with relevant laws and regulations (FERPA, Title IX, ADA, etc.)
Understanding of financial aid processes and scholarship programs
Knowledge of CRM systems and admissions database management
Understanding of academic program requirements and curriculum
Knowledge of student development theory and retention strategies
Familiarity with marketing and recruitment strategies for higher education

SKILLS
Strong leadership and staff management capabilities
Data analysis and interpretation for enrollment forecasting and reporting
Budget development and fiscal management
Strategic planning and implementation
Excellent written and verbal communication
Public speaking and presentation abilities
Problem-solving and conflict resolution
Project management and organizational skills
Proficiency with admissions technology platforms and software